The Mphongolo
Do you want to step off the map and into the wild? The Mphongolo Backpack Trail, deep in the remote northern reaches of Kruger National Park, offers you a rare chance to walk among giants – from ancient trees to legendary elephants.
With no fixed campsites, no cellphone reception, and no luxury but the stars, this is hiking stripped back to its purest form. If your soul is craving wilderness and your boots are itching for something more… Mphongolo is calling.
The Ultimate Guide to The Mphongolo Backpack Trail
Why Should You Choose The Mphongolo
If you’re looking for an unforgettable, off-the-grid hiking adventure in the heart of the Kruger National Park, the Mphongolo Backpack Trail is the ultimate choice. This self-sufficient, guided wilderness trek offers hikers a rare opportunity to explore an untouched landscape teeming with wildlife, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the calls of birds, the rustle of leaves, and the distant roar of a lion.
Great for:
- Adventurers seeking a true wilderness experience
- Birdwatchers, with the Kruger’s diverse avian species to spot
- Hikers looking to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in nature
- Those who enjoy wild camping with no permanent facilities
Things To Look Out For On The Mphongolo
- Huge Elephant Bulls
- The area between Shingwedzi and the Mphongolo River is famed for its massive tuskers. This part of Kruger was once home to some of the original “Magnificent Seven” elephants, and the legacy lives on. The bulls here often roam in solitude – a powerful sight in this vast wilderness.
- Pel’s Fishing Owl
- This elusive and highly sought-after bird is a real treat for twitchers. The Mphongolo Riverine system, with its big trees and slow-moving water, provides ideal habitat for this nocturnal, fish-eating owl. A rare and magical sighting if you’re lucky!
- Ancient Nyala Berry and Jackalberry Trees
- The riverine forest belts along the Mphongolo and Shingwedzi rivers are home to huge, gnarled trees that seem almost enchanted. These towering giants are not only stunning to see but also support a rich diversity of life, from birds to bushbuck to leopards lounging in the branches.
- Leopard Country
- Speaking of leopards… this quiet, dense terrain with good cover and prey makes for prime leopard territory. You’re more likely to hear one rasping than see it, but sharp-eyed hikers may catch a glimpse of a tail vanishing into the thickets.
- Rarer Antelope – Like Roan and Eland
- The remoteness of this northern area means less competition with other grazers, so rarer antelope species like roan antelope and eland might be spotted. Their presence is a good sign of healthy, undisturbed ecosystems.
- Natural Beauty
- The trail takes place in the large, mopane dominated wilderness area between the Shingwedzi and Mphongolo rivers.
- Being further north in the Kruger Park definitely adds to the remote and isolated feel of this trail.
- Stunning sunsets over the wilderness, with no artificial lights to disrupt the view.
When To Hike the Mphongolo
Firstly, be aware that Kruger Park’s three backpack trails, including The Mphongolo Backpack Trail, only operate from 1 February – 30 November.
The best time to hike the trail is between May and August. You’re (hopefully) looking at cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and less chance of encountering high water levels!
Temperatures can still exceed 28°C in winter, so be prepared for heat even in the cooler months.
About The Mphongolo Trail
For an unforgettable wilderness adventure, the Mphongolo Backpack Trail is one of the best ways to experience the Kruger National Park like never before. Ready to trade the crowds for the call of the wild? Book your spot today!
Here’s all the essential information you need to know for The Kruger National Park’s Mphongolo Backpack Trail.
4 days, 3 nights.
Distance covered varies depending on the group and guides’ decisions (usually around 30km in total).
Moderate: The terrain is mostly flat but can be physically demanding due to heat and carrying a full pack.
Moderate fitness is needed.
You must be able to carry your own backpack for the duration of the hike.
Minimum age: 12 years old.
Maximum age: No official limit, but you must be physically capable. If you are over 65 years of age then you will be asked to supply a letter from a doctor specifying that you are capable of the hike.
The maximum number of participants is eight guests and two guides.
However each backpack trail needs a minimum of 4 participants to go ahead.
Self-carry: You must bring all your own food, water purification, and camping gear.
Need lightweight, just-add-water meals? The Trail Food Co has a full range of hearty hiking-ready options – browse the menu here.
No slackpacking options are available.
Maximum group size: 8 people
Minimum group size: 4 people (individuals can book, but the hike will only go ahead if at least four participants are confirmed)
Wild camping with no huts or facilities.
Tents are compulsory due to the presence of predators.
You will camp in dry riverbeds or other selected locations chosen by the guides.
You will need to bring a water purifier and even drops potentially
Water will be taken either from the closest river or you might need to dig in the riverbed for water. *See Top Tips
None. The trail follows a strict “leave no trace” policy.
No toilets – hikers must follow bush etiquette (e.g., cat-hole method).
Departure days: Every Wednesday and Sunday from 1 February to 30 November
No cellphone reception – a true digital detox.
The Mphongolo Route & What to Expect
The Route:
- The trail starts from Kruger Park’s Shingwedzi Rest Camp.
- Vehicles can be safely left at the designated parking area in Shingwedzi Camp.
- The group will be transported by an open vehicle with a trailer to a drop-off point.
- There is no set route, allowing guides to adapt based on wildlife movements and water sources.
- The hiking pace and distance are determined by the group and agreed upon with the guides.
Expect:
- No fixed campsites – each night’s stop is determined by the guides.
- Encounters with wildlife on foot – an exhilarating but humbling experience.
- Small fires – but not for cooking.
- Night-time sounds of the African bush – from lion roars to the grunts of hippos.
- A true wilderness experience, completely isolated from other tourists.
Current Cost To Hike The Mphongolo Trail (2025)
There are three costs involved in a Kruger Backpack Trail.
The Activity charge: As of 2025 this is R4018 per person.
A Conservation Fee per person per day (rate depends on your nationality and age).*
A Community Fund Fee of 1% will be added to the cost of all accommodation and activity reservations.
*If you have a valid Wild Card then this fee is not applicable.
Other Expenses:
Budget for accommodation before and after your Mphongolo Trail adventure, as well as the costs of getting to and from Kruger Park.
Shingwedzi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
How To Book To Hike The Mphongolo Trail
Call: +27 (0)12 428 9111
The SanParks Central Reservations Call Centre is open Monday to Friday from 07:30 AM to 3:45 PM
Book online: https://www.sanparks.org/reservations/overnight-activity
Email: reservations@sanparks.org
Early booking is essential as spots are limited.
Getting To The Mphongolo Trail
- The closest Airport is
- Hoedspruit (Eastgate) Airport (which has daily flights to and from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Drive
- You will need to then drive or arrange a transfer to Shingwedzi camp.
- Closest Kruger Gate
- The closest entrance gate to Shingwedzi Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is the Punda Maria Gate. Allow yourself at least 2 hours to get from Punda Maria Gate to Shingwedzi.
- While Phalaborwa Gate is another option, it’s about 135 km from Shingwedzi and is more commonly used by visitors traveling from the south.
- Speeding Restrictions
- Bear in mind that the roads in Kruger have speed limits of 50 km/h on tar and 40 km/h on gravel, and wildlife sightings can cause unexpected delays—though those are the best kind of delays! So give yourself ample time to get to the starting point.
- Meeting point:
- Shingwedzi Rest Camp at 13:00 on the day of departure.
- Do not be late – the open vehicle transporting you to your drop off point leaves at 2pm sharp.
- Trail Start and End
- Hikers are transported to and from Shingwedzi Camp at the start and end of the trail.
About Shingwedzi Rest Camp
Since you are going to head this way, we’ve highlighted a couple of our favourite things about Shingwedzi.
- Shingwedzi exudes that old-school Kruger charm: think low stone walls, large shade trees, and an unhurried atmosphere. It’s a favourite for long-time Kruger regulars who value authenticity and quiet. You’re likely to experience long, peaceful drives without seeing another car which makes the whole experience feel much wilder
- Shingwedzi is a birding hotspot. Especially during the wet season, this is a top spot for migratory birds and specials like:
- Dwarf bittern
- African openbill stork
- Eastern nicator
- Three-banded courser
- The Kanniedood Dam road (S50) east of camp is a must-drive for birders and general game viewing.
What To Pack for the Mphongolo
It can be overwhelming to figure out what should stay and what should go when you’re trying to pack for any hike. Take a look our super handy tips on what to pack for your next trail!
How To Pack for a Backpack Trail
You’ll want to pack as light and as compact as possible.
It is typically advised that you pack your hiking food so that you eat the heaviest (and fresh) items first to make space in your backpack and decrease the weight you have to carry. But with Trail Food, you don’t have to worry about your hiking meals taking up too much space or weight!
Here are some expert pointers on how to pack your backpack if you’re feeling slightly uncertain about what should go where.
Don't Forget To...
We understand that hiking in a Big 5 area can be a scary thought. But don’t worry, your guides are well-trained. So…
- Listen to your guides – they ensure safety in big game territory.
- Respect nature – follow the “leave no trace” principle.
- Check weather conditions before your trip.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about hiking in Big 5 territory.
Wildlife encounters are always possible, but experienced guides are trained to ensure your safety.
No, a minimum group of four is required.
There are, of course, risks associated with all trails. However, if you are with a qualified and experienced guide, then although you can never say that it is categorically not dangerous, the skill, training and experience of your guides will go a long way to mitigating these dangers.
This is a key factor as to why it takes so long to become a qualified trails guide – they need to know what they are doing, how to assess situations, understand animal behaviour, and learn how to handle a rifle.
Listen to your guide. Be sensible. And embrace and enjoy the experience!
No, but guides carry emergency radios.
The guides have radios to call for assistance if needed.
If you’re going in the depths of winter maybe take a tiny tipple just to warm you up – but you definitely don’t want to be carrying cans and bottles. Remember it’s important to be safe for yourself, the other hikers and the guides.
Kruger closes its backpack trails over the peak rainy season – which is malaria season. However if you are concerned then speak to a local doctor about reasonable precautions.
Top Tips
I have 2 water filters, a small hand held MSR one and then a larger hanging one that enables you to filter larger volumes of water. On a number of occasions hiking not everyone has a filter so I have found that it is useful for me to bring the larger one to help others out.
Bring a bar of chocolate or something like that to share with the group on one of the nights. It’s a nice way to get the group chatting and a nice, sweet treat for everyone.
Don’t forget to tip your guides. Lead guide should usually get around R150 per person per night and back up guide should get about R100 per person per night. SANParks Rangers don’t get paid a lot so every bit of appreciation makes a difference.
Anything Else?
For an unforgettable wilderness adventure, the Mphongolo Backpack Trail is one of the best ways to experience the Kruger National Park like never before. Are you ready to trade the crowds for the call of the wild?
Plus, with your supply of Trail Food conveniently and lightly packed in your backpack, you’ll have no worries about whether you’ve packed enough or too many hiking meals. Have fun on your adventure!
A big thank you to Paul Slyer from PAW Safaris for his images.
If you have an epic hike or trail to share, or if there are any corrections or updates that you would like to suggest to this trail guide, please email
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