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The glorious adventure of camping-out in this remote wilderness, at the edge
of pans and river courses whilst listening to the night sounds of the
African bush, will imbue you with the spirit of pioneers gone by,
Night before Trail Departs
- Trailists are required to arrange their own accommodation for the
Saturday night before the trail begins at a location that will allow
sufficient time to get to the meeting point no later than 08h00.
- Suggested accommodation/camping options that allow for this are:
Trail Meeting Point and Departure Time
- The trail departs every Sunday at 08h30 from Pafuri picnic site in
Kruger National Park.
- Our Lead Guide meets trailists at the Pafuri picnic site at no later
than 08h00 on the morning of departure for a briefing, before the convoy
sets off on the 30 minute drive to the Pafuri border post.
- We adhere strictly to these times as the first day involves around
7,5 hours of driving and border formalities.
- In Moçambique sunset is around 17h15 in winter so timings are
planned to ensure that we reach Mamba Pan campsite with sufficient
daylight in which to comfortably set up camp.
Trail Routing
- The trail crosses the border into Moçambique at the Pafuri border
post where it officially starts in Parque Nacional do Limpopo.
- We allow one hour for the border formalities on both the South
African and Moçambiquan sides
- From here it is a six hour drive, following the Limpopo river,
en-route to our first wilderness campsite at Mamba Pan.
- This timing allows for stops for: lunch (30 min); at the fever tree
forest and enormous Baobab; the Limpopo river-view site; a shop in the
rural village of Mapai to stock-up on, amongst other goodies, a supply
of 2M beer; then finally at the PNL entrance gate, before arriving at
Mamba Pan camp site at about 16h00 to set up camp for your first night
in this remote wilderness.
- For the next three days, the track winds deeper into the Park,
exploring the pan system in the unique sandveld of the eastern section
of Parque Nacional do Limpopo or the Shingwedzi river valley before
crossing the Shingwedzi and Buala Rivers.
- Your last night in the wilderness will be spent on the plateau of
the Lebombo mountain range, and then it’s on to the Giriyondo border
post, where the trail ends, before crossing the border back into Kruger
National Park.
Location
- Located in Parque Nacional do Limpopo, the 1,1 million hectare
Moçambique sector of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, adjacent to
Kruger National Park.
- Trail participants meet at the Pafuri picnic site and travel in
convoy to the Pafuri border post from where the trail commences.
- Trail traverses Parque Nacional do Limpopo travelling from north to
south through wilderness areas into which game has been released from
Kruger National Park
- The fence between the two National Parks has been partially removed
in this area but is scheduled for complete removal by 2010. As a
consequence no repair work is being done and animals move freely through
the holes in the fence line.
Trail Overview
- The Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail offers an unforgettable five night six
day 4x4 adventure through a remote wilderness area.
- Maximum of 6 participant 4x4 vehicles each with a maximum of 4
people.
- Trails are led by an experienced guide in his own vehicle.
- Participating vehicles are provided with hand-held radio
communication to enable participants to communicate with the guide and
one another on matters of interest.
- The trail provides a unique pioneering opportunity to explore the
tracks and wilderness of Moçambique’s Parque Nacional do Limpopo.
- The convoy makes regular stops for environmental, historical and
cultural interpretation or to share special experiences and photographic
opportunities.
- The trail is aimed at true bush lovers and ones who enjoy the
wilderness and is not designed as an obstacle course or endurance test.
Weather Conditions
- Conditions during the summer months can be very hot and humid with
temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.
- Winter nights can be very chilly with temperatures dropping to
around 6 degrees.
- Participants on the trail must be well prepared for the climatic
conditions and should be reasonably fit.
Child policy
- Regrettably, when all places on a trail are not booked by a single
group, children under the age of 10 may not participate.
Safety Policy
- The general rules and regulations of Parque Nacional do Limpopo and
Kruger National Park apply to our guests.
- Trailists depend on the trails guide for their safety and for
guidance. For their own safety and that of the other trailists, the
instructions of the guide should be obeyed at all times. Failure to
co-operate in this respect could lead to the immediate cancellation of
the trail.
- For reasons of safety and sensitivity, excessive consumption of
liquor is strongly discouraged. Liquor may only be consumed at the
overnight campsites.
Malaria
- Parque Nacional do Limpopo is located in a Malaria area.
- MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ARE ESSENTIAL. Trailists should consult their
doctor or chemist.
Indemnity
- The Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail is located in Big 5 territory and
overnight camps are unfenced.
- The trail takes place in an area populated by wild animals and
whilst it is accompanied by a guide it nevertheless carries the risk of
injury or death
- In light of the exposed nature of the Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail
trailists must complete an indemnity form. Minors must be in possession
of an indemnity form signed by a parent or legal guardian. These forms
must be signed in the presence of the Trails Guide.
Trails price includes
- Professional 4x4 guide with lead vehicle equipped with a satellite
phone
- Camping fees for exclusive wilderness campsites
- Two-way radio communication between vehicles
Trails price excludes
- Parque Nacional do Limpopo entrance fees.
- Kruger National Park conservation fees.
- Moçambique border fees.
- Moçambique visa fee (not required for South African citizens).
- Items of a personal nature e.g. curios, gratuities, etc.
- Personal insurance: medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.
Non- or late arrival
- The trail takes place in Moçambique and customs and immigration
procedures have to be followed at Pafuri border post (see General
Information sheet for operating hours).
- Any person not in possession of the necessary travel documents on
arrival at the border post will not be able to accompany the trail but
will be liable for and will forfeit the full trail fee.
- This forfeiture also applies to all persons who by virtue of their
late arrival are unable to accompany the trail. No refund of the trail
fee will be made.
Payments
- Payments for gratuities etc may be made in Rands, Meticais, US$ or
Euros.
Cancellation Policy
- Within 120 to 61 days of arrival, 33.3% forfeiture of total booking
value.
- Within 60 days of arrival, 100% forfeiture of total booking value
Access to the Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail meeting point at Pafuri
picnic site
- By road from South Africa, through Kruger National Park to Pafuri
picnic site from:
- Pafuri gate: 25 km (approx 45 min)
- Punda Maria camp: 64 km (approx 1,5 hrs)
- Shingwedzi camp: 97 km (approx 2,5 hrs) This camp is only an
option for the night before the start of a trail during October to
March when Kruger National Park’s camp gates open at 05h30.
- By road from Maputo via Macia, Chokwe and Massingir:
- Distance from Maputo to Massingir is 400km (approx 5,0 hrs)
- From Park gate at Massingir to Giriyondo is 80km (approx 2,0
hrs)
- From Giriyondo to Shingwedzi camp is 115 km (approx 3,0 hrs)
- From Giriyondo to Punda Maria camp is 180 km (approx 5,0 hrs)
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Road is:
- Good tar from Maputo to Chokwe
- Potholed tar from Chokwe to Massingir.
- Massingir to Giriyondo is gravel (currently being upgraded)
and traveling is done through a National Park with speed limit
of 40km/h.
- Giriyondo to Punda Maria is 25 km gravel and the balance is
good tar. Travelling is through a National Park with speed limit
varying between 40-50km/h
- It is possible, albeit a long journey, providing departure from
Maputo is no later than 07h00 to reach Shingwedzi camp in Kruger
National Park as a pre-trail overnight destination (for the October
to March period) from Maputo in around 11 hours, allowing for park
entry and border formalities.
Disclaimer
Whilst every endeavour is made to adhere to the trail description set out
above, our trails are conducted in remote wilderness areas and occasionally
circumstances in the park or prevailing weather conditions, over which we
have no control, may arise. We reserve the right to amend the routing,
location of campsites, distances travelled etc of any specific trail or
trails and the guide’s decision in this regard is final. If this happens on
a trail on which you are a participant we would appreciate your
understanding.
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Wildlife
- Parque Nacional do Limpopo is making good progress in recovering
from the ravages of many years of civil war in Moçambique. Trained
rangers and an effective anti-poaching programme ensure that wildlife
numbers in the Park are ever-increasing.
- Large tracts of fence-line between Kruger National Park and Parque
Nacional do Limpopo have been removed which allows for the natural
movement of game between the two Parks.
- In addition Parque Nacional do Limpopo has been re-stocked with game
over the past few years in a joint programme with Kruger National Park
and many young are being produced.
- Sightings of animals previously thought to be extinct such as wild
dog, cheetah and black rhino are recorded on a regular basis.
- Trailists therefore have every prospect of encountering a variety of
wildlife in addition to excellent bird sightings on the journey.
- Each night offers the prospect of its own special experience, from
the sun setting over the Lebombos, to the call of a fish eagle in the
riverine forest, the possibility of elephant trumpeting amongst the
mopane or the roar of lion as they prowl the bush.
- Gathered around the camp fire trailists prepare their own meals and
then head off to the shelter of their tents to be lulled to sleep by the
sounds of the night.
Ethos of the trail
- The purpose of the Shingwedzi 4x4 eco-trail is to afford trailists
an intimate encounter with the wild-side of this remote area. Your guide
will, within reason, adjust the pace of the journey to accommodate the
group’s interests but trailists are reminded that the distances and
topography of the area are challenging. Remember too that “the sun waits
for no-one” and setting up camp in the dark is not ideal.
- You are embarking on a “wilderness experience” and the privilege of
encountering special game viewing moments needs to be mentioned. The
concentration of game at the present time is not what you might
experience in Kruger National Park and remembering the vastness of
Parque Nacional do Limpopo - which at one million hectares is half the
size of Kruger National Park – sightings of game are understandably rare
and a source of great excitement, particularly if it’s one of the Big 5,
as such sightings are often exclusive to those who happen to be there at
that precise moment
- It is the holistic experience of travelling through this remote area,
feeling its solitude and witnessing its recovery that will imbue you
with the spirit of “bygone pioneers”.
Border Formalities
- South African citizens require a valid passport but do not require a
visa to enter Moçambique. A border fee is payable on entry. This can be
paid in cash in rands.
- Non South African visitors to Moçambique should ensure that they
have a valid passport. The necessary tourist visa for entering
Moçambique is obtainable at the border post.
- Vehicle ownership papers are required, without which it will not be
possible to cross into Moçambique.
- In the event of a financed or hire vehicle being used for the trail
it is necessary to have a “cross border” letter of permission from the
relevant bank or vehicle hire company.
Vehicle Types and Insurance
- The terrain is such that it is suited only to off-road 4x4 vehicles,
off-road trailers or off-road caravans.
- Vehicles must be equipped with low range transmission and have good
ground clearance.
- 4x4 “soft roaders” or vehicles with low profile tyres are not
suitable.
- Vehicles should be given a long distance service before the trail.
- Please ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for your
vehicle and equipment whilst in Moçambique.
- It is not a requirement that you have Moçambique Third Party for
your vehicle so long as you don’t exit Parque Nacional do Limpopo into
the rest of Moçambique.
Campsites
- Campsites are unfenced and located in the bush.
- Rustic ablution facilities are only available on the first and third
night of the trail.
- No water is provided for cooking or drinking.
- Water is available only at the first and third night stops for you
to refill your tanks, however:
- this cannot be guaranteed owing to the possibility of elephant
or other damage
- this water is not suitable for drinking
- Should you need to replenish fixed water tanks in your vehicle at
one of the camps you will require a 30 m hosepipe.
Equipment and supplies
- No camping equipment is supplied.
- Trailists must for safety considerations sleep in a tent.
- Trailists must be totally self sufficient for the duration of the
trail. This includes all fuel, food, water, firewood, camping gear,
cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery etc.
- No waste may be burned or left in the Park therefore you should have
strong plastic bags available to manage waste effectively.
Beverages
- It is highly recommend that trailists have water purification
tablets, in addition to a supply of drinking water, to meet their
individual needs.
- Trail participants need to cater for their own beverage requirements
(see general information sheet re. import duties). Moçambique beer and
cooldrinks are available for purchase from one of the village shops on
the first day.
Clothing and footwear
- Clothing should be comfortable and durable.
- Neutral colours such as khaki are preferable. Light coloured
garments such as whites and creams should be avoided.
- T-shirts are not ideal as they provide little protection against the
sun on the neck.
- A hat or cap and an all-weather jacket are important items.
- A tracksuit, either woollen or lightweight, depending on the season,
is useful.
- Footwear should be worn-in if possible, have thick soles and provide
good ankle support.
What to take (checklist):
- It is important to remember that participants have to be totally
self-sufficient on the Shingwedzi 4x4 Eco-Trail.
- Please also remember that temperatures in the summer months can be
around 40 degrees and you should take account of this when planning your
menus. The items below are suggested as a check list:
- Camping equipment:
- Tent, tent pegs and hammer, or rooftop tent
- Ground sheet, rake, spade and broom
- Camping or inflatable mattress (and pump)
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Towels
- Portable shower
- 1 gas/paraffin lamp
- 2 litres paraffin (for a paraffin lamp)
- 2 powerful torches (+ extra batteries)
- Gas stove/cooker, handy braai and gas bottle (x2)
- Gas utility spares and mantles
- 3-legged braai stand and grid
- Wood for 5 nights (you need to supply your own)
- Firelighters
- Matches
- Fire extinguisher
- 2 x 25-litre containers filled with water for washing
- 30 m hosepipe to fill fixed water tanks, if necessary
- Refrigerator or cool box (for ice and meat)
- Cooking pot and kettle
- Hot water flask
- Folding table and chairs
- Cutlery and crockery
- Mugs and glasses
- Wooden spoon, can opener, egg lifter, cutting knife and bottle
opener (for the wine!)
- Wooden carving board
- Table cloth
- Paper towels and serviettes
- Medium-sized plastic bowl for washing dishes
- Wash and drying cloth
- Pot scourer and dishwashing liquid
- Refuse bags (strong plastic)
- Folding toilet chair (recommended)
- Small folding spade for digging a hole when nature calls
- Toilet paper
- Food and Beverages
- Food and beverages (sufficient for 5 nights + some spare)
- Drinking water (ensure sufficient, especially during summer)
- General
- Road maps
- GPS (if you have one)
- Satellite phone (if you have one)
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Reference books (mammals/trees/birds)
- Appropriate clothing
- Hat/cap
- Raincoat
- Toiletries/First Aid
- Personal toiletries
- Small plastic bowl for washing
- Malaria tablets
- Insect repellent (aerosol/lotion)
- Water purification tablets
- Personal medication
- Antihistamine ointment and tabs
- Eye drops
- Paracetamol
- Stingose
- Cotton wool/gauze
- Scissors and tweezers
- Bandages and plasters
- Vehicle
- Enough fuel for 600 km (Add 25% for towing)
- Radiator grille net as protection against grass seeds & scratch
protection shields
- Off-road recovery kit
- Toolbox which should have the necessary spanners, sockets etc.
- Wheel bearing kit (trailer)
- Nuts and bolts
- Puncture repair kit
- Spare globes
- Electrical terminals
- Tie-down straps
- Fuses
- Epoxy glue
- Prestik
- Lighter-type socket (to power the two–way radio charger)
- Convoy sizes and Departure Dates
- Departure of the Shingwedzi 4x4 eco-trail is scheduled each
Sunday of the year.
- Convoy size for scheduled departures is limited to 6 vehicles
carrying a maximum of 4 people.
- Trails are guaranteed to depart if a minimum of 3 vehicles are
booked or paid for.
- Groups of more than 6 vehicles wanting flexible departure dates
and a shorter or longer number of trail days can be accommodated on
request.
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