Walks in the Kruger Park
There’s no better way to experience the bush than to walk through it. The crisp bite of a morning breeze, the subtle smell of the grass, the delicious threat of lions lurking in the underbrush; it’s an invigorating and enlightening experience.
All walks are guided by two armed rangers, who will both protect you and interpret the bush as you walk. “With untamed nature in such close proximity, these little strolls can become quite thrilling. One time, when I was on an early morning walk, we heard lions roaring close by. Our ranger got us all to settle down and we carefully went off in search of the beast.
With hearts beating fast, we stalked our prey, hoping that the tables wouldn’t be turned on us. We continued creeping through the bush for some time, but we didn’t find anything. I’m sure that any lion worth its salt would have heard us stomping through the veld from a mile away. But it was terribly exciting.” - David Fleminger.
Hiking the Untamed Bushveld
Daily early morning and afternoon guided walks are available from most camps and depart from reception. The walk itself is relaxed and is suitable for anyone with a moderate degree of fitness. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, and clothing applicable to the prevailing weather conditions. You should also bring your own cameras and/or binoculars.
There’s nothing quite like hiking through the untamed bushveld. In addition to the short day-walks mentioned above, the Kruger National Park offers a variety of guided multi-day walking trails. Wilderness trails are three-night excursions that include wholesome meals, bedding and accommodation in basic hiking cabins or tents. Backpack trails are more rustic affairs where walkers have to bring all their own food and equipment.
Olifants Camps’ Mountain Bike Challenge
Big Five Tee-Off at Skukuza
It’s not the first thing you think of doing when you visit the game reserve, but you can indeed play golf in the Kruger National Park. And a very pretty course it is too. Set amid lush indigenous trees, this nine hole/18-tee golf course gives golfers the unique opportunity to play a round in the middle of Big Five country. It’s a ‘close-to-nature golf experience’, complete with a family of warthogs who totter around the greens.
The course is a Par 72, and is 5950 m (6450 yards) for men and 5059 m (5480 yards) for women. Built in 1972, the golf course was originally intended as a recreational facility for Skukuza personnel who lived at the nearby staff village (a pleasant settlement with neat homes set in lush gardens). Since the course is not fenced-in, hippo, impala and baboons often invade the links, but this only adds to the excitement.
Various natural water hazards have been incorporated into the course and, although it has no bunkers, the proliferation of trees around the course form formidable 'aerial bunkers'. Tee-off times are available for visitors in the mornings between 07:00 and 11:00 from Sunday to Friday, and standard golf dress code applies. The golf course naturally has a clubhouse and bar, which serves drinks and snacks on a pleasant veranda throughout the day. For bookings, contact the club directly.
By David Fleminger
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