It’s great to see reserves innovate in walking safaris, and a new activity at Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is a prime example.
The reserve has just introduced guided backpacking trails, with hikers spending a night in a cave overlooking Bushman’s River. Guests supply all their own kit and food and the camp has camp beds, chairs and a portaloo.
Guests need to be at the Amakhala Conservation Centre by 11AM, and will be back at their car by 12PM the next day. Each day the walks take about 4 hours, and the terrain is not too challenging.
The trial is designed for groups of four, and costs R950 per person, plus the R70 conservation levy. If you don’t fancy cooking, they’ll even provide the camp meals for an additional R200 per person. The minimum age of 16.
It looks like a great offer to us, and as far as we know, this is the only opportunity to backpack in a big game reserve anywhere in the Cape. If you know of any others, please leave a comment below.