Budget level:
Budget
Country
South Africa
When to Go
Mar to Nov
Duration
5 Nights
Safari Type
Lodge and Canvas
Location
Timbavati & Klaserie Nature Reserves
Kids Min Age
16
Safari Rating
A safari made for those seeking to experience the Timbavati on foot alongside some of the best guides in the country. A journey into a deeper connection to wilderness and the definition of true walking trails. This is serious big 5 walking safaris with some seriously impressive and legendary guides.
Itinerary in Brief
1 Night at Bateleur Safari Camp
3 Nights at Lowveld Trails Co Mobile Camp
1 Night at Bateleur Safari Camp
Set in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a reserve famous for its concentrations of the big 5, this safari’s first and last night will be in the comforts of an eco-friendly luxury tented camp set on the banks of a mostly dry river bed. The middle three nights will be spent out in the field in a temporary setup basic mobile walking camp. A simple camp where all connection to the outside world is cut off and only the most basic of human needs are catered for. This will be your base from where you will be exploring the surrounding area searching for big game on foot alongside local guiding legends. In our minds, this is the ultimate safari experience and you really can’t ask for a more authentic, rustic and adventurous safari.
This 5-night walking safari is well suited for groups whom are seeking to truly experience this awesome wilderness. The accommodation starts off and ends in high standard and you will then, in the middle 3 nights, be out in the wilderness in a proper basic mobile walking camp. The area is private and one should expect to not see any other human-being’s other than those within your group. This wilderness and lack of other human presence is where the true luxury of this safari lies!
With excellent guides, rustic mobile camps and wilderness areas, this safari is not for the faint-hearted but rather for those seeking the real deal!
Detailed Itinerary
1st Night: Bateleur Safari Camp
One of Gesa’s all-time favourite camps in Southern Africa, this hidden gem is located in and amongst thick vegetation alongside a dry riverbed in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This is an eco-friendly camp that’s power supply is entirely solar and the whole ethos of the camp is that of low impact.
The accommodation here is in the form of luxury tents with thatched roofs that have an en-suite toilet and gas heated shower. You can choose to sleep with the canvas all the way down or leave it open with only a mosquito mesh as a barrier. The camp has only a two-strand fence which is to keep elephants from destroying the vegetation and water pipes.
2nd ,3rd & 4th Nights: Lowveld Trails Co Mobile Camp
The trails will expose you to the fine detail, the grandeur of the landscape and the thrill of moving amongst large mammals. Well beyond an activity, it is a fully immersive experience that permits participation in nature as opposed to traditional spectatorship.
The basic, unfenced camp is erected under giant Jackalberry trees prior to each trail and completely removed after departure, leaving no trace. Canvas dome tents, with mattress and pillow, house two trailists each. Ablutions are simple, yet unmatched. Pit-fall toilets and showers open onto splendid views of the surrounding bush. The communal area is around the campfire or at the kitchen where wholesome meals are whipped up on a gas cooker and an open flame.
A typical day stars with a wake-up call prior to sunrise. As birds announce the approaching day, you enjoy a coffee before heading out on a 4 to 5 hour walk. We return to camp for a well-earned brunch, followed by a few hours free to shower, read and relax. A light lunch is announced around 3pm, before you head off into the wilderness once more for a 2 to 3 hour sunset walk. Dinner and a crackling campfire awaits back at camp.
It is real, visceral and completely authentic.
5th Night: Bateleur Safari Camp
Your last night will be spent back in Bateleur Eco-Camp for a spot of luxury and a good night’s sleep before your departure the following day. You will be flushed with a sense of accomplishment and an appreciation for wilderness.
When To Go
| jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun | jul | aug | sep | oct | nov | dec | |
| Timbavati & Klaserie Nature Reserves |  | | | | |  | | | | |  | |
= Best
= Good
= MixedThe Accommodation
Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!
Much like most of our tours, this itinerary serves as a guide line or example of what is possible and any part of this tour and be changed or additions added. We also create custom itineraries to suite your budget and the experiences you are after. Please contact us so we can create your own personally tailored safari!
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Walking Safari
4 Nights
Price
*
$46,500 USD
