The Kruger Trail

The entire length of the full trail is approximately 650 kilometres. This distance gets divided into six legs, and each leg varies between 100km and 120km in total length.

Participants can expect to walk across rough terrain for about 15km to 25km per day.

You will also need to carry a, possibly heavy, backpack and walk long distances in extreme heat (although you likely won’t walk during the hottest time of day), and along difficult terrain.

There are no dedicated trails or markers, so the trail mostly consists of bushwalking and walking on animal trails.

The organisers recommend that participants go on a multiday backpacking route before embarking on The Kruger Trail since the trail is much tougher than regular backpacking trails in the Kruger National Park.

You won’t need any climbing skills since the route isn’t a technically challenging one.

The trail is challenging, so you will need to be fit and be a strong walker.

The minimum age is 16.

Those older than 65 need to present a doctor’s certificate to the lead guide to indicate that they can participate.

If you are fit and physically and mentally prepared for the trail, age shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

You will need to carry your own packs for the duration of the trail.

All water on The Kruger Trail comes from natural sources in the Kruger National Park, such as rivers, dams, and fountains. Since water can be limited in Kruger, it is a significant factor in the planning of the trail, and you’ll need to use whatever water you can get.

You should definitely take a lightweight, quality water filter (i.e. the Sawyer mini) and water purifying drops (not pills).

Participants should carry between four and five litres of water per day. Although the group usually sleeps at a water source, there will be days when you don’t come across any water during the day, so you’ll need to rely on what you have with you.

Should exceptional circumstances exist where there is no water available, the guides will arrange for a water drop.

• You’ll carry everything you need since the trail is unsupported. There are no ablution facilities or campsites, and you will sleep in the bush. Whenever you reach an area with enough water availability, you will be able to bathe (using bio-degradable soap) or swim.

• When nature calls, you’ll have to dig a hole and burn the toilet paper to leave no trace in the natural environment.

• Each participant carries their own small tent. Tents are compulsory since they offer safety by protecting you from the elements and animals by creating a visual barrier.

• All equipment and backpacks have to be stored in your tent at night. No one sleeps outside the tents, and nobody stands guard during the night (as you would typically find on a primitive trail).

Each group has two Trails Guides (who are Honorary Rangers) to lead them and to ensure the group’s safety.

SANParks’s Honorary Rangers is a not-for-profit organisation, so all profit that gets generated from The Kruger Trail goes towards conservation activities in South Africa’s national parks.