The school holidays are upon us and children will be looking for fun activities and spending quality time with family.
Hiking trails are one of the best options to get into the holiday spirit with family.
Ostriches photographed along the Bushbuck Hill Trail.
Managing Director of Afri-trails, Evan Sparks, suggests going on trails for families who are looking into hiking over the school break.
‘Exploring beautiful Trails with the family while bonding and solving problems strengthens family bonds, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime,’ says Sparks.
Trails to visit across South Africa
Blue Wildebeest Hiking Trail – Mpumalanga: At daytime, you are likely to come across blue wildebeest and many other antelope while nights can be spent with stories told next to crackling fires under impeccable, star-filled skies. This fascinating trail passes through pristine grassland, up unspoilt ridges, down gorges, along beautiful streams, past gushing waterfalls with natural rock pools for swimming as well as rock formations and ancient ruins. The trail accommodates a maximum of 12 people, so you can even go out with your extended family.
Base Camp Trail – KwaZulu-Natal: The Base Camp in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is particularly attractive because of the ‘Big Five’ South African experience and the vast wilderness. Families can engage and educate their young ones about the animals while accompanied by armed trail officer and field ranger to guide and armed trail officers to protect them on these exciting ventures such as star gazing, birding, camping and wildlife.
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The Baviaans Camino trail – Eastern-cape: The Baviaans Camino is located in the north-south traverse of the Baviaanskloof Mountains and Kouga Mountain Range. This five-night mountain experience involves horse hides while admiring the breathtaking landscapes on horseback.
Cadeu Adventurous Trails – Western Cape: These incredible trails in the heart of Tsitsikama National Park wind through Fynbos, dreamlike coastal forest, along the rocky shoreline of the Indian Ocean and a short section of Pine plantation. This pure hiking experience is ideal for families that love nature and coastal views.
Cannibal Trail – Free State: The legendary Cannibal hiking trail in St Fort farm, in the Free State is well marked, taking you through varying landscapes, from breathtaking mountain views, overhanging caves, to river walks with numerous picnic spots, forest ambles and boulder hopping in and along the gorges. The most amazing part about this trail is a night spent in a well-equipped cave surrounded by historic rock art.
Bushbuck Hill Trail – North West: Bushbuck Hills is an exotic game farm, situated in a series of hills surrounding the North-West town of Swartruggens. This hill is perfect for a family outing since there are no dangerous animals. There is an abundance of bird species, wildlife and flora offering magnificent spotting opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
Makuya Slacking Trail – Limpopo: The Makuya Reserve is situated in the north-east of South Africa and is unfenced on the western side of the Kruger National Park. Their captivating reserve is home to a diverse bird family and there is also an opportunity to see the alluring Big 5. The slackpacking trail is all-inclusive with all items being transported to the next location making the route a lot easier.
The Klipspringer Trail – Northern Cape: The Klipspringer is at the core of Augrabies Falls National Park. The fascinating falls and gorge have existed for over a million years. In addition, hiking amongst succulents, rodents and reptiles makes it a spectacular experience.
Ezemvelo Trail – Gauteng: Ezemvelo Nature Reserve is on the periphery of Bronkhorstspruit and holds the hidden beauty of Gauteng where you can escape for the weekend with your family to enjoy the bushveld and wildlife.
PICTURE: Supplied
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