iMfolozi Explorer Trail

Hluhlwe-iMfolozi Park, KZN

This popular trail combines the best elements of trails using the Mdindini Base Camp, and the more adventurous Primitive Trail. The first and last nights are spent in the comfort of Mdindini Camp with hot and cold showers and a fridge, while the second and third nights are spent under the stars out in the famous iMfolozi Wilderness Area. This allows trialists to start the trail refreshed, and to undertake the journey home after a comfortable night’s sleep in the Base Camp.

After booking in at Mpila Resort, trialists will be met by the Trails Officer and his Field Guide assistant, and directed to the Mndindini Base Camp where they will be able to settle in and also meet their cook who will prepare their food on the first and final nights. The Trails Officer and the Field Guide will prepare food on the second and third nights, although trialists are welcome to assist. It is recommended that visitors arrive at Mpila Resort reception by 13:00, as they need to be at Mdindindi by 14:00. It is further recommended that everyone leave their watches and cellular phones in their cars in order to benefit fully from the freedom from time constraints and deadlines.

Small camps are set up at night, with trialists sleeping under the stars around a small fire after enjoying a meal prepared by the Trails Officer and the Field Guide. A lightweight rain shelter is provided in case of bad weather. Distances covered each day are not excessive due to the need to carry all equipment. Backpacks are sometimes left at a campsite, however, and day walks taken to explore the wilderness area in relative freedom. As with all iMfolozi Wilderness Trails, a reasonable degree of fitness is recommended in order to derive the greatest enjoyment from your trail. Explorer Trails are conducted from mid-February to the end of November and take a maximum of eight trialists.

Arrival and Registration

On arrival, check in at Mpila Resort reception to register, after which you will be directed to the trails officer. It is important to arrive by 09:00 on the date indicated on the reservation voucher, to allow time to pack, walk into the Wilderness Area and make camp before dark.

Equipment Provided by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

First Aid kit
Water containers
Toilet trowel, paper etc.
Food
Backpack
Personal water bottle
Knife, spoon, cup and plate
Groundsheet
Rain shelter (fly sheet)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat (optional)
Cooking pots etc.
Large plastic bag (to put contents of backpack in case of rain).

Recommended Items to Be Provided by Each Trialist

2 dull-coloured shirts/blouses
3 changes of underwear
2 pairs shorts or the equivalent
1 pair of trousers or jeans
1 tracksuit
1 hat
1 swimming costume (optional)
1 light raincoat
1 warm bush jacket or jersey
Sun protection cream
Torch with spare batteries
Insect repellent
1 pair of comfortable boots or the equivalent and 1 pair of sandals for use in camp
Toiletries, including environment friendly/ biodegradable soap
Binoculars, camera, field guide booklets, notebook etc. (optional)
NB: It is imperative that you wear a comfortable pair of hiking boots, which are well worn in.

Catering

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will supply all equipment and provide all food for meals. You may bring your own equipment if it blends into the bush environment. You may bring you own additional snacks and drinks should you feel it necessary.

Alcoholic Drinks

A little alcohol may be brought into the wilderness area; however, no excessive drinking will be allowed for reasons of safety, and to avoid detracting from the wilderness ethic, which involves quietly blending in with the environment. A good guideline is to keep within the legal alcohol limit for driving a vehicle. Should trialists insist on excessive drinking, the walks will proceed no further than one kilometre from the base camp or wilderness camp, depending on the trail. Remember that you will have to carry your own alcohol for four days.