EXPEDITION WILD
Makuya Nature Reserve
North Eastern South Africa
Expedition Basics:
7 day primitive backpack trail along the Luvuvhu River that forms the most northern western boundary of the Kruger National Park
Estimated distance covered 100km, 48km of the Luvuvhu River
Later August early September 2020
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Our Destination:
The Luvuvhu River is the centre piece of this region and the 48km stretch we set-out to explore forms just about the most north western boundary of the Kruger National Park. This protected area bordering the Kruger is known as the Makuya Nature Reserve, a community owned provincial park managed by Limpopo Parks. The reserve forms a buffer zone to the larger Nyalaland wilderness area in the Kruger, and together form one of the most spectacular and little known ancient wilderness treasures we as South Africans have been gifted with. A land that tells more stories than are written or documented, its a place that talks only to those who journey into its heart, and will certainly leave a lasting impression to all those who are lucky enough to experience it.
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We spent our first night at the Parks main camp know as Singo Lodge nestled high above the Luvuvhu valley with spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness. Early the next morning we setoff in two 4 x 4’s heading south to one of the most southern gates where we waived our goodbyes and descended on foot into the unknown. We chose a major tributary known as the Rivubye River that to our surprise harboured a hidden oasis with tall Matumi trees standing watch over the crystal clear stream that guided us down to the Luvuvhu. Fresh signs of elephants, hippo and finally at the junction of the two rivers we where greeted with fresh tracks of lions, with cubs, we had arrived, almost one year of panning and organising we had finally made it and the adventure had began.
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North we went:
The adventure really had began, with mother nature serving up a large cold front that hit us pushing cold and surprisingly wet conditions into what is typically a dry harsh arid environment. Nevertheless we pushed on, heading north along the river only to realise this was not going to be as easy as we had anticipated. The steep sided Luvuvhu valley made following the river in some parts impossible and we had to climb out of the valley to the what can only be described as a plateau that flanked the western side of the valley. This was hard going on the rocky terrain following buffalo and elephant paths that sometimes defied logic on how these animals managed to navigate this terrain. Throughout the cold weather we pushed north camping along the river, but eventually we had to retreat out of the wind tunnel, that was funnelled along river valley, into the dry lands that saw us camping amongst giants surrounded by towering baobabs, it was a night we will all remember.
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Sunshine at last! it seemed like the cold weather would never end, but soon enough the clouds opened up and the blue sky was above. This coincided with us passing the midway point and Singo Lodge this time was towering above us. The river valley opened up considerably after this and the river formed a large u bend with a vast sand bank and an island that sheltered us for the night under a grove of Jackalberry Trees. Pushing north we slowed our pace and enjoyed the warmer weather, swimming and fishing as we went. The last leg was the Luvuvhu Gorge then north to the Mutale River. The gorge proved epic and we had to battle our way along the rocky edge of the river surrounded by steep cliffs on each side, often having to form a human chain to pass our packs and assist each other over the large boulders. It was a hard but a rewarding end to our trip, and once again pulled the group together for another unforgettable trip. Memorable sightings: Swallow-tailed bee-eaters, Peregrine Falcon taking out a dove in an aerial pursuit, small breading herd of elephants navigating down a steep pass to the river, Tigerfish on the line, and some spectacular trees from the giant Anatree, Nyalaberry, and the Small and Large Leaved Rock Figs side by side! and many more.
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