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# Spekboom Tours: Slackpacking And Hiking Adventure Tours In South Africa

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://spekboomtours.co.za/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Mpumalanga: A slackpacking jewel!](https://spekboomtours.co.za/wakkerstroom-mpumalanga-slackpack-hike/): There’s a quirky twist to the phrase “untapped jewel” when it comes to the little hamlet of Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga. Ask a stranger in a New York pub where this charming village is, and they might just surprise you with an answer. But in Johannesburg, just a three-hour drive (or 298 km) away, most people have no idea it exists. Nestled on the border of Mpumalanga and Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Wakkerstroom remains blissfully under the radar compared to more commercialized weekend spots like Dullstroom or Clarens.
- [How mutant Trappist monks transformed early KZN](https://spekboomtours.co.za/trappist-cycle-touring-kzn/): An explosion of energy over a few years which saw the creation of 22 iconic redbrick and stone Trappist mission stations in southern KwaZulu-Natal is the theme of a cycle tour through this beautiful part of South Africa.
- [Griqualand slackpack style!](https://spekboomtours.co.za/griqualand-slackpack/): One of the lesser-known wildernesses of South Africa is Nomansland in East Griqualand. Yes, that was once the official name for a vast tract of unspoiled country between Kokstad and Underberg, Kwazulu-Natal, where we are now offering a four-day luxury slackpacking hike.
- [A history of hiking and the joys of slackpacking the Natal Midlands by Teigue Payne](https://spekboomtours.co.za/a-history-of-hiking-and-the-joys-of-slackpacking-the-natal-midlands/): When backpacking trails were first conceived of in South Africa, in the 1970s, the old government overestimated the ability of the people it hoped would use the National Hikingway Trails that it installed. For that reason, the daily distances of those first forestry trails – like the Soutpansberg and the Outeniqua trails – were generally 20-30 km.
- [Hiking the Natal Midlands](https://spekboomtours.co.za/hiking-slackpack-natal-midlands/): ‘The R103 is not the only Midlands Meander,’ said Julia Invernizzi as we – a group of 8 slackpack hikers of various backgrounds and fitness levels – sat together in the shade, digging into her delicious homemade trail mix (a favorite with walkers on the trail)  The R103 is the well-trodden Midlands Meander route of crafts, cuisine and country comforts, but there’s a different kind of saunter on offer in these misty hills of the KZN Natal Midlands.
- [Cycling the Battlefields](https://spekboomtours.co.za/cycling-the-battlefields-kwa-zulu-natal/): Cycling is a great way to tour the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) - as I discovered when I joined Spekboom Tours’ inaugural tour of the historic sites of the Newcastle-Ladysmith and Spioenkop areas recently.
- [Poorts and Passes- a cycle tour through the Baviaanskloof](https://spekboomtours.co.za/cycle-tour-through-the-baviaans-eastern-cape/): The Karoo, a place I had first visited together with my family as a child, has always held a special place in my heart. A land of vastness, of sweet and succulent lamb and even sweeter jerepigo, of stark beauty, mysticism, colourful characters and star-filled night skies. Something I’ve long come to realise is a visit here is never one to be rushed. So when my girlfriend, Julia, suggested that I come along on a cycle tour through the Karoo and Baviaanskloof (an area I hadn’t visited yet), I jumped at the chance. What better way to enjoy the Karoo than by the slow immersive meander that only bicycles on a cycle tour can provide?
- [A fund-raising hike in support of the Karkloof Conservancy](https://spekboomtours.co.za/karkloof-day-hike-in-support-of-the-karkloof-conservancy/): Despite a day of hot blustery winds, some 35 enthusiastic hikers turned up at the trailhead of the historical Karkloof  “Shawswood farm”  for a 15 km fundraiser walk for Karkloof Conservancy.  The hike constitutes the first day part of a 3-day “Falls2Falls” slack pack trail and was guided by Julia Invernizzi from Spekboom Tours. For those of you unfamiliar with the term “slackpacking” it is walking trails without the burden of a backpack, hard mattress, and pot noodles for dinner to look forward to.
- [Meander the Midlands](https://spekboomtours.co.za/meander-the-midlands-on-a-cycle-tour/): It is the first day of a two-day Meandering the Midlands cycle tour and thankfully the Dargle mist and rain had turned and instead we were greeted with clear blue skies and a gorgeous wintery light with which to explore the Dargle Valley.
- [Cycle adventures in the Midlands](https://spekboomtours.co.za/cycle-adventures-in-the-kwa-zulu-natal-midlands/): KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands Meander is surely South Africa’s most successful tourist meander. A measure of this is that it is being copied in many other areas in South Africa.
- [The Path Less Travelled: Slackpacking in the KZN Midlands](https://spekboomtours.co.za/slackpacking-in-the-kzn-midlands/): Such less travelled forest paths can be trod in the KZN Midlands, thanks to Julia Invernizzi  of Spekboom Tours, who with the generous cooperation of the local Conservancies and landowners in the area is pioneering slackpacking through the indigenous forests and grasslands that abut the farmlands in this part of the Midlands. For Julia slackpacking means “walking trails without the burden of a heavy backpack, hard mattress, and pot noodles for dinner”. Instead, slackpacking with Spekboom Tours offers families and those who like relaxed hiking and their creature comforts to enjoy walking in nature with their luggage transfere taken care of and a warm bed and a home-cooked meal to look forward to.
- [The Samango Hiking Trail in the Dargle Valley](https://spekboomtours.co.za/dargle-forest-samango-slackpack-hike/): Having just completed the 5 day Giant’s Cup Trail whereby you carry all you need on your back for 5 days I was looking for something not so strenuous so when the Dargle Samango Slackpack Hike popped up on my Facebook feed I was intrigued to learn more.  It didn’t take me long to contact Julia and book my spot on the hike, I liked the fact it was just over a hour drive from Durban, something I’d be comfortable doing on my own, and no 4 x 4 needed.
- [Turtle Tracking in Kosi Bay](https://spekboomtours.co.za/kosi-bay-turtle-slackpack-tour-2024/): I’m barefoot on a beach in Kosi Bay, the northern most part of KwaZulu-Natal bordering Mozambique, with a group of walkers and a guide searching for signs of newly-hatched turtles. In hushed voices we walk and chat, hyper aware of our pristine Kosi Bay surroundings. I kick up the sand and marvel at the bioluminescent phytoplankton flashing in blues and greens like sparklers on a birthday cake. 
- [The Karkloof Falls to Falls Slackpack](https://spekboomtours.co.za/karkloof-falls-hiking-tour-2019/): Written by Alison Chadwick
- [Clarens San Traverse slackpack hike -2020](https://spekboomtours.co.za/clarens-san-traverse-slackpack-hike/): The Clarens San-Traverse is a new three-day slackpacking trail that allows hikers to stride out onto the sandstone domes of the Rooiberg/Witteberg while learning about the fascinating heritage of this corner of the Eastern Free State.
- [7 Reasons for Slackpacking in the KZN Midlands](https://spekboomtours.co.za/7-reasons-for-slackpacking-in-the-kzn-midlands/): If you need to hiking breakaway and would like to immerse yourself in nature, we found there is no better way to do it than slackpacking effortlessly and in style …

## Pages
- [Spekboom Tours Blog](https://spekboomtours.co.za/spekboom-tours-blog/): View Our Blog Articles In The Following Categories: Our Latest Articles
- [Zululand Rover Slackpack](https://spekboomtours.co.za/mtunzini-zululand-slackpack-hike/): The Zululand Rover slackpack hike in beautiful Mtunzini on the KwaZulu Natal north coast, is a captivating 3-day hiking adventure that showcases the diverse coastal scenery of this captivating region. Covering coastal mangroves, dune sand forest, wild white beaches, and verdant jungles with fern-fringed boardwalks snaking through the famous soaring Raphia Palm forests, this area offers an exciting network of shady, even-cambered trails. These paths are perfect for leisurely birdwatching strolls or exhilarating runs. The region is renowned for its diverse birdlife, horseshoe estuary, and fine dining establishments. It's not uncommon to encounter a zebra crossing the village center.
- [Clarens San-Traverse Slackpacking Hiking Tour](https://spekboomtours.co.za/clarens-san-traverse-slackpacking-hiking/): Discover the best-kept secrets of the Eastern Free State. Situated between the bustling art village of Clarens and the craggy sandstone Maluti mountains, this slackpack hiking tour offers a unique combination of high-berg wilderness and cultural treasures.
- [Wakkerstroom Wonder – A Birder’s Paradise](https://spekboomtours.co.za/wakkerstroom-birding-hiking/): This unique slackpack hike is centred around the charmingly preserved village of Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga, a town whose history dates back to the early 1800’s when Voortrekker pioneers first settled in this picturesque well-watered valley.
- [Nomans’ Land Trail-This tour is currently suspended.](https://spekboomtours.co.za/nomans-land-underberg-hiking-tour/): The Swartberg Noman's Land Trail is a 4-day all-inclusive slackpack through the remote grasslands of the foothill's of the Southern Drakensberg. The ever-changing scenery offers unique daily experiences on the trail. Traverse the highest vlei in South Africa, be captivated by the beauty of the Rooipoort waterfall and get a chance to spot some of the rare bird species that call the Ntsekeni Nature Reserve home. Warm hospitality, luxurious characterful accommodation, as well as the unique experience of spending a night as it would have been in the 1880’s era. With secret cave paintings, a birding guide and insightful stories of the past, this slackpack offers a personal touch like no other.
- [Karkloof Falls to Falls Slackpack](https://spekboomtours.co.za/karkloof-falls-hiking-tour/): The Karkloof Falls to Falls 3-day slackpacking hike is an all-inclusive trek encompassing some of the most picturesque and hidden parts of the Natal Midlands countryside. From indigenous mistbelt forest to pristine grasslands, pastoral vistas and eye-watering panoramic views, the ever-changing scenery contains something for everyone. Highlights include traversing the forest canopy on a zip line tour, a visit to a world-class bird hide with the chance to spot the critically-endangered Wattled Crane, and an indigenous tree trail with abundant wildlife including various birds, antelope, zebra, wildebeest and other game.
- [Giant’s Cup Slackpack Trail](https://spekboomtours.co.za/giants-cup-drakensberg-hiking-slackpack/): The Giant's Cup Hiking Trail in the Southern Drakensberg is part of the National Hiking Way. The self-guided slackpack hike follows a well-established and clearly marked trail that runs southwards from Sani Pass in the north to Bushmans Nek in the south, the full trail being approximately 60km in length. It falls within the Ukahlamba Wilderness Area (a World Heritage Site) and is administered by KZN Wildlife who provide 5 overnight huts along the route - at Pholela (Cobham valley), Mzimkhulwana, Winterhoek, Swimans (in the Drakensberg Gardens valley) and at Bushmans Nek.
- [Spekboom Tours – Privacy Policy](https://spekboomtours.co.za/privacy-policy-2/): At Spekboom Tours, accessible from https://www.spekboomtours.co.za, one of our main priorities is the privacy of our visitors. This Privacy Policy document contains the types of information that are collected and recorded by Spekboom Tours and how we use it.
- [Spekboom Tours – Disclaimer](https://spekboomtours.co.za/disclaimer/): All the information on this website – https://www.spekboomtours.co.za – is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. By using this website, you accept this disclaimer in full. 
- [Spekboom – Terms Of Service](https://spekboomtours.co.za/terms-of-service/): These Terms of Service constitute a legally binding agreement made between you, whether personally or on behalf of an entity (“you”) and Spekboom Slackpack Tours (“we,” “us” or “our”), concerning your access to and use of the www.spekboomtours.co.za website as well as any other media form, media channel, mobile website or mobile application related, linked, or otherwise connected thereto (collectively, the “Site”).
- [Home](https://spekboomtours.co.za/): Get ready to explore hidden gems and secret routes that few have traversed. Our expert guides will lead you on exclusive hiking & slackpacking trails, revealing the untold stories and breathtaking vistas of South Africa's most stunning landscapes.
- [About](https://spekboomtours.co.za/about-us/): Established in 2015, we specialise in nature-based, ecologically-minded adventure, hiking, slackpacking, and cycle tours utilising exclusive trails through some of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, all of which are delivered with the personal care and attention for which we have become known.
- [Contact](https://spekboomtours.co.za/contact/): 34 River Goose Estate,Howick, KZN
- [Blog](https://spekboomtours.co.za/blog/): Senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Sed libero enim sed faucibus turpis in eu. Pharetra diam sit amet nisl suscipit adipiscing bibendum est.