A group of nature lovers walk 600km to cover the entire Kruger National Park over 3 years and get to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a journey that will take you through the heart of the Kruger National Park? Well, the Kruger Trail is exactly that! This 600-kilometer trek spans over three years, with each year consisting of two 6-day backpack hikes through the rugged terrain of the Kruger wilderness. Starting in the far north, the trail travels an average of 100 km per leg, allowing hikers to witness the stunning beauty of the park, from dense fever tree forests in Pafuri to vast open savannas in Satara.
As you make your way through the Kruger Trail, you’ll come across various areas that showcase the park’s diverse wildlife and landscape. The trail passes through some of the most pristine wilderness areas of the park. This includes the Mphongolo River, the Shingwedzi River, and the Biyamiti River. These areas are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the famous Big 5.
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One of the most memorable experiences on the Kruger Trail is encountering these majestic creatures up close and personal. One of the first individuals to complete this mammoth trek was Imraan Ameen. Walking trails veteran and nature lover; he shared some of his most memorable experiences with LatestSightings.com.
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The kruger is 19 485 km². If you include the Greater Kruger and private game reserves the park is the size of Belgium
“After a long day of walking in the heat, we stopped at a pan in the mopani thickets that engulf the Olifants section of the park. With empty bellies and tired legs, we rested and ate, chatting about the uneventful yet scenic morning walk. Out of nowhere, the earth shuddered and shook with vibration. An elephant bull was making his way to the pan. We were downwind and in the shade, so our presence went unnoticed. The elephant proceeded to drink from the pan a mere 15 meters from our siesta.”
Another unforgettable moment for the same guest was spending a night sleeping in the riverbed of the Biyamiti River. As the sun set and darkness fell, the sounds of the bush came alive. Lions roared in the distance, and the hyenas’ cackles filled the air. It was an eerie but incredible experience to fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
“It was the last leg of the hike. Tired and battered when came across a battle scene of two elephant bulls that fought to the death. Only the loser was found in an area where trees and bushes were flattened due to the fierce fight.”
Nature lovers walk 600km
The Kruger Trail is an adventure of a lifetime. It allows hikers to experience the beauty and wonder of the Kruger National Park. From up-close encounters with the Big 5 to sleeping under the stars amidst the sounds of the wild, to being able to witness the wonder of the smaller things that often go unnoticed. This backpacking trail is not for the faint-hearted but is sure to create unforgettable memories.
