Dates for 2026

Lion hike: – FULLY BOOKED

• 10 May 2026

This is a 50 km jeep track hike from Indaka Lodge to Dabchick Wildlife Reserve (minimum 6 maximum 10 hikers)

Day 1:  Arrive on Sunday 10 May 2026 at 14h00 at Indaka Lodge
Day 2: Monday, 11 May 2026, 13km hike from Indaka to Kransberg
Day 3: Tuesday, 12 May 2026, 15km hike from Kransberg to Shakawe
Day 4: Wednesday, 13 May 2026, 15km hike from Shakawe to Grootspruit Bridge (Danie Weilbach)
Day 5: Thursday, 14 May 2026, 6 km hike single track inside the Dabchick Conservancy
Day 6: Friday, 15 May 2026, pick up at 9h00 from Dabchick

Sunday 10 May 2026

On Sunday afternoon we will gather at Indaka Lodge. The Lodge is situated 10km outside Thabazimbi towards Bakker’s Pass.  You need to get to the Lodge on your own accord. We will expect you at around 14h00 where you will be greeted by Madelein, your friendly host, with a cup of coffee and a snack. At 15h30 the Ranger from Marakele National Park will pick us up for a 3-hour afternoon game drive.  Around a crackling fire you will get acquainted with fellow hikers, end the day with a wholesome meal and retire in our comfortable rooms with the exciting challenges of the next day awaiting us.

Monday 11 May 2026(11 km hike)

After a scrumptious breakfast we are now ready for the scenic Bakker’s Pass. This fairly steep gravel pass lies between Rankin’s Pass in the East and Thabazimbi to the south-west. The distance from Indaka Lodge to Kransberg Lodge is approximately 11 km. There are beautiful hiking trails and water holes at Kransberg, if you still have any energy left after Bakker’s Pass. We will have a light lunch and later we will “kuier” around the camp fire under the starlit African sky.  Supper will be served around 7 o’clock

Tuesday 12 May 2026 (15km hike)

After breakfast the long and scenic stretch to Shakawe Private Game Reserve awaits us. This is a 15 km hike along the Kransberg Mountain range. Half way we will stop for a picnic and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. This route is mostly level, with water emerging from the mountain and forming little streams along the way. Along the way we shall visit the Grobler’s Museum. We shall break for a mid-day picnic at a look-out point next to a dam and observe the hippos playing. After a long day of hiking, the luxury five -star Shakawe is a beautiful and very welcoming sight, where our host Louis Le Grange will be awaiting us. The lodge has the most incredible views of the of the Waterberg Mountains. The Reserve has a range of activities and one of the best accommodation facilities in the surrounding areas. A delicious supper under the African sky with the possible sounds of roaring lions, howling jackals and laughing hyenas will bring an end to another tiring but most satisfying day.

Wednesday 13 May 2026 (15km Hike)

After breakfast we hike down Rankins Pass. This is a 15 km downhill walk down Rankin’s- or Trichardt’s pass with beautiful surroundings. On your walk you will pass the well-known Rhenosterfontein Hiking Trail. At “Grootspruit” bridge we will have lunch and awaits the friendly rangers from Dabchick to pick us up. Dabchick Wildlife and Conservancy consist of 1000 hectares land. The Reserve was purchased in 1994 by its current owners, veterinarians, Drs. Peter and Pamela Oberem. We will book into our glamping tents. After a rest tea and coffee will be served. Rangers Klaas and Mpilo will present a short lecture on one of the following subjects. DWR Presentation, Savanna Biome, Mountain Biome, Wetlands, Rhino Conservation, Buffalo breeding, Butterflies, Vultures and many more. After supper we will retire for the evening.

Thursday 14 May 2026 (6km)

After Coffee and rusks we will hike the mountain with Klaas and Mpilo. They will educate us along the way. Brunch will be served up in the mountain, you will have the early Afternoon free. Later a game drive awaits you and a beautiful sunset. After supper you and your new found friends can sit around the fire for one last time.

Friday 15 May 2026

After breakfast we will unfortunately have to say good bay.

Included

• Your luggage will be transported between your overnight stay accommodation.
• Please keep to one container and mark your container clearly with your personal details.
• Dimensions for container: 53cm long 34 cm wide and 28 cm deep. 40litre. Available at West Pack. You get them in black. Please take note that no loose baggage can be transported. Containers must be clearly marked.
• Accommodation in 4 luxury lodges (3 nights)
• Accommodation takes place in 5 lodges for the May 2024 trail
• All meals (3 meals per day) drinks and snacks are excluded.
• You can buy drinks at all the lodges. Bring cash.
• 3 Hour game drive in Marakele National Park (Conservation fee included)
• Transport from Shakawe back to Thani-Zimbi, starting point.
• Extended walk from Renosterfontein to Thani-Zimbi. (May hike)
• First aid kit, radio and backup support along the trail.
• Free Wi-Fi available at all the lodges.

Excluded

• Transport to Thani-Zimbi prior to the walk (Starting point for the hike).
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at overnight accommodation venues

General

The route is mostly hard gravel road, soft sole running shoes will therefore be recommended.

For those who are interested, there are also short hiking trails at the lodges where we will overnight. We are very passionate about nature conservation of the Waterberg Biosphere and historic events in the Waterberg and will therefore arrange speakers along the way to keep you informed and entertained.

The weather in the Bushveld is not always predictable.

April is still summer and we might still have hot days. Late summer showers are also possible.

May is a lovely time; the bushveld is still green but not as hot. Light showers may still be possible.

June/July is winter, it can get cold especially up in the mountain, but it makes excellent walking weather.

Rates:

• R8500.00 pp – Sharing
• R9500.00 pp – Single

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.

Leopard hike – FULLY BOOKED

• 7 June 2026

This is a 40km jeep track hike from Indaka Lodge to Shakawe Private Reserve (minimum 6 -maximum 10 hikers)

Day 1: Arrive on Sunday 7 June 2026 at 14h00 at Indaka Lodge
Day 2: Monday, 8 June 2026, 13km hike from Indaka to Kransberg
Day 3: Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 10 km single track hike at Klipbokkie
Day 4: Wednesday 10 June 2026 15 km from Kransberg to Shakawe
Day 5: Departure Thursday 11 June from Shakawe Private Reserve

Sunday 7 June 2026

On Sunday afternoon we will gather at Indaka Lodge. The Lodge is situated 10km outside Thabazimbi towards Bakker’s Pass.  You need to get to the Lodge on your own accord. We will expect you at around 14h00 where you will be greeted by Madelein your friendly host, with a cup of coffee and a snack. At 15h30 we will enjoy a game drive at Marakele National Park. Around a crackling fire you will get acquainted with fellow hikers, end the day with a wholesome meal and retire in our comfortable rooms with the exciting challenges of the next day awaiting us.

Monday 8 June 2026 (11 km hike)

After a scrumptious breakfast we are now ready for the scenic Bakker’s Pass. This fairly steep gravel pass lies between Rankin’s Pass in the East and Thabazimbi to the south-west. The distance from Indaka Lodge to Kransberg Lodge is approximately 11 km. There are beautiful hiking trails and water holes at Kransberg, if you still have any energy left after Bakker’s Pass. We will have a light lunch and later we will “kuier” around the campfire under the starlit African sky.

Supper will be served around 7 o’clock

Tuesday 9 June 2026 (10km hike) Single track

After breakfast we will hike to Klipbokkie. We will climb down the scenic single track to the water holes. We will spend some time at the waterhole en return back to Klipbokkie where we will enjoy a picnic at the swimming pool. This is a 6 km circular hike down the Kransberg Mountain range. After lunch we head back to Kransberg Lodge where we will spend another night. You can spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Another lovely evening in front of a fire and a hearty meal awaits us.

Wednesday 10 June 2026 (15km hike) Jeep track

After a satisfising breakfast we start our hike to Shakawe.  This route is mostly level, with water emerging from the mountain and forming little streams along the way. Along the way we shall visit the Grobler’s Museum. We shall break for a mid-day picnic at a look-out point next to a dam and observe the hippos playing. After a long day of hiking, the luxury five -star Shakawe is a beautiful and very welcoming sight, where our friendly host Louis Le Grange will be awaiting us. The lodge has the most incredible views of the of the Waterberg Mountains. The Reserve has a range of activities and one of the best accommodation facilities in the surrounding areas. A delicious supper under the African sky with the possible sounds of roaring lions, howling jackals and laughing hyenas will bring an end to another tiring but most satisfying day.

Thursday 11 June 2026

After breakfast we will unfortunately have to say goodbye and return to Indaka Lodge.

Included

• Your luggage will be transported between your overnight stay accommodation.
• Please keep to one container and mark your container clearly with your personal details.
• Dimensions for container: 53cm long 34 cm wide and 28 cm deep. 40litre. Available at West Pack. You get them in black. Please take note that no loose baggage can be transported. Containers must be clearly marked.
• Accommodation in 4 luxury lodges (3 nights)
• Accommodation takes place in 5 lodges for the May 2024 trail
• All meals (3 meals per day) drinks and snacks are excluded.
• You can buy drinks at all the lodges. Bring cash.
• 3 Hour game drive in Marakele National Park (Conservation fee included)
• Transport from Shakawe back to Thani-Zimbi, starting point.
• Extended walk from Renosterfontein to Thani-Zimbi. (May hike)
• First aid kit, radio and backup support along the trail.
• Free Wi-Fi available at all the lodges.

Excluded

• Transport to Thani-Zimbi prior to the walk (Starting point for the hike).
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at overnight accommodation venues

General

The route is mostly hard gravel road, soft sole running shoes will therefore be recommended.

For those who are interested, there are also short hiking trails at the lodges where we will overnight. We are very passionate about nature conservation of the Waterberg Biosphere and historic events in the Waterberg and will therefore arrange speakers along the way to keep you informed and entertained.

The weather in the Bushveld is not always predictable.

April is still summer and we might still have hot days. Late summer showers are also possible.

May is a lovely time; the bushveld is still green but not as hot. Light showers may still be possible.

June/July is winter, it can get cold especially up in the mountain, but it makes excellent walking weather.

Rates:

• R6500.00 pp – Sharing
• R7500.00 pp – Single

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation.

Review

Sunday arrival at Thani-Zimbi Game Farm

On Sunday afternoon we will gather at Thani-Zimbi Game Farm. The farm is situated 23 km outside Thabazimbi on the Rooiberg Road nr. 255 in the Rooiberg Bavaria Area. You need to get to the farm on your own accord. Thani-Zimbi possesses over a number of chalets and can accommodate approximately 60 people. The farm has abundance of bird- and wildlife, large variety of indigenous trees as well as an inspirational walking path. Around a camp fire we will get acquainted with our fellow hikers with the bush sounds of the night around us, the howling of a jackal and the song of the night jars. We will end the day with a Bush Braai and retire in our comfortable chalets with the exciting challenges of the next day awaiting us.

Monday (13km hike) – Day 1 of Hiking

Early morning, we awake with the smell of fresh coffee and rusks. After breakfast, filling our water bottles and fastening our shoe laces we hit the road to the “Amani Inspirational Path” on the farm where you will be able to observe a number of inspirational quotes of famous persons. We will also be able to identify a substantial number of indigenous trees. Halfway we will stop for a quick refreshment at Amani. This trail will take us down the mountain through an indigenous “Knoppies Doring” forest all the way to Indaka Lodge. Remember your binoculars as you may also be able to identify a number of birds only found in the bushveld.  At Indaka Lodge, Matsimela will pamper your tyred feet with a well-earned pedicure. (At your own cost).

At approximately 15h30 the friendly game ranger from Marakele National Park will pick us up for a 3hour afternoon game drive. Marakele is located approximately 12 km north east of Thabazimbi in 67000 hectares of unspoiled nature. Its highest point is the 2088 metre Lenong Point. Apart from the big five, one of the most remarkable wildlife attractions in Marakele is the largest breeding colony of Cape Vulture in the world, where around 800 breeding pairs roost on the cliffs.

After an awesome game drive and observing a breathtaking sunset from the highest point in the Waterberg, the staff at Indaka will spoil us with a delicious supper. After supper and coffee, we can retire for the evening.

Tuesday (11 km hike) – Day 2 of Hiking

After a scrumptious breakfast we are now ready for the scenic Bakker’s Pass. This fairly steep gravel pass lies between Rankin’s Pass in the East and Thabazimbi to the south-west. The distance from Indaka Lodge to Kransberg Lodge is approximately 11 km. There are beautiful hiking trails and water holes at Kransberg, if you still have any energy left after Bakker’s Pass. We will have a light lunch and later we will “kuier” around the campfire under the starlit African sky.

Supper will be served around 7 o’clock.

Wednesday (15km hike) – Day 3 of Hiking and Shakawe Private Gae Reserve

After breakfast the long and scenic stretch to Shakawe Private Game Reserve awaits us. This is a 15 km hike along the Kransberg Mountain range. Half way we will stop for a picnic and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. This route is mostly level, with water emerging from the mountain and forming little streams along the way. Along the way we shall visit the Grobler’s Museum. We shall break for a mid-day picnic at a look-out point next to a dam and observe the hippos playing. After a long day of hiking, the luxury five -star Shakawe is a beautiful and very welcoming sight, where our friendly host Louis Le Grange will be awaiting us. The lodge has the most incredible views of the of the Waterberg Mountains. The Reserve has a range of activities and one of the best accommodation facilities in the surrounding areas. A delicious supper under the African sky with the possible sounds of roaring lions, howling jackals and laughing hyenas will bring an end to another tiring but most satisfying day.

Thursday

After breakfast we will unfortunately have to say goodbye and return to Thani-Zimbi.