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Africa Adventure Travel News

Africa Adventure Travel News - Edition 53 -
September 2011

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Africa is a continent whose riches in natural attractions are just as fascinating as the variety of cultures and people who live here.

Travel Routes in Southern Africa
Africa Adventure Travel News Map Hiking in Southern Africa

There are many hiking routes available through Southern Africa and we give you a glimpse into some of the most extraordinary.

Starting with the sand dunes of the Naukluft Trail in Namibia's Namib Naukluft Park, where the elements have created an incredible landscape, through the picturesque coastal region of the Tsitsikamma National Park in South Africa we come to the spectacular mountain range of the Drakensburg, culminating at Mafadi Peak on the South African / Lesotho border.

Malolotja Nature Reserve in Swaziland with its steep hills and the Lebombo Hiking Trail in Mozambique offer experienced hikers the chance to view breathtaking scenery and incredible bird and wildlife, while the Tuli Block in Botswana shows off the African wilderness and a very diverse landscape.

Traversing through the Lower Zambezi National Park, along the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia or taking a gentle hike along the undulating Zomba Plateau in Malawi, our last highlight, the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, leave even the most experienced among us, totally captivated.

Melissa Mann
From the Editor

Hiking has always conjured up images of backpacks, tents and rivers for me and our high-lights in this edition are sure to exceed all expectations. Through a barren desert, along coastal trails and cliffs with beautiful sea views to snow covered mountain peaks, one is captivated by the sounds and smells that are Southern Africa. There is certainly a hike for everyone, with the chance to see an abundance of wildlife, diverse scenery and rough terrain that will delight any adventure seeker. So whether you choose to summit Kilimanjaro and explore the Eastern Arc Mountains or take a day hike in the game rich Tuli Block you will be rewarded with that sense of achieve-ment "I did it"!

Yours in Travel
Melissa Mann
Highlight 1
Naukluft Trail
Highlight 2
Tsitsikamma Nat. Park
Highlight 3
Drakensberg-Mafadi Peak
Naukluft Trail
Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail
Drakensberg-Mafadi Peak

120 kms long, the Naukluft Trail takes eight days to complete and invites you to experience one of the oldest deserts in the world. Open from March to October due to climatic conditions, groups must be minimum of three and maximum of 12 people. Camping facilities and water are available at stop-over points but all food and equipment must be carried.

The Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail is a must for any serious hiker. Traversing through some of South Africa's most beautiful coastal scenery, the Cape Fynbos when in bloom tops it all. There are 2, 3, 4 and 5 day options available for the trail with luggage transportation if required. The hike starts at Nature's Valley and ends at the Storms River Mouth.

The highest mountain in South Africa, the summit of the Mafadi is shared with Lesotho in the Central Region of the Drakensberg. This trail requires high fitness levels with water properly planned, since several parts of the route follow ridges. The high altitude (2500m-3500m) should be taken into consideration when coming from sea level.

   
Highlight 4
Malolotja Nature Reserve
Highlight 5
Lebombo Hiking Trail
Highlight 6
Tuli Block

Malolotja Nature Reserve

Lebombo Hiking Trail
Tuli Block

Hiking in the Malolotja Nature Reserve is reserved for experienced hikers. There are various routes available most of which are fairly steep and suited to a max of 8 people. There are numerous river crossings with slippery rocks and extreme care must be taken. The routes are well sign posted but a knowledge of map reading is advisable. Camping areas are available but all equipment and food must be carried with you.

Located in Parque Nacional do Limpopo, adjacent to Kruger National Park, the Lebombo hiking trail offers an unforgettable hiking adventure through a pristine wilderness area and trailists have every prospect of encountering a wide array of wildlife. Hiking in groups of no more than eight people, trails are led by an experienced guide and are fully catered and portered so you need carry only a day-pack.

The far eastern corner of Botswana, historically known as the Tuli Block, is a vast expanse of wilderness punctured by huge peculiar-looking Baobab trees. Lying adjacent to Mashatu, a refuge for the largest Elephant population on privately-owned land, visitors are afforded the opportunity to go on guided foot safaris. The winter months (April - August) are the best time to visit Botswana.

   

Highlight 7
Lower Zambezi Nat. Park

Highlight 8
Zomba Plateau
Highlight 9
Usambara and Pare Mountains

Lower Zambezi National Park

Zomba Plateau
Usambara Mountains

It is the Zambezi River to the south and the undulating range of hills forming the Zambezi escarpment to the north that give this National Park its incredible diversity of fauna and flora. Professional guides and scouts are used to locate and explain the many fascinating trails available in the area and one is well rewarded with beautiful plains, natural pools and cascading waterfalls.

Zomba is a spectacular table-top mountain and it is the southern section of this mountain that draws the visitors. Zomba plateau has a slight depression in the middle and is covered in forest - this is one of Malawi’s Forest Reserves - and the slopes are adorned with an abundance of wild flowers. Hiking trails are easily accessible, suiting a wide range of energy levels.

Both the Usambara and Pare Mountains are superb for hiking and birdwatching. The Southern Pare Mountains take you along narrow foot paths that connect the mountains with african villages and give one a glimpse into the traditional way of life. The Usambaras are approximately 110 kilometres long and can be as demanding or relaxing as you wish.
   
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