Klaserie Lowveld Trail - Gary Freeman Safaris

This 5 or 6-day trail takes place in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger Park Area. All the inter-mediate fences were removed in 1990 allowing free animal movement between Kruger National Park and Klaserie Game Reserve. Most of the large mammal species (including the big five) occur in this region.

The emphasis of the trail is to spend time on foot in the reserve, not only looking for the large mammals but also the smaller creatures, birds and insects that are present. The aspects of the bush that are normally overlooked when driving around a reserve are now observed, allowing a greater understanding of the ecology of the region.

The open Land Rover which is based in the camp is used for game drives as well as for moving to different areas of the reserve in which walking will take place. This allows us a broader overall picture of the region in which the trail takes place.

The trails camp is tented and situated under a huge Jackal Berry tree on the banks of the Klaserie River. The tents have en-suite toilet/ hand basin facilities while the shower is open-air allowing the feel of freedom that was experienced by early explorers. On a cool evening before dinner, sitting around the crackling fire with a glass of wine in hand is ideal to discuss the daily experiences and recent bush sightings.

The general format of the trail is early rise in the morning, light breakfast and then head into the bush for a few hours. The walks are designed for enjoyment and a number of hours on foot may result in only a few kilometres being covered, as we observe and learn about the interaction of the different animals and the ecology of the region.

We return late morning and after a brunch, spend a few hours relaxing or bird watching in the camp during the heat of the day. Sitting on the game-viewing platform watching for elephant in the reeds is often rewarding. Mid-afternoon we again head out and spend several hours in the bush returning to the camp after dark for dinner. The homestyle meals are prepared over the open fire and in the fully equipped camp kitchen.

A night spent out in the bush, sleeping under the stars is also possible but this is dependent on both full group participation and the weather conditions. Each person stands watch for one hour next to the fire while the group is asleep.

The price of the trail includes the accommodation in the tented trails camp, all meals*, walks, game drives and bush activities.

* Meals include a light breakfast, late morning brunch and evening dinner. Special dietary requirements are also easily catered for.

	Drinks are excluded and may be purchased en-route. Visitors must supply their own drinks and there are adequate cooling facilities in the camp.
	Transport to/from Klaserie, vehicle entrance fee for personal vehicles, Klaserie daily conservation fee/bed levy are excluded.
	The trail is limited to a maximum of eight people but the camp can accommodate ten people by special arrangement.