|  | The Olifants River Back-Pack Trail guides trailists through previously inaccessible parts of Kruger Park. Hikers will need to carry their own tent and supplies for the duration of the 42 km trail.
- Bird watching
- Game viewing
- Guided by an expert
- Wilderness area
| The Olifants Back Pack Trail is unique in the Kruger in that it requires participants to walk for 4 consecutive days carrying heavy packs each day over distances of 10 - 15 km. To attempt this demanding hike you will have to be reasonably fit and will also be required to present a medical certificate to prove that you are in good health. Before the start of the trail, hikers will be required to sign an indemnity form.
There are no overnight huts on this trail. As the safety of hikers is of major importance, all participants have to bring tents and sleep in them every night while they are walking the trail. The trail leader will choose a suitable camp site every night. Participants will be responsible for setting up their own tents and for cooking their own meals. No rubbish bins or toilets are provided at any of the overnight stops – the trail is designed on a "take in, take out" basis and strictly adheres to a 'no trace camping' ethic. Please only use biodegradable products – soap and detergent – on the trail.
Note: ecoAfrica charges a 10% booking fee for this trail. Costs are quoted on a per person basis, but the trail must be booked as a whole with 8 people per trail. Trails start on Sundays and Wednesdays respectively. |
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| Day 1 Central Kruger
Meet at Olifants Camp in the central part of the Kruger Park at 08h00 for orientation and gear check. You will then be transported by open vehicle to where the trail starts. This is close to the western boundary where the Olifants River enters the Kruger Park. This is a relatively long journey that will take approx. three and a half hours. You will be thoroughly briefed on what to expect at this point. The first day is an easy hike of 4 to 5 km until you get to a camp site where you will spend your first night. After erecting tents, the group usually walks a short distance to replenish water and refresh, then they return to camp for supper an a good night's rest in the wilderness. | Day 2
Hikers wake up at the crack of dawn for the first part of the day's stretch. Approximately 15 km will be covered. It is essential to start hiking as soon as possible, especially when it is hot. You will walk until lunch time or midday, with a breakfast break in between. Generally no walking will take place during the heat of the day. A siesta can then be enjoyed. During siesta time, hikers can experience the wilderness around them. Whether its finding your favourite bird species, sun tanning in the African sun, taking photos or just lazing around, siesta time is simply your time to enjoy nature. After siesta, usually only a short hike is needed to cover the last few kilometers before the overnight camp is reached. | Day 3
The 3rd day of the hike is similar to the second day and covers more or less the same distance of 15 km. For safety reasons, hikers will always walk as a group with the trail guides as leaders. It is important to remember that the guides are there for both information and protection. As custodians of the Kruger bush, the trail guides are in charge for the duration of the hike and trailists should follow their lead. | Day 4
This is the last and most relaxing day of the trail - usually only a short distance of 7 km, before the hikers reach the end point at the beautiful old fig tree. The group is collected at approx. 12h00 and taken back to Olifants Camp on a short, 45 minute game drive. | Access to starting point
Scheduled flights:
- Johannesburg International Airport
Self-drive:
- Johannesburg to the gate - ±7 hours
- From the gate to the Olifants Camp - 83km(3 hours)
It is advised that you book a night's accommodation at Olifants Camp before and after the trail. |
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