Pioneer Trail at Gondwana

Gondwana is an 11 000-hectare private game reserve set at the foot of the picturesque Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains.  Gondwana is home to the Pioneer Trail, offering an incredible 3-night, 4-day hiking expedition through the wilderness. Two full days of trekking with expert, armed hiking guides will have you in awe of magnificent landscapes, roaming wildlife, and intricate plant life. Camp assistants and guides ensure your safety and comfort throughout the expedition as you hike 10 km each day along exclusive footpaths and remote trails.

With tented accommodation, meals, and baggage transfers all taken care of, all you need to do is soak in natures beauty. Hiking expeditions are seasonal running from October through April, with set departures on a Monday and Thursday.

On arrival at Gondwana Game Reserve, hikers are provided with necessary day packs, water bottles, and duffel bags in which to pack overnight necessities for the hiking expedition. The Trails Team will transfer guests to the first night’s camp, stopping for sundowners along the way. This way guests start their expedition with a traditional Big 5 game drive in specialized 4×4 safari vehicles and get a taste of what lies ahead. Evenings are a culinary celebration besides crackling fires, under a canopy of stars.

Day two and three of the expedition start with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a day of hiking with scenic rest stops and possible swimming opportunities. On arrival at the next camp, your overnight luggage will be waiting for you and you can simply put your feet up,  enjoy afternoon tea and unwind. Wake-up to a hearty camp fry-up before heading back to the main lodge on a 4-wheel game drive for check out on your last day.

Gondwana’s Pioneer Trail is the ultimate slackpacking expedition, providing a thrilling, yet safe immersion into the wild. Gondwana offers another unique experience in the Tented Eco Camp, for those looking to learn more about the conservation of the reserve.