do Limpopo Transfrontier Trails

Rio Elefantes Canoeing Trail, Three days are spent paddling the meandering river and three nights camping wild on its tree-lined banks. Perhaps a cast or two for tigerfish or a sighting of elephant before our 70 km journey ends at the confluence of the elegant Elefantes and the mighty Limpopo - ‘the epitome of freedom in this amazing wilderness area’ Download brochure

Lebombo Wilderness Trail, three nights / four days in the luxury of our tented camp, with the two days in between spent on guided walks that embrace the waterholes along the river and capture the space and solitude of the Lebombo plateau. This is the perfect setting for game and bird viewing in the company of a maximum of eight guests. Read more

For those looking to explore the vast wonderland of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, our guided Shingwedzi 4x4 Trail takes you deep into the remote wilderness of Moçambique’s Parque Nacional do Limpopo whilst The Big 5 Rivers Trail includes the scenic beauty of Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park. You will be forgiven for reminiscing on the pioneering spirit of days gone by, as you experience challenging river crossings, navigate seldom travelled tracks and explore remote villages. Feel the glorious adventure of camping in unfenced wilderness at the edge of pans and on river beds, whilst listening to the nightsounds of the African bush.Read more

Our guided Massinger Hiking Trail uses four days and nights in providing a true bush wilderness adventure. It traverses the spectacular slopes above the impressive Massingir dam, continues up the gorge of the Machampane River and ends in the Mopani forests of this pristine wilderness area. There are nightly stops at different locations, where the adventure of the day’s excursion is recalled under the African sky around a warm and welcoming camp fire. Read more

Lebombo Hiking Trail
Fact Sheet:
Lebombo Hiking Trail Location

Located in Parque Nacional do Limpopo, the 1,1 million hectare Moçambique sector of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, adjacent to Kruger National Park.
Situated in a Big 5 pristine wilderness area stocked with game from Kruger
The hiking trail starts from the Elephant Release Boma (S23 46.2:E31 46.8) located 30 kms south of the Giriyondo border post which in turn is 45kms north-east of Letaba camp in Kruger
The fence between the two National Parks has not yet been removed in this area but is scheduled for removal by 2010. As a consequence no repair work is being done and animals move freely through the holes in the fence line.

Trail Description

The Lebombo hiking trail offers an unforgettable experience on this 3 night / 4 day hiking adventure through a pristine wilderness area.
Trails are led by an experienced guide and armed game ranger equipped with hand-held radio communication and a GPS.
Trailists, in groups of no more than 8, hike about 12 to 15 kms per day and overnight en-route, camping wild in rustic unfenced bush-camps, in this pristine wilderness area.
Trailists depart on foot from the meeting point (see details below) through the Machampane river valley for the first nights camp, a distance of around 6kms.
The trail then traverses the Lebombo plateau before reaching the second night’s camp in the riverine forest of the Palarangala river valley. (Should you wish to extend the trail to 4 nights then we spend two nights at this camp and walk-out on a circular route exploring the surrounding bushveld)
The route then follows the course of the Palarangala river to a large pool at its confluence with the Machampane river before meandering through the Mopane treed sandveld to the last night’s campsite.
Being located in an area that has been re-stocked with game over the past few years in a joint programme with Kruger National Park, trailists have every prospect of encountering a wide array of wildlife.
Each night offers the prospect of its own special experience, from sunset over the Lebombos, to the call of a fish eagle in the riverine forest, to the trumpeting of elephant amongst the Mopane or the call of lion as they prowl the bush at night.
Trailists gather around the fire as the evening meal is prepared and then head off to the shelter of their 2man-tent to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the night.
The trail is fairly rugged and therefore a reasonable level of fitness is essential.
The purpose of the Lebombo Hiking Trail is to afford trailists an intimate encounter with the wilderness. The Guide therefore sets the pace and if necessary adjusts the distances walked to accommodate the group’s pace and interests.
The Lebombo Hiking Trail is a portered and catered trail with trailists having to carry only a day-pack.
The trail can also be done on a fully self sufficient basis (backpacking) in which event trailists have to supply and carry in all food, beverages, clothing and sleeping bags as well as carry out all refuse

Campsites

Campsites are unfenced and located in the bush.
Basic ablution facilities (bush shower and short-drop toilet) are available,
Water for cooking and washing as well as firewood is provided.

Facilities

Two person dome tents with camping mattresses are supplied.
Basic cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery are provided.

Beverages

We provide one litre of drinking water per person per day. We recommend that trailists have water purification tablets or an additional supply of water to meet their individual needs.
On a catered trail a limited stock of softdrinks, wine and Moçambique beer is available for purchase.

Meeting point and time

Trailists enter Parque Nacional do Limpopo from South Africa via the Giriyondo border post or from Moçambique via the Massingir dam entry gate
Meeting time is 15.15 for 15.30 at our parking area at the elephant release boma which is located 3kms west of the T-junction on the road to Machampane Wilderness Camp (for directions see map on www.dolimpopo.com)
Vehicles are parked here for the duration of the trail.
Hiking starts from the release boma at 15.30 which allows for a 1,5 hour hike in order to arrive at the first nights camp in time to settle in before sunset, which here is between 17.15 in winter and 18.30 in summer.
On the last day trailists walk out after breakfast from Pumbe camp to reach their vehicles at around 10.00. This allows sufficient time to return on the same day via Kruger Park and Phalaborwa to Gauteng or to continue to the Moçambique coast

Clothing and footwear

For trailists planning to participate on our guided trail, clothing should be comfortable and durable.
Neutral colours such as khaki are preferable. Light coloured garments such as whites and creams should be avoided.
T-shirts are not ideal as they provide little protection against the sun on the neck.
A hat or cap and an all-weather jacket are important items.
A tracksuit, either woollen or lightweight, depending on the season, is useful.
Footwear should be worn-in if possible, have thick soles and provide good ankle support. It is preferable not to wear white shoes.

What to take
The items below are suggested as a check list:

Sleeping bag, towel and pillow
Sleeping mat (if you want an additional one to the one we supply)
Powerful torch and spare batteries
Food and beverages (back-packing only)
Additional drinking water (and/or purification tablets)
Refuse bags (back-packing only)
Camera, binoculars and reference books (mammals/trees/birds)
Appropriate clothing, hat or cap and an all-weather jacket/raincoat
Personal toiletries, medication, malaria tablets, sun-screen, mosquito repellant
Antihistamine ointment, tablets, eye drops, paracetamol, stingose etc
Cottonwool/gauze/plasters, scissors and tweezer
Toilet paper (just in case!!)

Hiking trails policy

Maximum 8 persons may participate on each trail.
No upper age limit but participants on the trail must be medically fit and be aware that the experience involves hiking distances of up to 15kms per day.
To derive the optimum benefit and enjoyment from a trail adventure, it is recommended that a group comprises persons of a similar age, with common interests and the same level of fitness.
Regrettably due to the nature of the terrain covered and the safety factor, persons with mobility impairment should not participate on the trail.
Whilst not necessarily over-strenuous, conditions during the summer months can be very hot and humid. Participants on the trail must therefore be medically fit and be well prepared for the climatic conditions.

Child policy

For safety considerations regrettably children under the age of 12 may not participate on the hiking trail.

Safety Policy

The general rules and regulations of Parque Nacional do Limpopo and Kruger National Park also apply to guests.
Guests depend on the trails guide and ranger for their safety and for guidance. For their own safety and that of the other trailists, the instructions of the guide and ranger 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

Parque Nacional do Limpopo is located in a Malaria area.
MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ARE ESSENTIAL. Guests should consult their doctor or chemist.

Indemnity Policy

The Lebombo Hiking Trail is located in Big 5 territory and overnight campsites are unfenced.
The trail is accompanied by an armed Parks ranger but nevertheless carries the risk of injury or death should big game be encountered
In light of the exposed nature of the Lebombo Hiking Trail, all trailists have to 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.

Trails price includes

Experienced guide and armed park ranger on the trail, equipped with two-way radio communication and hand-held GPS for emergencies.
Tents, mattresses and equipment as specified
Meals (breakfast, trail lunch and dinner) on a catered and portered trail.

Trails price excludes

All road transfers
Meals on an uncatered trail
Snacks, drinks, soft drinks and drinking water (except as specified).
Parque Nacional do Limpopo entrance fees.
Kruger National Park conservation fees.
Moçambique border fees.
Moçambique visa fee (not required for South African citizens).
Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, gratuities, etc.
Personal insurance: medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.

Non- or late arrival

The trail takes place in Moçambique and customs and immigration procedures have to be followed at Giriyondo border post (see below for operating hours).
Any person not in possession of the necessary travel documents on arrival at the Giriyondo border post will not be able to accompany the trail but will be liable for and will forfeit the full trail fee.
This forfeiture also 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.

Payments

Payments for beverages, tips etc may be made in Rands, Meticais, US$ or Euros.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Cancellation Policy

Within 120 to 61 days of arrival, 33.3% forfeiture of Total booking value.
Within 60 days of arrival, 100% forfeiture of Total booking value

Ports of entry for guests arriving by air:

Phalaborwa in South Africa (SA Airlink operates daily scheduled flight from Jhb)
Maputo in Moçambique

Access to Lebombo Hiking Trails meeting point

By road from South Africa, through Kruger National Park.
- Distance from Phalaborwa via Letaba and Giriyondo border is 125 kms.
- Game drive all the way and takes approximately 3,5 to 4,0 hours
- 70 kms is on tarred road and remaining 55 kms on gravel which is corrugated and stony.
- Vehicle with good ground clearance recommended not necessarily a 4x4.
By road from Maputo via Macia, Chokwe and Massingir.
- Distance from Maputo to Massingir is approximately 400kms and takes around 5,0 hours.
- From park entry gate at Massingir it is approximately 50 kms and takes 1,5 hours.
- Road is good tar to Massingir. From Massingir the road is gravel (currently being upgraded) and traveling is done through a National Park with a speed limit of 40kms.
- Vehicle with good ground clearance recommended not necessarily a 4x4.

Transfers

For clients flying in to Phalaborwa a return road transfer, via Letaba camp in Kruger National Park, to the hiking trail meeting point is available. Transfers from Letaba are generally done in an open safari vehicle (please see note below re. Kruger National Park conservation fees and open safari vehicles).
For clients flying in to Maputo a return road transfer to the hiking trail meeting point is available.

Self-drive options

Self-drive to Letaba camp in Kruger National Park and transfer to hiking trail meeting point (preferable option for clients with a low ground clearance vehicle).
- Can be done in any standard sedan motor vehicle.
- Client’s vehicle parked at Letaba for duration of the hiking trail.
- From Letaba, clients are transferred to the hiking trail meeting point. Transfers from Letaba are generally done in an open safari vehicle (please see note below re. Kruger National Park conservation fees and open safari vehicles).
Self-drive directly to hiking trail meeting point.
- 4x4 vehicle is not required but it is recommended that clients have a vehicle with high ground clearance e.g. Nissan X-Trail.

Fuel for self-drive vehicles

Fuel can be purchased at Phalaborwa and Letaba restcamp.
Clients traveling on to the coast in Moçambique can obtain fuel in Massingir, Chokwe and Macia. In Moçambique only cash is accepted for fuel purchases.

Giriyondo border post

Operating Hours:
- Summer (1 October to 31 March) 08.00 to 16.00
- Winter (1 April to 30 September) 08.00 to 15.00
- Foreign visitor visas (not required by South Africans) can be obtained at the border post and take approximately 10 minutes to issue.
- Please note: a valid passport is required.
- Please note: Self-drive clients must be in possession of the motor vehicle licence papers or a letter of authority from the vehicle owner/bank (if financed) or the car hire companY.

Fees not included in Lebombo Hiking Trail price

Conservation fees:
- Kruger National Park daily conservation fee is payable on entry into Kruger National Park and on re-entry from Parque Nacional do Limpopo (currently R33 SA residents/ R132 Foreign visitors).
- Please note: When traveling on an Open Safari Vehicle through a Kruger National Park entry gate Wild Cards (South African or International) are not accepted as a method of payment for entry to the Park. Instead KNP charges an Open Safari Vehicle entry fee (currently R132 per person irrespective of nationality). Whilst this fee is not payable when departing from Letaba on an open safari vehicle it is payable on re-entry from Parque Nacional do Limpopo at Giriyondo and may be paid only in cash or by credit card.
- Parque Nacional do Limpopo conservation fee (approx R67 per person irrespective of duration of stay).
- Parque Nacional do Limpopo vehicle entry fee (self drive-approx R67).
Border fees
- Foreign visitors visa, single entry valid for 30 days (approx R180)
- Border entry fee:- South African residents (approx R17 per person)
- Motor vehicle entry fee (approx R10)
- Moçambique vehicle third party insurance, valid for 30 days, only required if exiting Parque Nacional do Limpopo into Moçambique and can be purchased at the Park exit gate to Massingir (approx R150)
Fees are based on the Moçambique Meticais exchange rate prevailing from time to time and are therefore approximated.
All the charges mentioned above can be paid in Rands and change is given in Rands. Meticais, US$ and Euros are also accepted.

Disclaimer
Please be aware that 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 hiked 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.

Shingwedzi 4x4 Trail
Overview:
The Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail is a guided, self-drive, 5 night / 6 day 4x4 trail. It offers a unique pioneering opportunity, to no more than 6 participant 4x4 vehicles, to explore the tracks and wilderness of Moçambique’s Parque Nacional do Limpopo. Led by an experienced trails ranger in his own vehicle, the convoy makes regular stops for environmental, historical and cultural interpretation or to share special experiences and photographic opportunities.

The trail is aimed at true bush lovers and those who enjoy the wilderness and is not designed as an obstacle course or endurance test. The terrain requires 4x4 vehicles with low range, and “soft-roaders” with low profile tyres are not recommended. Off-road trailers and off-road caravans are welcome, provided they are towed by proper off-road vehicles. (Please consult us if you are unsure about your vehicle’s capabilities)

The trail departs each Thursday at 13h00 from Letaba camp in the Kruger National Park, entering Moçambique at Giriyondo. After entering Moçambique, the route climbs to Fronteira Campsite on the top of the Lebombo range for the first night. Here the trail guide introduces participants to the trail, while all enjoy the 360 degree panoramic views afforded from this impressive vantage point. On the second day the route uses a mix of public and exclusive tracks as it winds through the southern/central region of the Park, crossing the Shingwedzi River shortly before arriving at the second campsite, Spane. Days three and four are spent in the interesting pan system of the central sand veld region of the Park, using exclusive tracks reserved for our trails. Participants spend night three at Tiven and night four at Banga Pan. On day five the route gradually finds its way back to the public track for a while, before branching off again to follow the exclusive track to our final campsite at Mamba Pan. The final day takes the group through Mapai village where participants are able to refresh themselves at the local shop as well as stock up with Mozambiquan beer and other beverages to take back to South Africa. Thereafter the route follows the Limpopo River before exiting at Pafuri and returning to Kruger National Park to end an unforgettable 4x4 experience.
More details are available from our Operations Centre in Phalaborwa - telephone +27 15 781 2356 or by emailing to info@dolimpopo.com.

Package includes:

Professional 4x4 ranger with lead vehicle
Exclusive wilderness campsites
Camping fees
Two-way radio communication between vehicles

Package excludes:

Vehicles and camping equipment
Meals, snacks, drinks and soft drinks
Parque Nacional do Limpopo entrance fees
Kruger National Park conservation & camping / accommodation fees
Moçambique border fee
Moçambique visa fee (not required for South African citizens)
Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, gratuities, etc
Personal insurance: medical, baggage, cancellation, etc

Important considerations to note:

Trailists must be totally self sufficient for the duration of the trail. This includes all fuel, food, water, firewood etc
A maximum of only 6 vehicles with 4 people per vehicle may participate on each trail.
Regrettably children under the age of 10 may not participate on the trail.
All participants have to complete an indemnity form before embarking on the trail. Minors must be in possession of an indemnity form signed by a parent or legal guardian. These signed forms must be completed in the presence of the trail ranger before departing on the trail.
The general rules and regulations of Parque Nacional do Limpopo and Kruger National Park also apply to trailists.
Trailists depend on the trail ranger for their safety and for guidance. The trail ranger should therefore 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.
MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ARE ESSENTIAL. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHARMICIST.

Border formalities:
Trailists cross into Moçambique’s Parque Nacional do Limpopo through the border post at Giriyondo.

The border post at Giriyondo opens at 08h00 and closes at 16h00 (summer) and 15h00 (winter).

South African citizens require a valid passport but do not require a visa to enter Moçambique. A border fee is payable on entry. This can be paid in cash in Rands.

Foreign visitors to Moçambique should ensure that they have a valid passport. The necessary visitor’s visa is obtainable at Giriyondo border post.

Any person not in possession of the necessary travel documents on arrival will not be able to accompany the trail but will be liable for and will forfeit the full trail fee. This forfeiture also 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.

Vehicles entering Moçambique require a valid third party insurance certificate for the country only if they travel outside of the National Park. These are obtainable at Massingir and are valid for 30 days.

What to take:
It is important to remember that participants have to be totally self-sufficient on the trail and the items below are suggested as a check list.

Camping equipment:

Tent, tent pegs and hammer, or rooftop tent
Portable shower
Ground sheet, rake, spade and broom
Sleeping bag, towels and pillow
Inflatable mattress and pump or other
1 gas/paraffin lamp
2 litre paraffin (for a paraffin lamp)
2 torches (extra batteries)
Folding table and chairs
Folding toilet chair (recommended)
Small folding spade for digging a hole when nature calls
Gas stove/cooker, handy braai and gas bottle (2)
Gas utility spares and mantles
3-legged braai stand and grid
Wood for 4 nights (please supply own)
2 x 25-litre water containers
Refrigerator or cool box (for ice and meat)
Cooking pot and kettle
Medium-sized plastic bowl for washing dishes
Fire extinguisher
Insect repellant
Table cloth
Wash and drying cloth
Pot scourer and dishwashing liquid
Refuse bags
Toilet paper
Cutlery and crockery
Mugs and glasses
Wooden spoon, can opener, egg lifter, cutting knife and bottle opener (for the wine!)
Paper towels
Wooden carving board
Hot water flask

Vehicle:

Enough fuel for 550 km (Add 25% for towing)
Radiator grille net as protection against grass seeds and scratch shields
Off-road recovery kit
Toolbox should have the necessary spanners, sockets etc.
Wheel bearing kit (trailer)
Nuts and bolts
Puncture repair kit
Spare globes
Electrical terminals
Tie-down straps
Fuses
Epoxy glue
Prestik
Lighter type socket must be available for the two–way radio

Other:

Personal toiletries
Road maps
Camera and film
Binoculars
Appropriate clothing
Hat/cap
Raincoat
Reference books (mammals/trees/birds)
Small plastic bowl for washing
Sufficient food and beverages (esp. drinking water during summer)

First Aid:

Personal medication
Antihistamine ointment and tabs
Eye drops
Paracetamol
Stingose
Cottonwool/gauze/plasters
Scissors and tweezer
Malaria tablets
Sun-screen

Massinger Hiking Trail
Overview:
The Massingir Hiking Trail offers an unforgettable wilderness adventure hiking experience.
Starting above the tree lined shores of the vast Massingir Dam that harnesses the Olifants River on its way to the sea, the trail follows the narrow pool-filled gorge of the Machampane River. Trailists, in groups of no more than 8 and in the company of experienced armed game rangers, hike about 10 to 15 km per day and overnight en-route in this pristine wilderness area.

Each night offers its own unique experience, from the vistas of sunset over the dam, to the call of fish eagles in the riverine forested gorge and the trumpeting of elephant amongst the Mopanis. Trailists gather around the fire to prepare their evening meal and then head off to the shelter of their 2man-tent to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the night.

Located in a sanctuary area that has been re-stocked with game over the past few years in a joint programme with Kruger National Park, trailists have every prospect of encountering a wide array of wildlife.

The trail is fairly rugged and therefore a reasonable level of fitness is essential. Trailists have to be self sufficient and carry in all food, beverages, clothing and sleeping bags as well as carry out all refuse. A portered and catered option is also available. Campsites provide basic ablution facilities, water for cooking and washing as well as firewood.

For trailists arriving from South Africa trails depart at 10h00 every Friday from Letaba camp in Kruger National Park. Trailists arriving from Moçambique depart from Massingir entrance gate at 12h00 on Fridays.

Package includes:

Professional lead and rear rangers on the trail, equipped with two-way radio communication and hand-held GPS for emergencies.
Transport in a game drive vehicle from Letaba camp in Kruger National Park or Massingir entrance gate to the hiking trails base camp in Parque Nacional do Limpopo.
Assistance with border formalities.

Package excludes:

Meals, snacks, drinks, soft drinks and drinking water.
Parque Nacional do Limpopo entrance fees.
Kruger National Park conservation and accommodation fees.
Moçambique border fee.
Moçambique visa fee (not required for South African citizens).
Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, gratuities, etc.
Personal insurance: medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.

Important considerations to note:

Trailists must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of the trail. This includes all food, drinking water (or purification tablets) and bedding.
A maximum of only 8 persons may participate on each trail.
To derive the optimum benefit and enjoyment from a trail adventure, it is recommended that a group comprises persons of a similar age, with common interests and the same level of fitness.
Regrettably children under the age of 12 may not participate on the trail.
There is no upper age limit but as the route is fairly strenuous, participants must be medically fit and be aware that the experience involves hiking distances of up to 15km per day.
Regrettably due to the nature of the terrain covered and the safety factor, persons with mobility impairment are not able to participate on these trails.
Conditions during the summer months can be very hot and humid. Participants must therefore, in addition to being medically fit, also be well prepared for the climatic conditions.
All participants have to complete an indemnity form before embarking on the trail. Minors must be in possession of an indemnity form signed by a parent or legal guardian. These signed forms must be completed in the presence of the trail ranger before departing on the trail.
The general rules and regulations of Parque Nacional do Limpopo and Kruger National Park also apply to trailists.
Trailists depend on the trail ranger for their safety and for guidance. The trail ranger should therefore 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 trail camps.
MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ARE ESSENTIAL. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHARMICIST.

Border formalities:
Trailists cross into Moçambique’s Parque Nacional do Limpopo through the border post at Giriyondo.

The border post at Giriyondo opens at 08h00 and closes at 16h00 (summer) and 15h00 (winter).

South African citizens require a valid passport but do not require a visa to enter Moçambique. A border fee is payable on entry. This can be paid in cash in Rands.

Foreign visitors to Moçambique should ensure that they have a valid passport. The necessary visitor’s visa is obtainable at Giriyondo border post.

What to take:
Participants must be aware that the experience involves hiking distances of up to 15 km per day. The terrain is rugged and conditions during the summer months can be very hot and humid. Participants must therefore be medically fit and be well prepared for the climatic conditions.

The items below are suggested as a check list:

Sleeping bag, towel and pillow
Sleeping mat
Powerful torch and spare batteries
Food, beverages and drinking water (and/or purification tablets)
Cooking pot, kettle and utensils
Cutlery, crockery, mug/glass
Bottle/can opener
Refuse bags
Camera and film
Binoculars
All-weather jacket/raincoat
Reference books (mammals/trees/birds)
Appropriate clothing
Hat/cap
Insect/mosquito repellant
Toilet paper
Personal toiletries
Personal medication
Antihistamine ointment and tabs
Eye drops
Paracetamol
Stingose
Cottonwool/gauze/plasters
Scissors and tweezer
Malaria tablets
Sun-screen

Clothing:
Clothing should be comfortable and durable. Neutral colours such as khaki are preferable. Light coloured garments such as whites and creams should be avoided. T-shirts are not recommended as they provide little protection against the sun on the neck. A hat/cap and an all-weather jacket are important items. A tracksuit, either woollen or lightweight, depending on the season, is always useful.

Footwear should be worn-in prior to the trail, have thick soles and provide good ankle support. It is preferable not to wear white shoes.

Transport:
Trailists arriving from South Africa travel to the meeting point at Letaba camp in their own vehicles where the vehicles are left for the duration of the trail. Trailists are then transported in a game drive vehicle to Massingir Hiking Trails base camp. This trip, including border formalities, takes approximately 4 hours. Trailists are returned to Letaba camp after breakfast on the last day of the trail. Trailists arriving from Moçambique travel to the meeting point at Massingir entrance gate in their own vehicles where the vehicles are left for the duration of the trail. Trailists are then transported in a game drive vehicle to Massingir Hiking Trails base camp. This trip takes approximately 1.5 hours. Trailists are returned to Massingir after breakfast on the last day of the trail.

Departure times:
Trails starting at Letaba depart promptly at 10h00 to ensure that border formalities at Giriyondo to enter Moçambique are completed before the closing time and that the hiking trails camp can be reached before sunset. Trailists are therefore requested to ensure that they arrive at the departure point at Letaba camp by no later than 09h30 on the day the trail commences. Trails starting at Massingir entrance gate depart promptly at 12h00. Trailists are requested to ensure that they arrive at the departure point at Massingir by no later than 11h30 on the day the trail commences. The trail departure will not be delayed for late arrivals.