Howzit Inkwazi Adventurers?
As you may know, one of the unique and special events as part of Bushveld 2020 adventure is the 4-Day Hiking Safari. Have you taken the time to read more about this unique experience?.. You haven’t?...
Ag no man, click here to read more about what will be involved...
This 4-day, 3-night hiking safari will exceed your wildest expectations. It is like nothing you have ever experienced as you are immersed into the bushveld and wildlife of South Africa. Even if you have been on a safari before, this one will be different.
Let me explain why. The Hiking Safari as part of #Bushveld2020 takes place in the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP), which is situated on the western side of the famous Kruger National Park (KNP). Therefore, the GKNP adds 180 000 hectares to the existing 20 000 000 hectares of the KNP, meaning more bushveld.
It consists of a collection of over 20 privately owned reserves that decided to drop their fences to allow the animals to roam freely between the KNP and the GKNP.
As a result, the Hiking Safari as part of #Bushveld2020 is unique because;
It is more exclusive as less people are allowed into the GKNP, which means your wildlife adventure is less crowded and commercial, making it a more authentic African experience.
There are no fences between the KNP and the GKNP, meaning the animals roam freely ensuring potential sightings of a wide variety of animals, including the Big 5... You never know what you might see.
We have partnered with Spirited Adventures because Lutz knows the GKNP like the back of his hand... you won't get a better guide.
So I have talked about the where, but now let me talk about the how. Every adventurer is responsible to carry his/her own backpack.
What you carry in, you have to carry out.
Therefore, it will be important to plan carefully to make your trip even more enjoyable. (Don’t worry, I will share key tips and secrets from Lutz in an upcoming post.)
And here is the best part... there is not set route or path that the hike follows. Every hike is unique. Lutz sets the pace and it is all about experiencing the bush to the fullest. If we come across a good sighting, we stay there as long as needed. If we see an interesting occurrence on the track, like a pile of dung with dung beetles scurrying around, Lutz will take the time to explain what we are looking at.
You will learn how to dig a well in the riverbed to retrieve water you didn’t even know was there. There will be many breaks for water and snacks at picturesque settings, such as a rocky outcrop with an old rock fig that overlooks the endless trees of the bushveld.
Towards the evening, Lutz will indicate a good spot to overnight. This might be in the riverbed or on an elevated area next to the river. You will collect wood for the small campfire which is not made for cooking purposes, but rather for the atmosphere. You will set up your small tent and get settled; taking off your hiking boots is a great idea. That evening you will get to know each other better as stories are shared around the campfire. You can even ask Lutz questions about South African wildlife and current conservation efforts.
After going to bed you might be lucky enough to hear the distant call of a jackal, or lions roaring or even the odd hyena laughing at a silly joke. The melodic and distinctive sound of the African Nightjar will accompany you into dreamland.
The next morning you might be awakened by a Woodlands Kingfisher or Heart-attack-bird (Crested Francolin). Don’t worry, you’ll soon enough find out why it is referred to as a Heart-attack-bird whilst walking in the bush.
After coffee and rusks, it will be time to pack up and get ready for another good day in the bush. A chicken run will ensure we didn’t leave any rubbish in the campsite.
Inkwazi Adventurers, you will be absolutely amazed at how much you will learn about the bush, the animals, and most of all, about yourself on the Hiking Safari.
There are not enough words to describe the calmness that will envelope you. You will be free from technology; totally free. (If I can give you advice, leave your watch and phone in the vehicle before you go into the bush.) The first day you might still be in the habit of wanting to check your messages or emails. After that, you won’t miss that feeling.
Participating in the Hiking Safari is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you will not get a better and more experienced guide than Lutz Otto.
You will grow closer to your spouse or friend(s) or colleague(s) or strangers by sharing wonderful moments in the bushveld.
Interested to find out more? Click here to learn more about #Bushveld2020 and how you can be part of this life changing adventure.
Also join me in my next post as I talk about the benefits of Digital Detox and how the Bushveld 2020 Tour to South Africa is the perfect platform to break away from bad digital habits.
Regards
Cornel van Onselen
Inkwazi Adventure Leader
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