Overview

Trailists need to be fully self-sufficient with low-range, high-clearance 4×4 vehicles (soft-riders can’t get through this territory).   The option exists for trailists to use off-road, 4×4 trailers or caravans. The entry and exit points into Makuya Park will be changed accordingly. Bring your own camping equipment, food and drinks.The lead guide has his own vehicle, and 2-way radios are provided for all vehicles on the trail. 

In addition,  we can cater for you by  providing food and cooking if the entire group request this.  Another optional extra is accommodation at Singo Bush Camp. The trail itinerary will change slightly if Singo is used. The cost of staying at Singo is not included in the trail fee.*

* Both the above are additional to the published price, and will be quoted on request.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart on Thursdays from Punda Maria entrance Gate at 12h00.

The route takes us through a couple of traditional African Shangaan Villages, before we cross the Luvuvhu river and arrive at the foothills of the Tshamavudzi Mountain range.

We enter the wild Makuya Park sector of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and carefully follow the rough tracks down into the Luvuvhu River Valley to our overnight campsite on the banks of the Luvuvhu River (No amenities).

Day 2

The early sounds of nature and the whiff of fresh coffee will undoubtedly tease you out of your tent!  Depart after breakfast, and follow the 4×4 tracks in a northerly direction along the Luvuvhu river.

We will stop for lunch at Mashunda Cliffs under the shady trees that line the river bank, visit the famous “World’s View” before reaching our camp site which is once again situated on the banks of the Luvuvhu River (Limited ablution facilities).

Day 3

We continue our 4×4 adventure journey across the foothills of the Tshamavudzi Mountain range to the Mutale River. We visit the Luvuvhu Gorge, various view points and the Mutale Falls (potholes) where we will stop for lunch. After lunch we follow the 4×4 tracks back to our base camp.

Day 4

Depart after breakfast, and follow the 4×4 tracks to the Mutale River where we cross the river (no bridge) and end our adventure at the Kruger National Park’s Pafuir Gate.

Location

Wildlife

- The Makuya Park sector with its amazing topography and with only the Luvuvhu river between itself and Kruger National Park is one of the undiscovered gems of the GLTP.

- In addition large tracts of fence-line between the Kruger National Park and Makuya Park sector has been removed which allows for the natural movement of game between all sectors of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

Ethos of the trails

- The purpose of the Trails is to afford trailists an intimate encounter with the wild-side of this remote area. Your guide will, within reason, adjust the pace of the journey to accommodate the group’s interests but trailists are reminded that the distances and topography of the area are challenging. Remember too that “the sun waits for no-one” and setting up camp in the dark is not ideal.

- You are embarking on a “wilderness experience” and the privilege of encountering special game viewing moments needs to be mentioned.

- It is the holistic experience of travelling through this remote area, feeling its solitude and witnessing its recovery that will imbue you with the spirit of “bygone pioneers”.

Weather

- Conditions during the summer months can be very hot and humid with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

- Winter nights can be very chilly with temperatures dropping to around 6 degrees.

-Participants on the trail must be well prepared for the climatic conditions and should be reasonably fit.

Campsites

- Campsites are unfenced and located in the bush.

- No water is provided for cooking or drinking.

Night before trail starts

- Trailists are required to arrange their own accommodation for the night before the trail begins at a location that will allow sufficient time to get to the meeting point.

Logistics

Vehicle Types and Insurance

- The terrain is such that it is suited only to off-road 4×4 vehicles, off-road trailers or off-road caravans

- Vehicles must be equipped with low range transmission and have good ground clearance.

- 4×4 “soft roaders” or vehicles with low profile tyres are not suitable.

- Vehicles should be given a long distance service before the trail.

Equipment and Supply’s

- No camping equipment is supplied.

- Trailists must for safety considerations sleep in a tent.

- Trailists must be totally self sufficient for the duration of the trail. This includes all fuel, food, water, firewood, camping gear, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery etc.

- No waste may be burned or left in the Park therefore you should have strong plastic bags available to manage waste effectively.

Rates

Price per vehicle: R3750. We are offering a summer special of  R3120 if you book and drive before end Feb 2012.

From 1 March 2012 till 28 Feb 2013:  R4 125 ( R 3 300 SADC Residents )

  Trail prices includes

 - Professional 4×4 guide with lead vehicle equipped with a satellite phone

- Camping fees for exclusive wilderness campsites

- Two-way radio communication between vehicles

 Trail prices excludes

- Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, gratuities, etc.

- Personal insurance: medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.

Cancellation Policy

- Within 30 to 15 days of departure, 50% forfeiture of total booking value.

- Within 14 days of departure, 90% forfeiture of total booking value.

Non-or Late Arrival

- This forfeiture applies to all persons who by virtue of their late arrival are unable to accompany the trail. No refund of the trail fee will be made.

Indemnity

- The trails are located in Big 5 territory and overnight camps are unfenced.

- The trail takes place in an area populated by wild animals and whilst it is accompanied by a guide it nevertheless carries the risk of injury or death

- In light of the exposed nature of the trails, trailists must complete an indemnity form. Minors must be in possession of an indemnity form signed by a parent or legal guardian. These forms must be signed in the presence of the Trails Guide.

Child policy

- Regrettably, when all places on a trail are not booked by a single group, children under the age of 10 may not participate, unless those that have already booked agree.

Safety Policy

- The general rules and regulations of Makuya Park apply to our guests.

- Trailists depend on the trails guide for their safety and for guidance. For their own safety and that of the other trailists, the instructions of the guide should be obeyed at all times. Failure to co-operate in this respect could lead to the immediate cancellation of the trail.

- For reasons of safety and sensitivity, excessive consumption of liquor is strongly discouraged. Liquor may only be consumed at the overnight campsites.

Malaria

 - The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is located in a Malaria area.

- Malaria prophylactics are essential. Tailists should consult their doctor or chemist.

Disclaimer

Whilst every endeavour is made to adhere to the trail description set out above, our trails are conducted in remote wilderness areas and occasionally circumstances in the park or prevailing weather conditions, over which we have no control, may arise. We reserve the right to amend the routing, location of campsites, distances travelled etc of any specific trail or trails and the guide’s decision in this regard is final. If this happens on a trail on which you are a participant, we would appreciate your understanding. 

Trailists need to be fully self-sufficient with low-range, high-clearance 4×4 vehicles (soft-roaders can’t get through this territory).  Bring your own camping equipment, food and drinks. The lead guide has his own vehicle, and 2-way radios are provided for all vehicles on the trail.