Lebombo 4x4 EcoTrail, Kruger National Park
OVERVIEW
Lebombo 4x4 EcoTrail, Kruger National Park
This wilderness experience on wheels, the Lebombo Eco Trail is a 5-day (4 night) outdoor adventure, spanning a great part of the Kruger National Park. This Overland Trail (done with a 4×4 vehicle), follows the eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park, along the Lebombo hills from the South to the North. The trail is quite exceptional, starting where two countries meet and ending at the joining of a third (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique). Experienced, professional guides will guide you over the different ecozones the trail crosses.
Although it is not strictly speaking a 4×4 challenge, road conditions vary from reasonably good to a few places with steep inclines and muddy patches, where guests are asked to engage in full 4 x 4 mode! The trail departs from Crocodile Bridge and ends at Pafuri, in the months from April to October. After which the rainy season normally commences, and the trail can no longer be travelled. Only 5 vehicles plus the guide’s vehicle are allowed on the trail at any one time, making this extreme adventure difficult to book privately or last minute. A ranger from the park, who leads the convoy in his own vehicle, accompanies each group. Regular stops are made by the ranger to interpret aspects within the environment or to share special experiences. Usually, three different camps are visited within Kruger National Park, whilst driving up North to refuel, restock on food supplies and to allow for the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved shower!
Each vehicle must be fully equipped with tent, water containers, gas bottles, cooking equipment etc. This is a self-catering activity. A highly experienced trail leader will accompany trail-goers for the duration of the trail, offering safety and an unparalleled bush interpretation that covers geology, biology, botany as well as historical and cultural information.
You start off by driving to the eastern boundary where you will have a magnificent view of the Crocodile and Komati rivers, meeting at the border of South Africa and Mozambique. From there it is up a steep hill and across to Lower Sabie, along the eastern boundary. Some of the trail runs along the eastern boundary, but this does not deter from the beautiful scenery of wide, open spaces, bushveld on both sides and many magnificent trees. East of Lower Sabie is the first of four unfenced camping sites, each with its own unique and natural feel. Two Enviro-loos (mobile toilets with no chemical component) are provided at each of these, one for ladies and one for gents. Each site has its own unique bush character as they have been left as undisturbed as possible.
The departure time from the camping sites varies depending on the season but will be no later than 07:00 in the morning. Make sure to pack coffee! Each day is filled with a variety of experiences – from seeing different animal spoor, animals, plant species and birds, to dense bush. It ends with the green, magnificent scenery at Pafuri picnic spot.
Price: From R12.000 per departing vehicle. Max 4 participants per vehicle
HIGHLIGHTS
Trip highlights
INCLUSIONS
What’s included
INCLUSIONS
Carbon footprint
–