Luvuvhu 6 Night Safari Trail

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet in Phalaborwa for 11h30 departure to Letaba Ranch (a Limpopo provincial reserve that borders on Kruger).  Camp at Baderoukwe campsite in the south of the Reserve.

Day 2

Drive north to Letaba River, follow river and exit Letaba Ranch at main gate. Drive to campsite on the banks of the Little Letaba River.

Day 3

Make your way to Makuya Park (a Limpopo provincial reserve) by driving north along the KNP western boundary. Enter Makuya Park through a service gate and proceed to Lambwe campsite along the Luvuvhu river.

Day 4

Relax today in your campsite with the possibility of seeing animals coming down for a drink at the river and a listening to and viewing a big variety of birds.  Accompany the armed ranger on short walks into the bush, and up along the cliffs.

Day 5

Being refreshed, continue with your trail along the banks of the Luvuvhu river, in the process crossing a number of mountains, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. Camp further along the Luvuvhu River at Pandembile.

Day 6

Today visit places like World View, Luvuvhu Gorge and Mutale Falls. Return to camp at Pandembile for your last, glorious night in the bush.

Day 7

Complete the trail by either exiting the Park at its main entrance or Pafuri (depending on the level of the Mutale river).

Departure Dates

• There is no fixed list of departure dates. A minimum of three vehicles are required, and we will check availability based on your group’s timing requirements.

Where to stay before and after the trail

Feedback from people who have done this trail is that it’s best enjoyed if suitable accommodation has been booked close to the start and end points so that no-one’s rushing arrival or departure. These are the options we recommend:

Before the trail starts:

• Mtomeni Tented Camp, Letaba Ranch (www.africanivoryroute.co.za)

After the trail ends:

Mutale Falls in Makuya park (www.africanivoryroute.co.za)

Eclipse Camp in Nwaledi or Singo Safari Lodge in Makuya Park (www.lwr.co.za)

Gallery

Summary

Trailists need to be fully self-sufficient with low-range, high-clearance 4×4 vehicles (soft-riders 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.

Rate

Trail prices includes

• Professional 4×4 guide with lead vehicle
• Concession fees – Letaba Ranch & Makuya Park
• Two-way radio communication between vehicle.

Trail prices excludes

• Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, gratuities, etc.
• Personal insurance: medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.
• Gratuities.

Payment Policy

• 50% deposit confirms a booking, remaining balance payable 14 days prior to trail date.

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.

Terms and Conditions

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 Luvuvhu 4×4 Eco-Trail is 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 deat
•  In light of the exposed nature of the Luvuvhu off- road 4×4 Eco-Trail 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 12 may not participate.

Safety Policy

• The general rules and regulations of Letaba Ranch, Makuya Park and Kruger National 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.