Makuya Primitive Trail

Makuya Nature Reserve, Limpopo

On the Makuya Primitive Trail you will have the opportunity to walk through the most awe-inspiring landscapes of the Lowveld. The majority of the Trail follows the course of the Levuvhu River through rugged sandstone country, with forays inland to explore secret springs and the river’s magical tributaries. Well beyond an activity, it is a fully immersive experience that permits participation in Nature as opposed to traditional spectatorship. It creates the space for personal, social and Wilderness regeneration.

What to Expect

This Primitive Trail takes place in the Makuya Nature Reserve, one of South Africas’s best kept secrets, which shares an un-fenced border with the far-northern Kruger National Park. You can choose to spend between 3 and 6 nights out on trail. Led by professional Wilderness Trails Guides, with thousands of Trail hours experience each, you will spend a minimum of three self-sufficient nights (four days) in the wild. Due to the rocky rugged terrain, participants require a reasonable level of fitness. Groups set their own pace and explore according to their interests and capabilities. There are no demarcated campsites or routes. Each night is spent under the stars (no tents) at a pristine location with participants sharing the responsibility of ‘watch duty’.

What to Pack

Everything required for the duration of the Trail must be carried in a backpack. Participants must be completely self-sufficient and must cater for all their Trail meals, including 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (for a 3-night Primitive Trail), as well as the odd snack. In order to minimize our impact, all cooking must be done on a gas stove. Below is a complete ‘Primitive Trail Checklist’ to assist participants when packing.

Trail Equipment

Backpack (between 40l and 60l)
Sleeping bag
Mattress (simple roll mat for insulation or a blow-up mattress)
Small/blow-up pillow (optional)
Ground sheet (optional)
Trail fold-up chair (optional – you may thank us though)
Mini gas cooker and lighter
Small pot, Plate/bowl and mug
Sharp knife and spoon – you can use pocket knife/ Leatherman.
Water bottles – Should have capacity of 2.5 – 3 litres.
Water Purification Drops
Head torch
Binoculars (optional)
Water is provided by the pristine Levuvhu River.
Contact reservations@lowveldtrails.co.za to check availability and secure your preferred Trail dates.
Please enquire if you would like our assistance with a booking at Singo Safari Lodge pre-/post-Trail (a ZAR 350 admin fee will apply).

We provide you with a Bivvy Bag in which to put your sleeping bag during the night to protect you from rain or dew. Leave a small space for this in your backpack, or you can strap it to the outside.

Trail Kit

Walking Shoes (already worn in)
Gaiters
Neutral Coloured Clothing
Hat
Sunglasses
Flip-flops
Swimsuit
Sarong – can be used as blanket, sun protection and towel
Waterproof poncho (just in case!)
Winter nights will be a lot cooler so a jacket and a warmer sleeping ba

Personal Essentials

Sunscreen
Tooth brush and toothpaste
Toilet paper
Small towel, face cloth and soap
Backpack raincoat/cover to protect backpack and contents in case of rain or dew.
A large ziplock bag is useful to store your ubbish, wrappings etc.

Trail Food & Drink

Keep it simple. Remember all cooking will be done on your gas cooker. Below are a few basic meal suggestions.

Breakfast – Oats-so-easy, Futurelife, muesli bars, apple/naartjie.
Lunch – Pro-vitas/Salticrax/Wraps, cream cheese, avo, biltong, salami, tuna sachets, dehydrated hummus.
Dinner – Pasta, couscous, salami, biltong, instant soup, or dehydrated Trail meals.
Snacks – protein bars, biltong, droewors, trail mix/nuts/dried fruit.
Drinks – coffee, tea, juice sachets.

Trail Rate excludes:

Gate entrance fees to Makuya Nature Reserve
Accommodation pre-/post-Trail.

What you need to know:

Meeting & End Point | Singo Safari Lodge
Meeting Time | 13h00pm on day one
End Time | by 11h00am on last day
Vehicles will remain at Singo Safari Lodge for the duration of the Trail.

Rates:

This Trail is restricted to private group bookings of up to 8 participants. The minimum Trail duration is 3 nights, and the option to extend up to 6 nights is available.

Please enquire if you would like our assistance with a booking at Singo Safari Lodge pre-/post-Trail (a ZAR 450 admin fee will apply).