Primitive Trail in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi

The Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Primitive Trail comes close to how humans have experienced the bush in big game country for aeons – sleeping under the stars and taking turns at the night watch by a low fire.

This trail has three- and four-night options and hikers carry everything they need, choose their campsite for the night and leave no trace. Distances on the Primitive Trail can be up to 20 kilometres in a day, and on a four-night trail hikers must be prepared to carry over 20 kilograms. Tents are not used, and the trail is fully catered, with guides and guests sharing cooking duties. If necessary, backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping mats will be supplied, at no additional cost. When booking, participants will be asked to indicate what they need, but it’s better to bring your own gear if you have it. If rain is forecast, a tarpaulin is carried to be rigged between trees. Water is collected from springs or rivers, and guests are advised to bring purification drops. It’s a good idea to bring a swimsuit for river bathing.

This trail has a minimum booking requirement of six people in order to facilitate the night watch safely. It runs every week from mid-February to early December. 

Participants should check in at Mpila Resort by 09:30. Before the start of the trail, the food and utensils are shared out for each member of the group to carry. As with other Ezemvelo trails, participants drive themselves the seven kilometres from Mpila to Mndindini Trails Camp following the guide vehicle.

The guides have 8–10 favoured camping locations close to water sources, and they will select a location depending on the ability of the group and the weather conditions. The group may move to a new camp each night, or stay in the same spot for a couple of nights.  Cooking is done over a campfire by the guides, and participants are expected to help with preparing the food, washing dishes and pots, and digging for water when necessary. 

On the final day the group will be back at their cars at Mndindini by 10:00 at the latest.

• Meals
• Guiding
• Backpacks, mats, and sleeping bags if needed

• Park conservation fees
• Gratuities