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 Makutsi Bush 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 Makusi Camp with Log Cabins, Makutsi Camp

Evening

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

Accommodation Day 1

Makutsi Bush Camp

Stay at the Makutsi Bush Camp with us. It's an excellent place to stay as you enjoy this leg of your trip.

The Makutsi Bush Camp has fully equipped log cabins with en-suite bathrooms. The log cabins are built next to the Makutsi River in a 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.

Activities Day 2

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park
We explore the Northern section of Lekgalameetse., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
The main entrance gate is also the start of the Orrie Baragwanath Pass up the eastern side of the Drakensberg. It will take us to the top of the Drakensberg Mountain and you will climb 600 m over a distance of 12 km., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
Visit sites of historical significance (e.g. the Pioneer Graves) and learn about the history of the area., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
We will visit the highest point accessible by vehicle. This point is 1 520 m above sea level., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

All Day

Be prepared for breathtaking views and photographic opportunities., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

Afternoon

Take food with to eat at a picnic site next to the Selati River, Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
Take a group photo on top of the mountain at the Orrie Baragwanath Pass signpost., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
Find the spring that is the origin of the Selati River., Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
Relax in the camp., Makutsi Camp

Evening

Discuss the day's adventures while cooking your own food., Makutsi Camp

Accommodation Day 2

Makutsi Bush Camp

Makutsi Camp Facilities

Information at Reception – Yes
Electricity - Yes
Communal Ablution Facilities – No
Communal Kitchen – No
Log Cabin Fully Equipped with Linen and Cutlery – Yes
Kitchen, Toilet, Shower in Log Cabin – Yes
Running Water – Yes
Drinkable Water - Yes (To be on the safe side, boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water)
Hot and Cold Water – Yes
Toilets – Yes
Dishwashing Facilities – Yes (Kitchen)
Air conditioner – No
Laundromat – No
Swimming Pool - No
Wi-Fi - No
Cell Phone Reception - No
Shop – No
Restaurant – No
Fuel Station – No
Public Telephones; Post Box – No
Limited DSTV – No
Basic First Aid Assistance – No (Johan and Elna do, however, have basic first aid qualifications)
Emergency road service – No
Bank/ATM – No
Carwash – No

Day 3

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

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.

This is one of the few places in South Africa where you can go wild camping in an area where the Big Five live.

Activities Day 3

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast., Makutsi Camp
Visit the smallest city in South Africa., Leydsdorp
Eat and/or drink something in the 131 year old hotel., Leydsdorp
Listen to the stories about the history of Leydsdorp., Leydsdorp

Around Lunchtime

Visit a 2 000+ year old Baobab tree., Leydsdorp

Afternoon

We drive on tarred roads to Letaba Ranch., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Evening

Set up camp for the night next to the Letaba River., Wild Camping
Discuss the day's adventures while cooking your own food., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Night

Listen to the sounds of nature around the campsite., Wild Camping

Accommodation Day 3

Wild Camping

Camping areas are unfenced and you must make provision for your own tent, camping gear, sufficient supply of water, firewood and food. NO ablution facilities are available.

Day 4

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

You will camp in unfenced areas in the Letaba Ranch. This adds to the experience of the trail. You will drive in your own 4x4 vehicle and you must make provision for your own provisions, including tents and camping gear, a sufficient supply of water, firewood and food.

Activities Day 4

Early Morning

Join a guided morning walk. An experienced (and armed) guide shares his knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walk is relaxed and doesn’t take longer than two hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.

The armed field guide accompanies you on the walk to ensure your safety. He will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot, you cover an area more intensely, and you can experience nature using all of your senses. If there is any large game in the area, you are more than likely able to encounter them and have the exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.

Recommended: Sun blocker, hat, water, camera.

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast., Mtomeni Safari Camp
Follow the 4x4 trails past several water holes to maximise the game viewing opportunities., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Afternoon

Continue with the 4x4 trails to our campsite for the night., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park
Set up camp for the night., Wild Camping

Evening

Discuss the day's adventures while cooking your own food., Wild Camping

Night

Listen to the sounds of nature around the campsite., Wild Camping

Accommodation Day 4

Wild Camping

Wild Camping Facilities

Information at Reception - No
Communal Ablution Facilities – No
Communal Kitchen – No
Running Water – No
Drinkable Water - No (To be on the safe side, boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water)
Hot and Cold Water – No
Toilet – No
Dishwashing Facilities – No
Air conditioner – No
Laundromat – No (hand washing)
Swimming Pool - No
Wi-Fi - No
Cell Phone Reception - No
Shop – No
Restaurant – No
Fuel Station – No
Public Telephones; Post Box – No
Limited DSTV – No
Basic First Aid Assistance – No (Johan and Elna do, however, have basic first aid qualifications)
Emergency road service – No
Bank/ATM – No
Carwash – No

Day 5

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

This is an ideal opportunity to combine 4x4 travelling, outdoor camping and game viewing. The convoy stops regularly for environmental, historical and cultural interpretation or to share special experiences and photographic opportunities.

The tour is aimed at true bush lovers and ones who enjoy the wilderness and is not designed as an obstacle course or endurance test.

Activities Day 5

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast., Wild Camping
Visit a large quartz outcrop on top of a hill., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park
Follow 4x4 trails to the confluence of the Little and Large Letaba Rivers., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Afternoon

Visit viewpoints overlooking the Letaba River., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park
Set up camp for the night next to the Letaba River., Wild Camping

Evening

Discuss the day's adventures while cooking your own food., Wild Camping

Night

Listen to the sounds of nature around the campsite., Wild Camping

Accommodation Day 5

Wild Camping

Another wild camping night experience in Letaba Ranch.

Day 6

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

As our time together draws to a close, we say goodbye to our new friends and head back home. You will continue your journey to your next destination on your own. We hope that you will cherish the unforgettable memories you have made during your time with us and that you will have plenty of beautiful photos to share with your loved ones and friends.

Activity Day 6

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast., Wild Camping
Follow 4x4 trails to the main entrance of Letaba Ranch., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park
Still be on the lookout for game viewing opportunities., Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Ready to Share

6-Day Berg to Bush (Greater Kruger NP) Exclusive 4x4 LC & WC Tour

An experience that is a must for any nature-lover

Highlights

Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

Activities Day 1

Early Morning

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Makutsi Bush Camp

Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve

Activities Day 2

Morning

All Day

Afternoon

Evening

Makutsi Bush Camp

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Activities Day 3

Morning

Around Lunchtime

Afternoon

Evening

Night

Wild Camping

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Activities Day 4

Early Morning

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Night

Wild Camping

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Activities Day 5

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Night

Wild Camping

Letaba Ranch Provincial Park

Activity Day 6

Morning

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

6 Days / 5 Nights

6-Day Berg to Bush (Greater Kruger NP) Exclusive 4x4 LC & WC Tour

From Price

Included

Excluded