Eastern Shores Wilderness Trail

A first of its kind within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this exclusive Wilderness Trail on the Eastern Shores offers an unforgettable bush-and-beach experience — primitive in essence, yet slackpacking by nature.

Led by a highly regarded Big 5 trails guide, you’ll explore a mosaic of ecosystems: expansive grasslands, verdant pans, ancient coastal forests, and vast dune systems. Simple but comfortable pop-up camps provide your overnight haven, with wholesome meals cooked over an open fire and warm bucket showers waiting at day’s end. A small trails crew takes care of the heavy porterage, camp setup and catering - …letting you slow down and be fully present in this wild, natural space.

Choose between a 2- or 3-night trail, with the extended version including a coastal day along the pristine, protected shores north of Cape Vidal. Here, the first night is a wild camp in the dunes, before continuing to the gorgeous milkwood-forest camp on the edge of Lake Bhangazi.

From towering dunes (some of the highest in the world) to ancient wetlands and unspoiled beaches, the Eastern Shores brim with biodiversity. Wildlife sightings may include elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, hyaena, and leopard, alongside diverse antelope, birdlife, and seasonal marine visitors. Between November and March, you might even witness nesting sea turtles or the remarkable spectacle of hatchlings making their way to the ocean.

Trails run with a minimum of four and a maximum of eight participants, ensuring an intimate and low-impact wilderness experience. Blending untamed landscapes, rich ecological insight, and a deep sense of harmony, the Eastern Shores Wilderness Trail offers an experience of authentic adventure and connection.