Baraza Wild Olive

Drakensberg and Kruger Walking Safari

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11 days (Johannesburg)

Destinations visited: South Africa, Johannesburg, World

Grading:

Introductory to Moderate level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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Hike the Drakensberg and wildlife tracking on foot in the Kruger

The north east of South Africa is a region blessed with dramatic mountains and world class game. There is no better way to combine both on this exciting walking safari. The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in South Africa, known in Zulu as the 'Barrier of Spears', where towering peaks and pinnacles resemble spears. Spectacular canyons, cliffs, near vertical escarpments and gullies form an ideal terrain for the keen walker wishing to explore and scramble through this rugged wonderland on a series of day walks from our comfortable hotel bases. The highlight of the trip is the strenuous ascent of the Amphitheatre before heading to a private reserve on the boundary of the Kruger Park. There is no tarmac here and this is real bush and big game country. Elephants and other game roam through our comfortable, but basic, bushcamp where we are established for 3 nights. Viewing wildlife on foot with our expert game trackers and armed rangers offers simply a breathtaking safari experience like no other. In the afternoon we combine game walks with game drives, take a break for sundowners as the African sun fades and enjoy a night game drive back to a hearty supper and warm campfire.

Highlights

Hiking in the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage region
Hike to the cliff-face where Tugela Falls, second highest in the world, cascades 948m
Trek to the top of The Amphitheatre (Drakensberg Mountains)
Walking safari and game drives in Greater Kruger National Park

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Johannesburg

Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel for overnight.

Day 2 Transfer to the Drakensberg Mountains (World Heritage Site)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to your lodge in the Drakensberg region (approx 4 hours drive). Remainder of day at leisure.

Day 3 Goodoo Falls Hike (approx 18 kms; 8 hours)

Today we will be accompanied by an experienced mountain guide from the lodge. We will hike from the Top Gate up through Sugar Loaf Gap, behind the peak to Cold Hill beforel descending gently into the valley, picking up the path to the lip of Goodoo Falls. There is an opportunity to swim in the pools and have lunch at the top of the falls. On the return hike to our lodge we climb out of the valley and walk via the Mudslide (aptly named in summer). If time permits a small diversion can be taken to the very end of Plowman’s Kop ridge, from where brilliant views of the Amphitheatre and Dooley await. There are some spectacular fissures in the rocks along the ridge, some about 300m deep. We use chain ladders on some sections of the descent from the ridge, following the path past some dramatic rock formations on the way back to our lodge. In winter, it is handy to bring a torch as we will make the most of the daylight hours and may not arrive at the lodge until dusk.

Day 4 “Cavern Big 5” Hike (approx 18 kms; 8 hours)

This morning we ascend for approximately two hours up to Hlolela (2127m), via Scilla Gully, and then on to the formation known as the Bridge of the Battleship. From the Battleship we will hike via several steep ascents and descents, taking the Devil's Staircase en route to our lunch stop in a large cavern. After lunch and a short break, we will hike along the ridges and then down to our lodge. There are several options to shorten the walk today if weather or energy levels require it. Today is the best chance to see Eland, the largest of the antelope family. Imposing and elegant, both males and females bear tightly spiralled horns, those of the males being heavier. The range of habitats we traverse and the ever-changing views today are also highlights. NOTE - The next 2 nights we will be staying at a simple mountain lodge with limited storage space. If you have any excess luggage it can be stored tonight and will be collected at the end of Day 7 on our vehicle transfer back to Johannesburg.

Day 5 Sugarloaf to Witsieshoek Rest Camp (approx 14 kms; 7 hours)

The terrain today is undulating with a few steep slopes and some fairly easy scrambles. There are several paths leading behind some hills to Sugar Loaf Gap. Vultures often soar over Sugar Loaf, with two species found here. The Cape Vulture is endemic, found only in this area of southern Africa. They are gregarious creatures and while they spread out to forage, each can see the next and they will all arrive at a carcass within a few minutes. The Bearded Vulture (or Lammergeyer) is solitary, preferring old kills and even dry bones that other scavengers cannot manage. If the bone is too big to swallow, the Lammergeyer carries it high in the air and drops it on a big rock to crack the bone open. If we are very lucky we may witness this process. The rusty colour of the Lammergeyer is derived from iron-rich rocks and must be renewed after every moult to impress the opposite sex. From Sugar Loaf Gap, the path to our mountain lodge is undulating and rises slowly on the ascent towards it.

Day 6 Amphitheatre ascent (approx 10km; 8 hours)

After breakfast at the lodge, we will be transferred by vehicle to the Sentinel carpark. The trek today is strenuous and the paths on the escarpment are at times indistinct so we must adhere to our guide's instructions. We will commence along a well- maintained path which ascends gradually towards the base of the Sentinel Massif. From here, the path passes below the Western buttresses, with the land sloping steeply to the north and east. There are wonderful views of the Malutis and the Witsieshoek plateaux. After about 3 km we will reach a section of the track with chain ladders. After negotiating two stages of the rock wall, it is only a short scramble from there to the top of the escarpment where we will spend the better part of the day in exploration. Weather permitting, we will walk to the edge of the Amphitheatre, where the Tugela Falls (second highest waterfall in the world) cascades 948m over the cliff-face into Tugela Gorge. This is a truly impressive sight. We will also explore other trails to interesting vantage points along the Amphitheatre escarpment. From elevations around 2500m the surrounding landscape is spectacular. Our return route is again via the Gulley of the Chain Ladders. After an exciting day we meet our vehicle for the transfer back to the mountain lodge where we can reflect on the challenges of the day.

Day 7 Descend to Mahai Camp (4 hours) then drive to Johannesburg

The hike to Mahai Camp is reasonably energetic, involving gentler hills rather than craggy mountains. The route is very scenic with waterfalls, paths skirting sandstone cliffs, and stands of yellowwood forest as we cross the Mahai river. The transfer vehicle will meet us while we enjoy a picnic lunch. We will drive to our first lodge, collect our stored luggage, and continue to Johannesburg for overnight.

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Day 8 To Kruger area (approx 5.5 hours drive)

We will be collected from our hotel at sunrise and transferred to Balule Nature Reserve, on the edge of Kruger National Park. The journey takes approximately 5.5 hours, with stops along the way. We will meet our ranger at Hoedspruit, from where we will transfer to our bush camp in the Greater Kruger National Park. Lunch will be taken on arrival, followed by afternoon game viewing in a combination of walking and driving. To get a feel for the African wilderness after dark there will also be a night drive this evening. As the diurnal animals and birds prepare for sleep, and the nocturnal ones awaken, the sounds change and a whole new world unfolds. Our permanent campsite, with safari tents and chalets, is private and secluded and is not open to day visitors. It is unfenced and designed to blend in with the natural environment, adding to the wilderness feel. The camp is serviced by a cook and a camp attendant and every safari is accompanied by one or two experienced and armed rangers.

Days 9-10 Walking safaris and game drives in Private Nature Reserve

In the mornings, we will set off at first light after a quick breakfast of biscuits and a hot drink. Enjoying the cool morning air we may walk directly from camp, or use a vehicle to drive further out before commencing our walk. The ranger will decipher the tracks and signs left by the passing animals during the night. The thrill of walking, tracking and getting up close to wildlife is an unforgettable experience. During the walks we will concentrate on all the interesting things that are missed when game viewing by vehicle such as trees, plants, insects and birds. A big breakfast will be prepared back at camp, and then there will be time to relax and have a rest during the heat of the day. After lunch we will head out again on a walk/ drive combination activity. A cool drink in a beautiful location in the Reserve, while watching a stunning African sunset, concludes each inspiring day. Back at camp a hearty supper and a warm campfire will be waiting for us. After a long but rewarding day it is comforting to drift off to sleep listening to the sounds of the night beneath a sky full of stars that seems to stretch beyond the horizon. *Note: the combination of walks and drives in an open safari vehicle are dependent on weather and animal movements at the discretion of the rangers.

Day 11 Return to Johannesburg, where trip concludes

We will go out for one last early morning walk today, appreciating our new-found knowledge of animal tracking and observations. After breakfast back at camp, we pack up and say our goodbyes before being transferred to Hoedspruit and back to Johannesburg International Airport, where trip concludes. Arrival in Johannesburg is around 18:00hrs. We recommend booking flights for onward travel after 20:00hrs or spending an additional night in Johannesburg.

Additional Information

Inclusions

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
7 nights in 3 star hotels/ lodges
3 nights in permanent safari camp
English speaking local walking guides
National Park fees and conservation fees
Game walks and drives
Private transport in air conditioned vehicle throughout
Game drives in open 4 x 4 safari vehicle
Airport arrival and departure transfers

Summary

7 nights hotels/lodge
3 nights permanent safari camp

Trip Main Activities

Day Walking
Trekking
Wildlife Safari
Adventure Touring

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack. A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking.

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing, a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.

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