The Covid-19 travel regulations have been lifted and South Africans can enjoy their domestic travel once again. Although the country has moved to Alert level 1, and travellers should still observe the travel regulations, there has never been a better time to explore all there is to love and enjoy about South Africa.
Evan Sparks, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Afritrails (a centralized platform, providing real-time bookings of overnight hiking trails in SA) says travellers should maximise on the last warm days before winter, and the Easter weekend gives them that opportunity.
Sparks continues, “During Alert level 3, which was re-implemented in December 2020, travellers were not allowed to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches, rivers, dams and public parks. The Easter weekend will allow such travellers to enjoy what they could not enjoy under Alert level 3.
Here are the five trails to book for the Easter weekend:
THE AMATOLA TRAIL
Found near a small town in the Eastern Cape, Hogsback, the Amatola Trail is an amazing hike that is commonly viewed as the toughest and best hiking trail in South Africa. With a length of a 100 km, the trail starts at Maden Dam and finishes in Hogsback. The hikes are six days and five nights long, with you sleeping in a hut every night, walking an average time of seven hours per day and covering distances between 14-20 km.
If you are a fan of hiking, exploring and observing nature, you will definitely enjoy the Amatola trail experience as you walk through the rain forest, mountains, and pass many waterfalls, fields, pools, and lookouts.
MOSAMANE TRAIL
The Mosamane Hiking Trail is not too difficult and is suitable for both adults and children over the age of 12, making for a great family activity.
Located in the Free State, this 8-kilometer-long trail starts on Beatrix farm near Rosendal, a converted barn where hikers wanting to spend the night or weekend are accommodated.
As you travel through the grasslands and dongas, you will see streams and waterfalls that run off the rocks and wildflowers that bloom in spring. This shady trail will be thoroughly enjoyed by all who take part.
MPHONGOLO TRAIL
Situated in the Kruger National Park, the Mphongolo Trail is the perfect fit for backpackers. It starts from Shingwedzi Camp and takes place in the large wilderness area between the Shingwedzi and Mphongolo rivers.
The trail stretches over four days and three nights, allowing its participants to spend their nights in this wilderness area without having the constraints of having to get to the next point or of following a set route.
Guests are expected to provide their own camping equipment and food for the duration of the trail as there are no overnight huts on this trail.
CHOKKA TRAIL
The Chokka Trail is a diverse coastal hike in the greater St Francis area (Oyster Bay, St Francis and Cape St Francis) of the Eastern Cape.
On this trail, hikers will encounter fishermen’s footpaths, jeep tracks, a dune field, coastal forest and thicket as well as the rugged coastline around the south-easternmost point of Africa. In addition, hikers will pay a visit to Port St Francis, a working harbour and home to the Chokka fleet, where they do calamari tasting, as well as a sunset cruise on the famous St Francis canals.
The hike is four days and three nights and is ideal for novice and older hikers. It is guided by the owner on day two, three and four, fully catered for and includes luggage transfers.
BASE CAMP TRAIL
Located in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, in KwaZulu-Natal, the Base Camp Trail is a four days and three nights’ hike.
Hikers will be given a true South African experience of sleeping in the African bush, walking in the untouched wilderness area and have the opportunity of close up sightings and encounters with the ‘Big Five’ and other wild animals.
Throughout this trail, hikers are accompanied by an armed trails officer and a field ranger, who will guide and protect them on their ventures but will also ensure that their experience is all-encompassing as they part their knowledge about the land and history of the region.
“We expect a lot of travellers during the Easter period to make up for the missed travel opportunities in the past three months. As such, travellers should make their travel arrangements now to avoid missing out on the places they wish to visit”, concludes Sparks.
Pictures: Supplied
