BOOKING A HIKING TRAIL

Please email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za for an Information Pack and to confirm if there is availability. In your email please include number of people in your group, length of hike and dates you want to arrive on. You arrive the day before you start hiking.

HIKING & ACCOMMODATION (per person)
5-days = R1,000
4-days = R860
3-days = R660

SLACKPACKING (per crate) – see below
5-days = R300
4-days = R240
3-days = R180

CANCELLATION POLICY
• Cancellations 0 to 14 days prior forfeit 100% of the hiking fee, slackpacking fee will be reimbursed
• Cancellations 14 to 28 days prior forfeit 50% of the hiking fee, slackpacking fee will be reimbursed
• Cancellations more than 28 days prior forfeit 25% of the deposit

BOOKING PROCESS
• Only electronic transfers are accepted. Overseas visitors can deposit cash at any bank branch.
• We only accept one payment per group
• Your booking is not secure until a deposit of 50% of the hiking & accommodation fee is paid and bank confirmation slip is emailed or sms
• The full fee and the slackpacking has to be paid a month before arrival. Your permit will be issued to you then.

GROUP SIZE
A minimum booking of 3 people and a maximum booking of 20 people. The minimum number is for safety reasons as the cell phone reception on the trail is sporadic.

SLACKPACKING
The slack packing service is when we transport your luggage between camps. You only have to carry a day pack!
• The crates are 38cm x 58cm x 36cm high at the smallest point or 85 litres.
• A minimum of 3 crates per booking/group.
• Any items left outside the crate will not be transported. The lids must be closed firmly.
• Cooler bags can be used instead of a crate but will be charged the same price as transporting a crate.

FITNESS LEVELS
The trail has been rated as moderate to difficult by Green Flag. Much of the charm of the trail is that it takes you through rugged and hard to reach terrain. There are some steep ascents and descents, swing bridges and ladders to climb. Hikers should have a reasonable fitness and agility level. People with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. knees, heart and asthma) should consult their doctor before booking the trail. The longest day hike is 9.5km and the shortest is 6.2km.

AGE RESTRICTIONS
• Only children 12 years old and over are allowed to walk the Num-Num trail.
• There is no upper age limit. Many customers who are in their 70s and 80s, who are reasonably fit and agile, have completed the trail with flying colours.

THINGS TO BRING
• Hiking boots and socks. Flip-flops and tekkies / trainers are not appropriate for any of the trails.
• Walking stick
• Rain gear – it is possible to experience ALL weather conditions in one day
• Hat
• Fleece, especially in winter
• Swimming costume
• Sleeping bag, pillow and a towel
• Water bottle. It is safe (and delicious) to drink the water on all the estates. Do not refill or drink from stagnant pools!
• Sunscreen
• Torch
• First aid kit (including plasters and antiseptic)
• Insect repellent
• Matches / lighter
• Food and drinks for 5 days (see below section on food)
• Extras – camera, binoculars, batteries, mobile chargers, book, cards etc.

HONESTY SHOPS, CANDLEWOOD & WATERBESSIE DELIVERY
• There are small Honesty Shops at Pongola Express, Aloe Kaya and Candlewood Camps supplying snacks and drinks.
• If advanced notice is given drinks, salads and meat can be delivered to Candlewood and Waterbessie Camps. Details are in information pack.

LIFTS & ROADS
• If you are transported by one of the Num-Num staff you do so at your own risk.
• All camps are accessible by road, but only the Pongola Express Camp is on a tar road. Access to Candlewood Camp is restricted to minimise the wear and tear on the road.
• The 3 and 4 day hiking trails are not circular and people will have to be transported at either the start or the finish. There is no additional charge for this.
• If additional lifts are required then there is a charge of R60 per person per journey.

TRAIL SAFETY RULES
• Read the Safety Guide that will be sent with your permit
• Do not interfere with plants or animals, or deface rocks.
• Don’t litter on the trail there are bins at the camps. Do not pollute rivers and streams with soap, shampoo or any chemical substances.
• Do not feed the animals or leave food outside of the camps. There are baboons in the area.
• Only create outdoor fires in the designated areas.
• Never discard cigarette butts - they cause veld fires and are unsightly.
• Stick to paths and walk in single file to avoid soil erosion.
• Leave trail huts in good condition.
• Firearms and pets are not allowed.

STAY ANOTHER NIGHT…
You normally arrive the day before you start hiking so there is no need to book additional accommodation before your hike. If you want to stay on you can either:
• Book an additional night at one of The Num-Num Camps
• The cute stone 4-star Fishing Lodge on Five Assegais Country Estate sleeps 8 people in 4 double bedrooms. There are rates for catering and self-catering. Trout fishing is included.
• The lovely Mountain Creek Cabin on Wathaba sleeps 4 people in an open plan room. Self-catering only.
• Bermanzi has a newly built Chalet opening soon that sleeps 10 people and a Lodge that sleeps 8 people. A downstairs flat is suitable for a couple. All self-catering.
• There are a number of other lodges and guest houses in the area including Komati Gorge Lodge, Katrina’s Rust and Misty Valley.

SIMILAR NAME BUT DIFFERENT PLACE
Please don’t confuse the following tourist attractions with The Num-Num Hiking Trail. These places are all several hours away:
• Pongola near Piet Retief, Mpumalanga,
• God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
• Mac Mac Falls near Sabie, Mpumalanga
+27 72 889 9284