An experience that is a must for any nature-lover

Orrie Baragwanath Pass, also known as the Baragwanath Pass, is a mountain pass in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, located between Ofcolaco and Lebowakgomo. It's known for its steep ascent and is primarily a 4x4 route.

The Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve is an 18,000 ha nature reserve. It is part of the Drakensberg mountain range and is characterised by grassy hills, lush kloofs and indigenous forests.

The 42,000-hectare Letaba Ranch Game Reserve is not open to the general public and lies just north of Phalaborwa, on the border of Kruger National Park. The border between the game reserve and the national park is unfenced, allowing the Big 5 and other wildlife to roam freely through the African bush.

Part of the Greater Kruger National Park conservation area, Letaba Ranch Game Reserve is particularly well known for elephant and buffalo sightings. The mighty Letaba River, which flows through the reserve, provides shelter for many hippos and crocodiles.

Highlights

Scenery

Fauna and Flora

History

Waterfalls

Orrie Baragwanath Pass

Most northern tip of the Drakensberg

Church Forest

Forests

Smallest city in South Africa

2000+ Year old Baobab Tree

Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Wilderness

4x4 Trails

Big 5 Area

Map

South Africa

Start Point: Pretoria

Day 1 - 2

Lekgalameetse NR Selati Budget Camp

Day 3 - 5

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park Wild Camping

Day 6

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park (No accommodation)

End Point: Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Day 1

Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

The Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve is part of the Drakensberg mountain range and is characterised by grassy hills, lush kloofs and indigenous forests. The Reserve is full of lush vegetation, beautiful and rocky Wolkberg Mountains Escarpments and cool refreshing breezes that kiss and rejuvenate your skin. As in its name Lekgalameetse, ‘The Place of water ‘, generates water for most of the prominent rivers in the Lowveld, and has water flowing through it all year round.

Guided trails and 4x4 tracks take you on a journey in the footsteps of the British soldiers who settled in the area after the Anglo-Boer War. Their trails on and around the Orrie Barragwanath Pass will lead you to unique areas in the reserve, such as The Downs, Church Forest, historical ruins, and breathtaking views from this part of the beautiful Drakensberg mountain range.

Activities Day 1

Early Morning

Meet your guide. The meeting place in Pretoria will be communicated before the start of the tour., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

Morning

We drive mostly on tarred roads to the start of the Orrie Baragwanath Pass on the Western side of Lekgalameetse., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

Afternoon

We need to be at the start of the 4x4 trail at 13:00 to allow us sufficient time to reach the top of the mountain., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
The trail hugs the mountain and you will climb 500 m over a distance of 7 km (330 m in the first 4 km). It will take us about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Be prepared for breathtaking views and photographic opportunities., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
Arrive at the Selati camp with shared ablution facilities., Selati Budget Camp

Evening

Prepare your own meal on the open fire or use your gas appliances in your vehicle., Selati Budget Camp

Accommodation Day 1

Selati Budget Camp

Selati Camp is situated on the eastern side of the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve near the main entrance to the reserve. The campsites are separated by natural vegetation giving you some privacy from your neighbours. The campsite is situated between trees that provide shade. You will have the feeling of camping in the forest.

Day 2

Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

Lekgalameetse is an immense 18 718 Ha mountain wilderness area of protected escarpment, scenic landscape, mountain vegetation, wildlife, crystal clear streams, waterfalls, natural pools and sites of historical significance. “The place of water”; this is where many of the prominent rivers of the Lowveld originate and has flowing water all year round. It offers a diversity of plant and insect species. It is also world renowned for its rare butterfly species.