Bushman Trail
Berg-en-Dal, Limpopo
The Bushman Trail is situated in the southwestern corner of KNP this wilderness area is characterized by deep quiet valleys and high rocky outcrops with spectacular views. These secluded valleys exclude trailists from the outside world.
These high lying outcrops are accessed early in the morning to enjoy the vastness of the landscape as well as to search for game, with surprisingly good results. The broken terrain is ideal for unusual but safe close encounters with big game. The heavy presence of elephant and rhino has resulted in a well-marked network of natural game paths and allows for structured and comfortable walks.
Night sounds are unique. Guests can hear a great variety – specifically freckled night jars as well as spotted eagle owls.
White rhino is plentiful as well as other game species. Typical to the terrain are antelope species like kudu, klipspringer, and mountain reedbuck.
Plant life is very diverse especially in the higher lying areas – this area is also classified as a botanical reserve within KNP and unique trees only to this area occur.
The high altitude of the area accounts for unusual bird sightings from time to time including red throated wryneck and jackal buzzard.
Bushman paintings are a big attraction as well as other cultural and historical sites. Trips to these sites are a regular feature of the trail routine, the aim of which to educate trailists on San (Bushman) culture and their art.
The Bushman Trails camp is uniquely hidden between a series of massive granite kopjes providing a very pleasant atmosphere.
Notice regarding trail accommodation:
Please be advised, that there are only 4 huts, sleeping 2 people each, for the 8 hikers (maximum), participating on this trail. This may mean that people will have to share the accommodation with participants (male/female) that aren’t part of their group booking. Please take this into consideration when making your booking as no alternative arrangements can be made in this regard with the limited accommodation available.
Duration of the trail
Wilderness trails 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.
Trailists 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 trailists 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.
What to bring
Clothing should be comfortable and durable. Neutral colours such as khaki are preferable. Light or bright coloured garments should be avoided. T-shirts are not recommended as they provide little protection against the sun on the neck. A hat and an all-weather jacket should be taken along. A tracksuit, either woollen or lightweight depending on the season, is a useful garment.
Footwear should be worn in prior to the trail, have thick soles and provide good ankle support. Sandals can be worn in camp.
Cameras, binoculars, walking sticks, sunscreen lotion and reference books are optional.
A good quality torch is essential for moving around camp at night. Lighting is provided in the form of kerosene lanterns, as there is no electricity.
Malaria prophylactics are essential. Consult your chemist. Insect repellents can also help to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes or other insects.
Catering
The trail provides simple but wholesome meals prepared by a cook on either an open fire or a gas stove. Trailists with special dietary requirements must please realize that although the trail can cater for some (e.g. vegetarians) it is very difficult to suit every individual’s special need. Prior arrangements in this regard are essential. We will help if it is in any way possible.
Trailists provide their own liquid refreshments in the form of alcohol or any other cool drinks. Drinking water is provided as well as coffee and tea with a fruit juice as part of the bush breakfast. There are limited cooling facilities in each camp. Alcohol abuse will and cannot be tolerated.
Wilderness Atmosphere
The camps are situated within a wilderness trail area and far away from normal tourist activities.
The reason why people come on these trails is to get away from modern day living. We request all trailists to respect the environment that they are in and to keep the atmosphere wild even when in camp.
Please comply by the following rules:
- No cell phones
- No radios or tape/cd/mp3 players
- No private vehicles out to trail camps
- No generators
Important Tips
- A maximum of eight persons between the ages of 12 and 65 years may participate per trail. To derive the optimum benefit and enjoyment from a trail adventure, it is recommended that a group comprises persons of a similar age, with common interests and the same level of fitness.
- A reasonable level of fitness is required as up to 20 km may be walked per day. The distance is covered at a leisurely pace, however, to afford trailists an intimate encounter with the wilderness. Due to the terrain covered and the safety factor, handicapped persons should not participate in these trails.
- All participants have to complete an indemnity form before embarking on a trail. Minors must be in possession of a form signed by a parent or legal guardian. These forms should be handed to the trail ranger before departing on the trail.
- The general rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park also apply to trailists.
- Trailists depend on the trail ranger for their safety and for guidance. The trail ranger should therefore be obeyed at all times. Failure to co-operate in this respect could lead to the immediate cancellation of the trail.
- For safety and ethical reasons liquor may be consumed at the trail camp only. Excessive consumption of liquor is strongly discouraged.
- Trailists provide their own liquor and soft drinks.
- Limited space is available in a communal refrigerator.
- MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ARE ESSENTIAL. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
Routine
Trailists arrive at the trail camp late afternoon after a slow drive from the individual restcamps. Upon arrival guests are orientated or introduced to the camp and then given time to settle in and relax. The trail leader will give the trailists a full briefing on the camp rules, routine for the next couple of days, what to expect, safety aspects and will answer any questions.
After a wholesome meal the guests have the opportunity to sit around the fire, socialise, listen to night sounds and marvel at the stunning nightskies.
The mornings start before the crack of dawn with a cup of coffee, tea and a rusk after which the walk will start from camp or a drive might be taken out into the wilderness area to a point from where the morning walk will commence.
We return late morning and after a well-deserved brunch a siesta is a welcome treat till mid afternoon. The afternoon activity consists of a short walk and traditional “sundowners”.
We return to camp where once again a well cooked meal is served to restore body and soul.
The second day is a repeat of the first day’s activities.
The last morning trailists have the opportunity to enjoy the early morning bush chorus from the camp as no walking takes places. Guests are then returned to point of departure after a small breakfast.
Infrastructure
- The trail camps are rustic and spartan. There are no electricity or power generators. Accommodation consists of A-frame huts or tents, as is the case at Napi camp. There are four units that sleep two each. Ablution facilities are communal except the Napi tents where it is en-suite. All linen and towels are provided.
- Ablutions consist of flush toilets and gas geyser showers.
- There is a communal social area (lapa) with thatched roof or open campfire area.
- Cooling facilities consists of a fridge with limited space.
- The cook prepares all meals in a very basic kitchen with washing up basins and storing facilities.
- A fence surrounds the camp but it is basically only to tell animals and people where the camp boundary is.
- Water for washing gets pumped from boreholes close to camp. Water should not be wasted unnecessarily – especially in dry times.
Rates:
- R13 953.00 per hut (2 bed)
Admin Fee:
- R55.00 once off per reservation.
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