Wilderness Trails in Kruger National Park

Multi-day treks in Kruger National Park show adventurous travelers the wilds of South Africa through a new lens. Leave behind the zoo-like safari caravans and instead explore the bush on foot, staying in remote camps and taking in the seclusion of the wilderness. The following trails offer much more than just big-game viewing.

Bushmans Trail This trail is not only frequented by elephants and rhinos, but also gives hikers a deeper look at the culture of the region. Within its tight valleys, rocky outcroppings, and sweeping vistas, this route affords a multitude of opportunities to spot both big game and bushman paintings.

Mathikithi Trail Amidst a region characterized by sandstone bluffs and iconic sunset views, the most common big game spotted on this trek are elephants and buffalo. The wooded base camp also offers excellent birding.

Napi Trail With both the Mbyamithi and Napi rivers coursing through, the environment surrounding the Napi Trail is rich with wildlife and unique plants. It is common to see both white and black rhinos along the trek and while staying at Pretoriuskop—the first established camp in Kruger.

Nyalaland Trail This trail and its remote camp provide access to river gorges that make for stunning views and a great place for hikers (and wildlife) to cool down on hot days. There are also dinosaur fossils—exclusively accessible to those who choose to take this trail.

Olifants Trail From a camp on the banks of the Letaba River, you can watch hippos and crocodiles, hear the call of eagles, and see herds of elephants. Day hikes take you to the Olifants River Gorge and into flat plains ideal for game viewing.

Sweni Trail The wide open plains surrounding the Sweni River create a viewing platform for predator-prey encounters, giving hikers the rare opportunity to see Discovery Channel–worthy action in real life. For an added treat, the flat expansiveness of the remote region creates unmatched stargazing.

Wolhuter Trail Isolated deep within Kruger National Park, this region is known for a high concentration of white rhinos. You can also hope to see elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, and kudu from this trail. In addition to spotting big game, hikers have the chance to view numerous historic relics throughout the area’s granite outcroppings and deep valleys.