Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris

Between Skukuza and Tshokwane, Limpopo

Take a walk on the wild side

Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris is an intimate trails camp in the heart of South Africa’s legendary Kruger National Park. We are privileged to exclusively explore a 12 000-hectare private concession on foot in ‘Big 5 territory’ that was not previously open to the public. Experience Africa’s wildlife – its sights, sounds, scents and textures on foot or spend a night under the stars at our Sleep-Out decks and immerse yourself in nature.

Experienced guides with a passion for nature

When contemplating heading out into the bush on foot, in an area rich in game, including the somewhat infamous big 5, you want to know that you are in safe hands. Guides at Rhino Walking Safaris hold the highest possible academic and practical qualification for guiding on foot and are backed up by assistant Trails Rangers with a lifetime of experience. We usually employ our assistant Trails Rangers from retiring SANParks Field Rangers, most of whom have spent almost all of their working lives patrolling the Kruger Park keeping a sharp eye out for signs of poaching, disease or unusual activity.

Live like an African Explorer

Most wilderness trails either involve carrying and pitching tents or staying in a reasonably basic base camp – with shared ablution facilities, simple meals and no bar facility (though you may bring your own drinks). At Plains Camp, we have established a well-appointed camp with large en-suite tents, comfortable extra-length beds and quality linens. An honesty bar (with soft drinks, beers, ciders and house wines included in the rate), and a plunge pool in which to cool off on a hot day just adds to the ease of camp living. The chef prepares a hearty brunch, tasty high tea and three-course dinner from fresh ingredients. Served at a table set with white linen, candles and silverware, this is the best way to end an exciting day in the bush.

Plains Camp @ Rhino Walking Safaris is an activity-based destination. We specialise in wilderness walking safaris led by dedicated guides with years of experience and training. With a maximum of eight people – over the age of 12 – per walk, guests are accompanied by two armed guides as you explore all the wonder and intrigue the Kruger has to offer. Plains Camp is not about a variety of activities; it is about the incredibly liberating experience of immersing oneself in nature and the astounding biodiversity of the Kruger National Park. If your interest is even mildly sparked by wildlife and nature, there is no chance of getting bored!

A day packed with adventure

Early morning walking trails depart the camp at sunrise, either on foot, or driving out to an area hand-picked by your guide and then walking from there. You will walk accompanied by two armed guides who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

Enjoy tracking animals, identifying spoor, dung and plants, learning about animal behaviour and the medicinal and traditional cultural uses of various plants and trees. Make the most of photographic opportunities, bird watching and all the while keeping an eye out for general game and predators.

Stop to study the small things, smell and taste wild herbs, and enjoy refreshments in the shade of a tree.

Until you have walked in big game territory, it is hard to conceive the actual height of a giraffe, or just how enormous, silent and gentle an elephant really is. It is also a heart-stopping privilege to round a corner and surprise sleeping lions or buffalo grazing. Return on time for a hearty brunch, followed by a swim, nap or time spent spying on nature from the comfort of the camp.

High tea is served in the late afternoon, followed by a short walk, sundowners in the bush and a game drive, returning after dark with spotlights with the opportunity to view nocturnal animals on the prowl.

Share drinks and stories around the fire before a delicious dinner with a South African twist. Then turn in and tune out, lying between cotton percale sheets on a comfy bed with nothing but a canvas to filter the night sounds of the bush.

About the walks

Morning walks take place early to ensure that you return to camp before it gets too hot. The average morning walk takes 3 – 5 hours, totaling 5 – 12kms.

The terrain is fairly even (see fitness requirements), but comfortable walking shoes are a necessity. It is advisable to walk in long trousers to protect your legs from grass and thorn scratches. Before departure, your guide will issue you with back or hip packs to carry, containing water and juices. The assistant trail guide carries a first aid kit as well as snacks for a refreshment break on the walk.

Afternoon and evening activities usually comprise a combination of a short walk and game drive. The afternoon activity is decided upon between the rangers and the guests. This may include a short walk and after sundowners jumping onto a vehicle and completing the activity with a short game drive before heading back for dinner!

Fitness requirements

The guide will adjust the walking speed to accommodate the ‘slowest’ person in the group. However, to be fair to others, a fair amount of fitness is required to participate in the walking safari – we say if you can walk 18 holes on a golf course or some serious retail therapy at a shopping mall, you most certainly will enjoy a safari walk. The guide will structure the trail, considering the fitness level of the group and taking into account any special requests. As a guideline; should you be under the age of 65, an average level of fitness is required. If you are above the age of 65, an above-average level of fitness is required.

Included

Accommodation
Meals (brunch, high tea & dinner)
Tea & coffee
Morning walk and afternoon walk/game drive
Transfers between Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Plains Camp at scheduled times
A night at Sleep-Out decks

Excluded

Other than the transfers stipulated alongside: any additional, early or late transfers
Park fees
All drinks except on the evening game drive/walk (as stipulated)
Laundry
Optional gratuities & items of personal nature.

What to Pack

Summer (Sep – Mar)

Comfortable casual, cool clothing, lightweight waterproof jacket, swimwear, hats, sandals or slops.

Winter (Apr – Aug)

Warm sleepwear, warm layers for game drives/safaris.

Year round

Hats, scarves, warm jacket/wind-breaker, comfortable and sturdy walking shoes, cotton socks, long trousers to limit the number of ticks that you might pick up and to protect your legs from grass scratches on walking safaris.

Other

Sunscreen, binoculars, cameras (and chargers), spare batteries, lip balm, contact lens solution, spare glasses, sunglasses, reference books, hair ties.

Weather/Temperature Range (ºC)

May – Sep Sunny days with very cold mornings& evenings. Temps: 1ºC – 25ºC
Oct – Apr Days are hot and humid with occasional afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Temps: 19ºC – 38ºC

Seasonal Highlights

Jun – Sep Excellent game viewing
Oct – Jan Many species give birth so best time to view baby animals. Flowering season for trees, shrubs and wildflowers
Feb – Apr Excellent birding with migrant birds in residence