Olifants Wilderness Trail

[Ingylion]

Yes, we are doing the Wilderness Trail staying in huts, and not the Backpackers Trail which is different..tax for the comments, regards Ingy

[Josh of the Bushveld]

Thanks for the comments...will take note of suitable ATS's for any river crossings!!
9 days and counting!

The river crossings ej mentioned are on the backpack trail, no river crossings on the Wilderness Trail as far as I know?

[Riverrat]

The WILDERNESS trail stays in A-Frame Huts and you walk along or near the Olifants River and trails guide Steven might also you for excursions down to the Bangu river.. It all depends on what anti-poaching operations are active in what areas at that time.

You should not be worried about any water-crossings: at worst you will stand in 5cm deep water.

What I found on most trails I've been on was that guests under-catered for themselves in the way of liquid refreshments, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Budget on at least 4 beers or breezers an evening and about another 4 liquid-fruits or soft-drinks per evening. Olifants Valley can get VERY hot: on my last trip there in October 2 years ago we had 46 degrees each day but that was an exception.
The camp staff do bring lots of ice and there is a large gas-operated freezer for drinks.

Tips:
1. ... bring Tabard or peaceful sleep and apply it to your neck and forehead before each walk: it keeps the flies away when you're walking.
2. Ladies shouldn't wear lycra leggings.. every seed in Africa gets stuck in them and you'll have to dump them.
3. If you can get short canvas gaiters from Outdoor warehouse, they keep all the seeds and thorns out of your socks during the walks;
4. Take a sweater in the vehicle when you go out for drives.. a moving open vehicle can get really chilly in the late evening or early morning.

[Freetolive]

Good Day all,

Will be doing the Olifants Backpack Trail in October 2015,could you please advise on the rucksack size required,I was thinking 55 to 65l ?

Thank guys!

[Goggo EJ]

That size should be fine. Just be sure to only pack the bare minimum as the trail is a tough one and you will not want to carry any extra weight!

And remember to enjoy it.....

[Freetolive]

Did the trail with my daughter from 7 Oct -10 Oct 2015!!Had the time of our lives!!It was hot as can be ,recorded 45 degrees at midday!!

Have to thank our two guides ,Stanley and Mohammed,they made the trail an experience of a lifetime!We cooled down in the river,rested under trees as we watched elephants play in the river 100meters from us!!

We saw many animals ,including Elephant ,hippo,hyena,buffalo,lion and even a Sable!!Many birds ,insects ,lizards and many more!!Had a male lion 20 meters from our tents on our last night!I cant stop thinking about this trail and will definatly be back for another one!!

[Freetolive]

Hi Guys,

My daughter and I did the Olifants Backpack Trail again on the 3 April 2016, what a magical experience we had(again)!
Guided by Wayne te Brake and Mohammed Ellahi we had again the time of our lifes!
Both guides were amazing , with knowledge and experience they made the trail very special.

We took dips in the river, bathed in the river, rested under beautiful trees and sat under the stars at night!
Heard lions roar at night and hyena calling !

We had some pretty special sightings which included wilddogs chasing an Impala through our camp!!
Wayne told us that it was the first time he come across dogs in 60 backpack trails done, not to mention in such a special way!

I loved the trail (even with it being tuff carring our heavy packs!)
Nothing comes close!
Already planning to do it again!!!

[G@mespotter]

Freetolive that is super amazing!!!!
Wow never heard of a sighting like that!
Wayne is an amazing guide, had him twice already on the backpack trails.
I can recommend the Mphongolo aswell, did it 3 times.
Coming July it's time for the Olifants again, can't wait!!

Can you tell me how the surroundings were, is the busy dry already? Is the flow of the river still strong?

Thanks for sharing! I'm the biggest backpack fan ever, if you have any pictures please share!!

[Freetolive]

Hi Gamespotter, yes it was truly amazing, we also love the backpacking trails!
The bush is still green (they had some nice rain 2 weeks before)and the river is flowing nicely!
Thinking of doing the Mphongolo !but then I love the Olifants so much!!
Wayne and Mohammed are two exceptional guides !
Enjoy your upcoming trail!!!

[Jan van Wyk]

Wow WD through the camp...........what a sighting!!..looks like a must be on our ticklist.

We already did 4 trails and think it is time to may be try the Back trail........

We were searhing with no sucsess to find out about the prices for 2016 and open times for the trail.

Will really appreciate if some one can send me a link to the prices and times avaliable for 2016

[Elsa]

We were searhing with no sucsess to find out about the prices for 2016 and open times for the trail.

Jan, Olifants tariffs
Scroll down to near the bottom of the page.

and Activities Availability
You will need to download the pdf document that is linked in there.
Hope that helps.

[dylan87]

Hi Guys and Girls
I have friends coming over from overseas and we're dying to do the trail, however equipment is a bit of an issue for them, please could somebody advise if and where we could hire all the necessary equipment like backpacks tents etc.

[Elsa]

Dylan, sure there will be some companies in the main centres who will hire out camping equipment, this is one I found at random.
http://camptenthire.co.za/ but maybe other campers will come along and offer some further advice.

[Yahyak]

Hi All
Been along time since i posted on this forum.
I will be doing the Olifants back pack trail in late Aug this year.
Any advice please?
What kind of weather can i expect ?
What to pack etc

Thanks in advance.

[Goggo EJ]

Camping near a river at that time of year could make for some cold nights. I would pack one of those foil blankets that you can put under your sleeping bag for extra insulation, and even use over you if really necessary. It may rustle a bit, but will help with warmth! It will get hot midday so be prepared for both hot and cold conditions.