Lebombo Eco Overland Trail

The Lebombo Eco Overland Trail is a 5-day outdoor adventure for 4x4 vehicles covering a great part of the Kruger National Park in northern South Africa. Commonly known as the “wilderness experience on wheels”, the Overland Trail follows the eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park along the Lebombo hills from the extreme South (Crocodile River) to the extreme North (Pafuri Gate). This Trail is rated as the best eco-trail in Southern Africa due to the diversity of the fauna and flora encountered en route.

Experienced, professional guides act as trail leaders and will interpret the eco-zones and trail crosses, at regular intervals. Although it is not strictly speaking a 4x4 challenge, road conditions vary from reasonably good to a few places with steep inclines and muddy patches where guests are asked to engage in 4x4. Without 4x4 capabilities, wheels might spin and the road might be damaged. Therefore only 4 x 4 vehicles and only genuine off-road trailers or caravans are allowed.

The trail departs from Crocodile Bridge every Sunday and ends at Pafuri on a Thursday during the dry season from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, after which the rainy season normally commences. Please note that the route may be closed completely after heavy rains. The route covers a distance of over 500 km.

Only 5 vehicles are allowed on a trail at one time to ensure that the environment is not unduly affected and to afford groups some exclusivity. A ranger from the park, who leads the convoy in his own vehicle, accompanies each group. Regular stops are made by the ranger to interpret aspects within the environment or to share special experiences. Usually, three camps are visited whilst driving up North to refuel, replenish food supplies and to allow tourists the opportunity to shower!

All participants have to complete an indemnity form before embarking on the trail. These forms should be handed to the trail ranger before departing on the trail. The general rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park also apply to trailists. Trailists depend on the trail ranger for their safety and for guidance. Failure to co-operate with your trail ranger could lead to the immediate cancellation of the trail. For safety and ethical reasons excessive consumption of liquor is strongly discouraged.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Access to the trail, and an experienced trail ranger as your guide.

Clients are required to drive their own vehicles, cater food and beverages for themselves and to carry their own equipment. Guests also need to bring their own firewood and water. At each of the campsites there is a drum for ash but each vehicle needs to carry their own rubbish until it can be disposed of at one of the camps. A maximum of 4 persons per vehicle is allowed.

Malaria Prophylactics are essential - please consult your chemist.

Offroad driving experience required. No children under 12 years unless arranged prior to departure.

Maximum 4 persons per vehicle. Duration 4 nights. Participants to supply own catering and equipment.