African Ivory Route: Exploring the Limpopo’s Blouberg Mountain Trail

Hey there! Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Limpopo province? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you – the African Ivory Route’s hiking and biking trail on the majestic Blouberg Mountain.

This trail is like no other, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while challenging yourself physically and mentally. As you trek up the rugged path, with each step you take, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the African wilderness.

The Blouberg Mountain is a nature lover’s paradise, brimming with diverse flora and fauna, making it the perfect habitat for countless species. So, throughout your journey, keep your eyes peeled for any of the incredible animals that call this mountain home.

But hey, I want you to stay safe while exploring this extraordinary trail. Make sure to come prepared with proper hiking or biking gear, plenty of water, and some snacks to keep you energized. Trust me; it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared in these situations.

In addition, I encourage you to embark on this adventure with a group of friends or family. Not only will it make the experience more enjoyable, but it’s also safer to have a support system with you during your expedition.

Remember, every step you take on the Blouberg Mountain trail is a step towards self-discovery and a deeper connection with nature. So, are you ready to leave your worries behind, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and embark on an exhilarating journey? Then put on your hiking boots or hop on your bike, because the African Ivory Route’s Blouberg Mountain trail is waiting for you!

Have you ever heard of the Bahananwa tribe? They live in a fascinating place, right below the majestic Blouberg mountain in Limpopo. It’s a breathtaking setting, and recently, my family and I had the chance to experience it firsthand. We stayed at the African Ivory Route camp, which is located within the Bahananwa tribe’s grazing lands on the edge of the incredible Blouberg Nature Reserve.

Wow, there are these huge rocks all around the peaceful Pools of the Whites. You can get there by walking a couple of kilometers from Blouberg Camp. It’s not quite like the famous Great Divide, you know. I’m joking with myself as I stare at the big jump in front of me. It’s only one and a half meters, but it feels like I’m about to leap over a canyon. My backpack is weighing me down, making me feel like it’s filled with 50 kilograms of stuff. My hands are sweaty, just like someone who’s been on a pizza binge and then suddenly started a strict diet. I think the reason for my unease isn’t really the size of the jump, but rather the depth of the abyss that lies beneath my feet. I lean forward to try and see how far down it goes, but I quickly realize it’s not a good idea.

I quietly say to myself, “Okay. Picture a sidewalk,” and without giving my brain a chance to process the mental image of a slim stretch of concrete, I take a leap that borders on death-defying (and let’s face it, not particularly graceful). Thankfully, my fellow explorers show up a few minutes too late to witness my less-than-impressive athletic skills, but just in time to see me beaming with satisfaction on the other side of the “chasm.”

The hike to the summit is no joke. You have to navigate through a bunch of rocks, hopping from one to another.

‘Hold on, let me get the camera ready,’ I shout to my motley crew. Our guide, Khomotjo Sekiba, confidently strides across the gap, not even flinching. Poor Pete doesn’t have much of a choice but to clench his teeth and follow suit. But in the short 30 seconds it takes for me to set up the fish-eye lens, my wife Karyn makes a fatal mistake. She glances down and is immediately consumed by fear. She decides to take a breather while the rest of us carefully make our way to the edge of the cliff that overlooks the lush savanna plains below. We snap some incredible photos of the awe-inspiring Blouberg landscape before returning to leap across the seemingly smaller gap for the second time.

Here we are, not quite in the clear yet. We’re on a treacherous path, climbing up a steep rock wall covered in thick, tangled brush. As we take a moment to catch our breath, a massive Cape vulture swoops down, casting a shadow over us and blocking the warm sun. It flies so close that we can actually make eye contact with it, tilting its ancient head to give us a curious once-over. This bird, one of the top predators at Blouberg, has a prehistoric presence about it, almost like a giant pterodactyl gracing us with its flyby. Seems like it was hoping for some calamity during our climb, but since we’re all safe and sound, the vulture veers off and gracefully ascends into the fluffy clouds above.

Pitching camp on the banks of the river Blouberg.

“There’s a bunch of endangered birds that live in Blouberg Nature Reserve,” Khomotjo tells me as we make our way back to camp, which is quite the challenge. Even though the hike is only 12 kilometers round trip, we end up climbing about 1000 meters in total. Most of it involves pushing through thorny bushes and scrambling up a rocky ridge.

Now, this may not appeal to everyone, but let me tell you, this hike/climb/run was the highlight of my time at Blouberg. And don’t worry, if this isn’t your thing, Blouberg has plenty more to offer.

That’s a good thing because Karyn and I brought along friends and family of all ages and abilities. Our two-and-a-half-year-old, Grace, loved exploring the open grassy area by the fire pit, where she could watch the cows grazing. And when she wanted to have some fun, she would toddle off to the mountain stream just beyond the camp fence and throw pebbles at the bugs skimming the water. Grace even joined us on a shorter hike to Ledjiba la Makgowa, or Pools of the Whites. It was a leisurely two-hour round trip that was perfect for my godmother and her husband, who are in their seventies. Don’t be fooled, though. These two can out-hike people half their age. After they finished watching Grace, they hopped on their mountain bikes and pedaled down the road to the nearby village. It’s great to know that Blouberg caters to a wide range of people, from those who just want to relax and bird-watch to hardcore thrill-seekers looking for a rush of adventure.

My wife Karyn and I were out hiking at Blouberg, and the views were absolutely incredible. The accommodation was simple but comfortable, and the best part is that you don’t have to worry about encountering any dangerous animals.

While we were there, we even had the chance to interact with the local Bahananwa community. It was fascinating to learn that the guides and cleaning staff at the camp are actually part owners of the place. By staying here, we were helping support their local economy, which felt really good.

The Bahananwa people have been living in this area for centuries, and their history is quite interesting. They originally came from Botswana to escape the authority of others, similar to the Voortrekkers of the Tswana tribe. And even today, they continue to live in harmony with nature, following the natural rhythms of life in these beautiful mountains.

Let me tell you a story. It was late at night, and we were gathered around a crackling fire. Khomotjo, our guide, shared an interesting fact with us: there are leopards in this area. But don’t worry, they tend to stick to the secluded mountain areas.

As we sat there, the flames danced in front of us, providing warmth on this chilly African night. Above us, the sky was a magnificent tapestry of stars, shining brightly against the dark backdrop. Every so often, an owl would call out from one of the fig trees by the stream, adding to the magical atmosphere.

I felt compelled to capture this moment with my camera, so I ventured away from the cozy fire. As I walked, the sounds of the river frogs, fruit bats, and insects filled the air, creating a symphony of nature. In that quiet solitude, I truly experienced the tranquility that Blouberg has to offer.

As I look up at the sparkling night sky, peeking through the thin branches of a towering ficus tree, I watch as a silent owl gracefully takes flight. In that moment, I feel a surge of joy within me, as if my spirit is also soaring to new heights. While my mind reminds me that we have to leave soon, my heart longs to stay and spend another week with the Bahananwa people, embracing the serenity of tomorrow.

Wow, take a look at the magnificent Milky Way!

Plan your adventure

How to get there

If you want to reach Blouberg Camp, you’ll need to venture off the main path. It’s best to have a 4×4 vehicle or at least one with high clearance. To get there from Polokwane, first head towards Dendron. Then, take a left turn to Senwabarwana. After about 20 kilometers, make a right turn to Indermark, and then turn left to My Darling. Finally, make a right turn onto the D2233 road.

Keep an eye out for signs of the African Ivory Route along the way. You have 12.5 kilometers of tar road followed by four kilometers of dirt road ahead of you.

Don’t forget to enter these GPS coordinates into your navigation unit: S23.110429, E28.985469

The best time to visit

Welcome to the beautiful Limpopo bush veld! The weather here can be quite extreme. In the summer, it gets really hot with frequent thunderstorms. But if you visit during autumn, spring, or winter, you can enjoy clear skies and cooler temperatures. Just remember to pack some warm clothes for the cold winter nights.

Here’s what you need to know

Keep in mind that the camp doesn’t provide any food or supplies, so be sure to pack everything you need. Luckily, there’s a good shop called Indermark where you can stock up on provisions. The water here is safe to drink, but you might not like the taste. It’s a good idea to bring your own sleeping bags and towels as well.

The hiking routes in the area are not marked, but the camp staff can guide you on short walks for free. If you need firewood, you can buy it at the camp, but it can be expensive.

So, what can you do here?

1. Get on your mountain bike and take the rocky eight-kilometer route to the nearby village. There, you can enjoy a refreshing cold beer and have a great time with the locals.

2. Go bird-watching for a change – the one bird I bet you’d love to see is the ever-elusive African wood-owl. You can catch a glimpse of the Cape vulture and Verreaux’s eagle right from the camp, but if you want a closer encounter with these magnificent creatures, you’ll have to venture to the summit.

3. Take a leisurely hike. The Pools Hike, a breezy three-kilometer stroll, is perfect for the whole gang. If the Cliffs Hike, a challenging 12-kilometer trek, seems a bit daunting, don’t worry. You can always turn around at the abandoned village on the first plateau, which is only eight kilometers in. For those craving an even greater adventure, why not summit Blouberg Peak? It’s a full-day outing, so make sure to plan accordingly. And if you prefer a guided hike, it’ll cost you just R200 per group.

4. Come and climb the amazing cliffs at Blouberg! These cliffs have been recognized as some of the best rock-climbing spots in the country by the Mountain Club of SA. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss. And after all that climbing, why not enjoy a delicious traditional meal at one of the village homes? It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. If you’re interested, you can book your climbing adventure through the guides. The cost is R70 per person, and it’s definitely worth every penny.

Now, let’s talk about where to stay. Blouberg Camp is a fantastic option and it’s part of the African Ivory Route. This camp, along with several others, is managed by Transfrontier Parks Destinations as part of a Limpopo government initiative. When you stay at Blouberg Camp, you have five beautiful thatched, self-catering chalets to choose from. Each chalet can accommodate two people and has cozy beds for a good night’s sleep. The en suite ablutions have bucket showers that are easy to use. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of climbing.

For costs and more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you plan your perfect trip to Blouberg.

Hey there! Let’s talk about this awesome trip I went on. It’s a 900-kilometer round trip from Johannesburg, and guess what? The fuel is going to cost about R2,700. Not bad, right? Now, when it comes to accommodations, you can choose the self-catering option. It’s only R195 per person per night if you’re sharing and R100 per child under 12. Sounds like a great deal to me!

If you want to know more about this amazing place, check out their website at www.africanivoryroute.co.za. They’ve got all the info you need to plan your trip. Just keep in mind that the prices I mentioned were correct at the time of publication, but things might change. So, make sure to double-check with the establishment before you hit the road.

If you’ve ever wondered why travel has such a powerful effect on us, look no further. I’m here to explore the captivating world of travel and how it shapes our lives.

Traveling is a unique blend of excitement, adventure, and discovery. It takes us away from our daily routines and exposes us to new and unfamiliar experiences. Whether it’s stepping off a plane in a foreign country or road-tripping to a nearby town, travel has a way of opening our eyes to the world around us.

When we travel, we become active participants in our own lives. We step outside our comfort zones and challenge ourselves in ways we never thought possible. It’s during these moments of vulnerability that we truly grow and develop as individuals.

Traveling also has the remarkable ability to connect us with the world and the people in it. It teaches us about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. We gain a deeper understanding of the world, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of unity.

But perhaps the most profound impact travel has on us is its transformative power. It has the ability to change the way we see ourselves and the world around us. It opens our minds and expands our horizons, allowing us to see the beauty in everything.

So why should we travel? The answer is simple: because it changes us. It shapes us into more open-minded, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals. It allows us to see the world through a different lens and appreciate the diversity that exists.

In a world that often feels divided, travel has the power to bring us together. It teaches us to celebrate our differences and find common ground. It reminds us that despite our unique backgrounds and experiences, we are all part of something much bigger.

So my advice to you is this: go out there and explore. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Let travel take you on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. You won’t regret it.

Remember, as travel writer Tim Cahill once said, “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” So pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin. Your life will never be the same.