The departure point is from Letaba Rest Camp. Situated on the banks of the Olifants river, this wilderness area is very popular as it offers remote valleys and gorges where the river flows through the Lebombo mountains, as well as flat open plains with good game viewing potential. The river is a big attraction especially as both the Olifants and Letaba rivers join before flowing into Mozambique. These rivers are the focal point of the trail experience, as it has a lot to offer. Large concentrations of hippo and crocodiles are dominant features! The day is incomplete without the call of fish eagles, ever present on the rivers. Birding as well as a diverse plant life are a big plus for this popular wilderness trail.

The Olifants Wilderness trail starts on either a Wednesday afternoon to a Saturday morning, or a Sunday afternoon to a Wednesday morning. It is a three-night trail, with the two days in between spent walking. You arrive and book in at the reception of the rest camp, from where the trail departs. The trail ranger meets the group at 15h30 in a designated parking area in the respective rest camp.

At this point you must be ready and equipped, as well as all last-minute shopping done, before the trail departs which only comes back after the three nights in the wilderness camp. The trail provides simple, but wholesome meals prepared by a cook on either an open fire or a gas stove.