Ultimate Kruger Walking Safari

Arrive in Maseke Balule Game Reserve, where your Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails adventure begins. Settle into your tented accommodation and enjoy lunch, followed by a safety briefing. In the afternoon, your first walk in bush commences, all accompanied by armed rangers and guides. You are walking in the unfenced Balule Game Reserve, an open wilderness in Greater Kruger. There are no fences between us and the Kruger National Park, ensuring the wildlife in this region is prolific. Your accommodation for the 3 night trail is a dome tent with comfortable mattresses and en suite facilities with hot water bucket showers. At night there will be rangers with lit fires to keep the camp safe.

Wake up early for a walk through riverine areas, where elephant, hippo, and birdlife are often seen. Your guide shares insights into nocturnal activity, explaining how predators and prey interact and leave traces. Most days follow a similar pattern but in different locations and environments: Wake early with a hot drink and snack and then set out walking in the coolest part of the day for 3-4 hours. Arrive at a brunch set up for a feast and siesta in the shade. From here you’ll take a shorter walk to the next camp that has been set up (with your luggage transported to the next camp). In the late afternoon a safari vehicle will take you out for a sundowner before heading back for dinner cooked on the fire.

After a light breakfast, set out for a 3-4 hour guided walk through the Balule reserve. Your guide will interpret animal tracks, point out unique plants, and you’ll be on the lookout for some of the larger mammals found in the area. The guides walk this reserve weekly and so are experts in finding lion, elephant and buffalo on foot and observing them safely. Being out on foot and finding a fresh lion footprint and then tracking and finding that animal is one of the most incredible wildlife experiences you can have in the bush. Once you have spent time like this on a walking safari; a normal game drive will never be the same for you. 

Start your last morning in Maseke Balule with a guided walk, tracking fresh signs left overnight by wildlife. Return to Chacma Bush Camp for a hearty breakfast before packing up for your transfer and flight up to Pafuri Camp in the Makuleke Concession, northern Kruger. This concession is managed in partnership with the Makuleke community and during your trip you will learn about the people from this part of South Africa.  A short walk along the Luvuvhu River introduces you to the lush surroundings. Dinner is served under the stars, with the sounds of the river as a backdrop. Share stories around the campfire, experiencing the transition from the rugged Maseke Balule to the culturally rich Pafuri.

Rise early to explore the Makuleke Concession’s varied landscapes, from towering baobabs to verdant riverine forests. Track large mammals like elephants and buffalo while your guide shares stories about the Makuleke community’s unique conservation approach. Focus on smaller wonders like birds, insects, and plants, gaining a holistic understanding of this special area. As you start the trail you explore the concession and stay at two different walking camps – Hutwini Camp and Nakula Camp. Both are only used by guests on walking trails so you won’t see any vehicles whilst you’re here.

Start the morning with a walk to Lanner Gorge, where the Luvuvhu River carves its path through ancient sandstone cliffs, revealing stunning geological formations. Take in the panoramic views, scanning the skies for Verreaux’s eagles gliding gracefully overhead. After a satisfying lunch, explore the Thulamela ruins, an ancient stone-walled settlement rich with the cultural history of the Makuleke people. Your guide will share stories of the land’s past, from Stone Age artefacts to the community’s conservation efforts. Return to camp for dinner around the fire, embracing the peaceful evening atmosphere. Under the expansive night sky, the warmth of the fire completes the day’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Start the day with a guided walk through the Ramsar Wetlands, where elephants, buffalo, and a variety of bird species can often be seen. The seasonal pans act as essential water sources during the dry season, providing support to a wide range of plant and animal life. Your guide will explain the intricate relationships between water, vegetation, and wildlife, showing how each element contributes to the balance of this ecosystem. Return to camp for a final, leisurely brunch, soaking in the atmosphere of your last day. Afterward, pack up for the transfer back down to Hoedspruit taking with you memories of the Makuleke people’s stories and the experiences of Africa’s wild landscapes.

As with all our itineraries on our site, this is just a suggestion so can understand the type of trip we can create exclusively for you. On return to Hoedspruit you could travel onwards to the beach in Mozambique for some well deserved rest after your adventure in the Kruger. Or you could continue your exploration of Southern Africa by heading up to Vic Falls or down to Cape Town – again these are all just ideas – you can do as you please.

Photo credits – Return Africa, Africa on Foot.