Primitive Trails

A standard primitive trail is usually three nights and four days. However, you can arrange to have trails that last up to six nights, and Fraser Gear leads a fabulous new trail in Mozambique that is nine nights!

It all depends on whom you are going with and the group you are going with.

Your most significant considerations in determining the difficulty rating of a primitive trail depend on things like your backpack weight, the temperature (specifically heat), and access to water. It’s always best to check with your guides to discuss the terrain you will cover.

For example, Lowveld Trails’ Makuya Primitive Trail has some scrambling over large rocks and boulders along the Luvuvu river.

You need to be reasonably fit to enjoy your primitive trail. Although most of the trails in the Lowveld area are relatively flat, you will need to account for carrying your pack, walking in the heat, and having limited water.

Most companies typically have a minimum age limit of 12 and what might be referred to as an upper recommended age of between anything from 60 to 70.

That said, if you are up front and honest about your general physical well-being and can provide a letter from your doctor stating that you are in good health and capable of undertaking the trail, then depending on company and reserve policy their maximum age limit could potentially be waived.

Key health concerns to make your guides aware of might include any of the following: 

• Heart condition 
• Obesity 
• Epilepsy 
• Back issues 
• Hypertension 
• Knee issues

Maximum numbers for a group usually consist of eight participants and two guides. Typically, the group size cannot be less than six participants plus guides because of the need to cover the watch periods at night.

It’s self-carry (of everything).

Nature! Your accommodation is right under the stars, on the ground, and as close as you can get to all the sounds of the outdoors. Try to include a bivy bag in your pack (some trail companies will provide these), as these really help to keep the moisture and dew off you and your sleeping bag.

Water is one of the most significant limiting factors on a trail. If you run out of water or if something goes wrong with your water container, you risk becoming a liability to yourself and the rest of your group.

We recommend that you carry between 2ℓ-3ℓ of water. However, this amount depends on the time of year and the location of your trail, as those determine both the temperature and whether you might have access to rivers.

Depending on the trail, location, and the time of year, you might be able to get water from the river, dig for water in a river bed, or you might need to rely on water caches. You may not necessarily always have to carry 3ℓ of water all the time. Preferably carry your water in more than one container (it’s always good to have a backup).

Trails Guide Brenden Pienaar from Lowveld Trails spoke to us about using hydration packs (bladders) on primitive trails. He says, “I’ve seen them fail too many times. Punctures, pops, leaks, valve failure, mouthpiece failure, etc, etc. The simpler the container, the less can go wrong. This is my personal opinion though.”

So, although a bladder might be a super convenient option, it could become a disaster if you’re suddenly left without water and a drenched sleeping bag.

Our advice is to definitely take one or the other if not both – it’s always better to be safe than sorry. We prefer a water filter and have an MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter.

Lutz Otto from Spirited Adventures suggests using products without a chlorine base and taste testing them before trail. His recommended product is Aqua Salveo.

If you don’t like the taste of the water on the trail, sachets of electrolyte drinks or drinks like Game are often helpful in disguising the taste of water.

Collapsible buckets or portable showers are great for collecting and storing water from the source while at camp – especially for washing up, brushing your teeth, and having water at night. Although, if you use the Trail Food Co.’s fabulous cook-in bags, you won’t need to wash up any pots (just saying)!

Zip. Zero. Nada. And that’s the beauty of it! The aim is to experience nature and to leave it undisturbed.

Each trail group will carry a small spade to dig holes to get rid of bodily waste.

Toilet paper typically gets burned after use.

Participants will need to complete indemnity forms. Most trails companies will have a range of insurances and policies with SATIB, which includes comprehensive Public Liability cover and a Medivac plan. This insurance also covers international guests. The companies also usually have satellite phones or two-way radios for emergency communication.