Walk among the Big 5 and connect with the African bushveld even more intimately than before. Walking trails are an amazing way to augment the wildlife experience and interact with the finer details of nature in a way that is not always possible from the comfort of a safari vehicle.

The Royal Malewane guides have carefully designed several trails that cater to every level of fitness, covering varied habitats, and offering great potential to view wildlife on foot. Very few lodges are able to offer such walks due to the additional qualifications required to lead them. Each of the Royal Malewane rangers is well qualified to lead walking trails.

Not only doing walking trails give a different perspective to the African bush and unique insights into animal behaviour but they also reduce our impact on the environment and are a great way to exercise and build an appetite for the treats that await back at the lodge.

Starting from Royal Malewane, the Marula Trail meanders along ancient elephant paths and through stands of giant Marula trees. Trailists pass several hidden watering holes before ending at ‘Aloe Ridge’, with magnificent vistas of the Drakensberg mountain range. Here refreshments can be enjoyed before a short game drive back to camp.

Duration: +- 1hour 30min

The Tamboti Trail runs between Royal Malewane and The Farmstead and can be walked in either direction. Primordial game trails take one through varied terrain from Tamboti tree thickets to open grassland and a large watering hole. Enjoy a refreshing drink, or a bite to eat at either lodge before returning back to your lodge via a game drive vehicle.

Duration: +- 2hours

Heading north-west from Royal Malewane, the Saffron Trail takes one past a secret grove of beautiful Impala-Lilies (flowering in the winter months). One can enjoy a rest at Mhloti dam, one of the larger bodies of water on our concession and well known for its productive animal viewing. The circular route then takes one back to the starting point at camp.

Duration: 2 – 3hours

Please note that the minimum walking age of participants across all walking trails is 16 years old.

Being on foot in the African bush is exhilarating, but can also be somewhat daunting. The safety of our guests and our wildlife is of utmost importance.

All our guides at Royal Malewane hold, as a minimum, a professional trails guide certification. This qualification is obtained after the culmination of extensive experience and a host of related qualifications, which include:

• An Advanced Rifle Handling qualification
• Advanced Wilderness First Aid qualification
• A Level 2 Tracker qualification
• 600 Hours of active guiding on foot
• 300 encounters of potentially dangerous animals on foot

To book the Four-Night Trails Package contact our expert reservations team here.