HIKING & SLACKPACKING PRODUCTS
Chose a hike in the mountains, coast or bush of Southern AfricaHike to the Roof of Africa
Reach the top of the escarpment and source of the Tugela River, where you can stand atop the highest waterfall in the world. On our 3 day Amphitheatre hike you’ll overnight in comfy mountain lodges, have your meals catered for, and can have your backpack portered.
exploreIn the footprints of the San
Offering a unique combination of high berg wilderness and cultural treasures, the 3 day San Traverse in and around Clarens, Free State, will delight your finer senses.
exploreFynbos Hike - Overberg
In the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, close to Hermanus, we offer a 2-3 slackpacking trail through coastal and mountain fynbos and ancient forests. Learn from knowledgeable guides and dine on locally grown food and wine on this true eco-trail.
exploreKarkloof Slackpack Hike
Hike through giant yellowwood forests and mistbelt grasslands to the forgotten falls of the Karkloof, on our 3 day Midlands Slackpacker. The Falls2Falls is a fully catered, luggage-supported trail encompassing some of the least discovered parts of Midlands countryside
exploreMtentu-Explorer Hiking Trail
Long weekend getaway to the Wild CoastShort on time, but wish to walk the Wild Coast, within easy reach of Durban? Our 3 Night Mtentu-Explorer takes you to places of paradise for which the Wild Coast is famed: private beaches, forgotten falls, and pristine estuaries. Overnighting in a village homestay the first night and a joint-venture eco-camp the next two nights. Your stay bolsters the local economy, much needed in the fight against mining here.
exploreMaseke Wilderness Trail
Mobile Walking SafariThis is a unique ‘mobile safari’ – where passage is on foot, and nights are spent in a mobile tented camp, set-up in a new wilderness location each night. Come trail burden-free, whilst we prepare camp and dinner.
exploreTugela Canyons Trail
Follow the flowFollowing the flow of the mighty Tugela River, between Colenso and Weenen – along old jeep tracks, animal paths, and onto the handcrafted trails around Tugela Bush Camp. On this slackpacking trail, one can expect wild terrain, diverse game and bird encounters, delicious campfire cuisine, and conscious re-wilding.
exploreWalking & Snorkeling the Kosi Lakes
Adventures in KosiThis walking trail is an escape into one of the most ecologically diverse parts of South Africa. Fern and swamp forests, palm-dotted savannah and secluded beaches. Overnighting in comfortable bush and beach camps with catering, guiding, snorkeling, and a 3 lakes boat-trip.
explorePondo Wild Camper
Have backpack, tent and cooker … but need some logistics taken care ofSo you've heard about Waterfall Bluff, Cathedral Rock and the wild hiking that Pondoland has to offer? Have the tent, gas cooker and are backpacker fit, but looking for a guide, and some logistical support? Active Escapes can arrange 'wild camping' trips from Port Edward through to PSJ, with an overnight or two in friendly village homestays along the way.
exploreOyster Bay - St Francis Chokka Slackpack
Chokka DelightsThe 4 day Chokka Trail between Oyster & St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, is a lodge-to-lodge slackpacker along golden beaches, rugged shoreline, dune fields and quaint fishing villages
exploreDiversity Trail - Walker Bay
Discover the wonders of Walker Bay’s nature, culture and heritage on this new four-night luxury slackpacking trail which journeys through the fynbos, forests and coastline of Grootbos Nature Reserve and Walker Bay.
exploreLower Wild Coast Hotel-Hopper
Pristine beaches with hotel comforts at the end of the dayIf your idea of a hiking holiday is as much about the chilled wine, a comfy bed and a seafood dinner, then the Lower Wild Coast Hotel-Hopping trail should be right up your alley. We can tailor the hike to your group's time constraints, from a 2 day weekend-break to a 6 night trail starting at Kob Inn and finishing at Cintsa.
exploreSoar with the Raptors
Overnighting in high mountain cabins, this newly launched slackpacker, offers a birds-eye view of one of only two vulture colonies in the Drakensberg. Just 3hrs drive from the major airports, this trail offers the perfect long weekend getaway from Joburg and Durban.
exploreKosi Mouth to Mabibi Luxury Slackpacker
Combining the best of the Kosi Lakes with Maputalands finest beaches, we offer two 'Turtle Trail' Slackpacker’s. Both start out at Kosi Mouth and finish at Lala Nek or Mabibi with snorkelling, kayaking, boat safaris and barefoot dreams.
explorePafuri Walking Trail
Wilderness WanderingsCome and explore one of Africa’s last great wildernesses on foot. The Makuleke Contractual Park, Pafuri, northern Kruger is the location for these professionally guided bespoke Wilderness walking trails.
explorePondo-Hopper Trails (Fully supported)
Catered & supported version of the Explorer: Msikaba - Mbotyi - PSJThis trail is along the same route as the Pondo-Explorer, but is a fully supported and catered trail where all meals are catered for and your luggage is portered from camp to camp. This hike can be offered to groups of 2-24 persons, outside of the peak school holidays. A great option for groups who'd like to have ALL their planning and logistics taken care of.
exploreSentinel to Cathedral - Half the GT
This 5 Day expedition from Sentinel to Cathedral covers half the Grand Traverse (GT), and is a bucket-list trail for the strong hiker. Guided by a professional and camping wild in tents and caves. The Bell Traverse from Twins to Buggers is arguably the climax of High Berg trails.
explorePondo-Explorer Trails (Self-Catered)
From Msikaba - Mbotyi - PSJOn this self-catered 3 or 5 night hiking trail, you'll overnight in tent and thatch camps in pristine and wild locations. The camps are well equipped for self-catering so you need only bring your food; and porters can be arranged to lighten your load. On both the 3 & 5 day trails, a night at Mbotyi River Lodge with dinner and breakfast, provides a night of pampering on the trail.
exploreVine & Wine in Robertson
Walk and wine through vineyards and olive groves in the Robertson-Ashton valley. Overnighting at a 4-star country manor, you’ll wine(d) and taste your way through some prominent wine estates, artisan eateries, and discover less known treasures along the way.
exploreSlackpacking Southern Berg - Giants Cup
A 3 Day / 4 night slackpacking trail in the lower foothills of the Southern Berg. With comfy farmstays, catering & luggage support - this is a good friend and family hike for novice-intermediate hikers.
explorePondo Voyager Hiking Trail
From Port Edward - MbotyiIf driving from Gauteng or KZN, our 5 Day Pondo-Voyager, starting at Port Edward and finishing at Mbotyi, is a good option to consider. With accommodation in friendly homestay's, community-camps, nature reserves & more luxury lodge options in the latter half of the trail, this hike packs an authentic mix of experience along a diverse route.
exploreFynbos & Winelands - Elgin Valley
Enjoy a rich tapestry of fynbos, private nature reserves, wine and fruit farms on a 3 & 4 day hike through the Elgin Valley. Guided hikes (11 -18km / day) with some exclusive wine tasting's, through the world's first 'biodiversity wine route'
exploreStone-age caves and Sandy Bays on the Green and Gold Coast
Explore stone-age caves and sandy shores on this 4 day hike along the green and gold Mossel Bay coastline. With quality guiding, full-catering and vehicle support, you will enjoy an enriched hiking experience with the marine environment
explorePondo Falls Hiking Trail
From Port Edward - GrosvenorIf driving from Gauteng or KZN, our 5 Day Pondo-Falls, starting at Port Edward and finishing at Grosvenor, is a good option to consider. Especially, if you wish to have catering provided all the way. With accommodation in a friendly homestay, community and private lodge, this hike packs an authentic mix of experience, and can also potentially be arranged over holiday periods.
exploreCoffee Bay – Bulungula Hiking Trail
Hole in the Wall, community-driven and eco-friendlyThis 3-4 night trail starts out at Coffee Bay, passing the iconic ‘Hole in the Wall’ and the beautiful beach of Mpame, before finishing at Bulungula community eco-lodge. The trail is a mix of backpacker and community-owned accommodation options and is well suited to international backpackers.
exploreWilderness Trail - Western Cape
A 3-night wilderness trail in the Western Cape’s only Big-5 reserve. Seasoned trail guides will lead you through diverse fynbos and thicket, with some exciting wildlife encounters on foot. Overnight in uniquely appointed tented camps with gourmet bush dining.
exploreCoffee Bay –– Haven Hiking Trail
Hole in the Wall, eclectic and varied trailThis 5 night trail starts out at Coffee Bay, passing the iconic ‘Hole in the Wall’ and the beautiful beach of Mpame, before finishing at the lovely Haven Hotel. The trail provides an eclectic mix of backpacker and hotel accom and is well suited to adventurous friend and family groups.
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