This is a guide for those who are interested in visiting Parque Nacional do Limpopo, and want to go on guided walks in Big5 territory.  Here are three options, what makes each option different, and some suggestions on how to select the option that is best for you.

 

All walking and hiking activity discussed here is in the company of an armed ranger, and trained field guide.  The intention is to give people an opportunity to see and learn about the ‘small things’ of the bush; as well as maintain quiet so that animals in the area are not scared away. 

The nature of these types of trails is that it is possible to see the large animals of the area and sometimes, some of the Big5, but it does not always happen this way. Animals are not predictable.  Sometimes the most interesting sightings are tiny and obscure.  Our guides and rangers keep you informed and help you appreciate this beautiful part of the country.

This is a permanent camp on the Machampane River with 5 individual meru / safari tents on wooden decks. Each tent has wardrobe and writing table, twin beds with percale linen and an en-suit with hot and cold showers, flush toilet and basin and fluffy towels. In addition, there is a private viewing deck over the Machampane River for each tent. 

The communal facilities include a dining deck for meals, as well as a boma with central open fire area for evening ‘fire-side’ meetings and a spotting scope for night-sky viewing and bird watching.  Meals include brunch and a three-course dinner on the dining deck, with trail snacks while our walking, or on drives.

Guests at Machampane have the option to go on an early morning walk with guide and ranger. The walks last 3-4 hours, depending on the interest of the guests, and cover the area around Machampane. This includes both the riverine areas around the machampane and Palarangala Rivers, as well as the sandveld of the Lebombos. In the late afternoon, guests have the option of going on a different walk, or, if preferred,  a game drive.

Machampane Wildernss Camp is best for:

- Those who want the comfort of soft linen and flush ablutions and meals at a table

- Those who want the option to go on walks and drives

- Bird-watchers who would like to watch quietly for long periods of time in a secluded spot

- Those who do not have the time for a three-night trail

 Of the three options, this is the most comfortable and luxurious option, and best suited to travellers who are not used to roughing it in the bush.

 More information here

The Palarangala Wilderness Trail operates from a bush-camp on the Palarangala River. Here accommodation is in dome tents, with simple camping stretchers, a basic bush shower & bush toilet complete the simple facilities. Guests provide their own linen. The tents are pitched in a clearing in the bush. Brunch and dinner are provided with bush-cooking over an open fire.

Guests on the Palarangala Trail go out for morning and evening walks, each time covering a different part of the area around the camp.  Guests usually return to the camp during the heat of the day for a siesta. The minimum stay is three nights.

 Palarangala Wilderness Trail is best for

- Those who want to camp, and get really close to the bush

- Those who want the leisure of the Machampane experience, at a lower cost

- Those who want the choice of midday siestas

- Those who have the time for a three-day trail

The Lebombo Hiking Trail covers the area around the Machampane and Palarangala Rivers, as well as the nearby Lebombo Plateau. Accommodation is in bush camps, with the hikers walking to a different  camp each day.  Accommodation is in dome tents, with simple camping stretchers, a basic bush shower & toilet complete the simple facilities. Guests provide their own linen. The tents are pitched in a clearing in the bush. Meals are provided with bush-cooking over an open fire. Our team will porter the camping equipment and your luggage from camp to camp.

The guests hike about 12 – 15kms per day. It is not a route march, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and observe along the way.

 Lebombo Hiking Trail is best for

- Those who want to camp, and get really close to the bush

- Those who have time for a three-day trail

- Those who want to see the widest possible variety of environments in the area

Of the three options available, this is the most active option, and best suited to those who want the most active, bush-based experience.

More information here

In conclusion

In general, it’s often a great combination for guests to do the three-day Lebombo Trail, and then spend their last night at Machampane.