About the Old Salt Trail
The Old Salt Trail is a demanding five-day slackpacking circuit through the western Soutpansberg. Beginning and ending at Medike Nature Reserve, it crosses Duluni and Hamasha gorges, reaches the summit of Mount Lajuma, walks through ancient yellowwood forest and returns along the high country above the Sand River Gorge.
It is a fully guided hiking destination with luggage transfers and fixed overnight stops, but it should not be confused with an easy lodge break. Steep rock, scrambling, stream crossings, long days and the remote mountain setting demand a high level of hiking fitness and confidence on uneven ground.
Hike directions
Day 1 – Medike to Luvhondo Camp via Duluni Gorge (12.3 km)
The route leaves Medike Reception on a steep climb out of the Sand River Gorge. It follows watercourses through Duluni Gorge, with stream crossings, boulder sections and rock-art sites before reaching the Leshiba plains and Luvhondo Camp.
Day 2 – Luvhondo Camp to Sigurwana Lodge via Hamasha Gorge (15.4 km)
The most technical day descends and climbs through Hamasha Gorge. Hikers negotiate angled red rock slabs, stream crossings and rocky forest corridors before a long mountain-bushveld traverse leads to Sigurwana.
Day 3 – Sigurwana to Lajuma Wilderness Camp via Mount Lajuma (15.1 km)
This high mountain stage combines wetlands, grassland, rock art and a summit ascent. Mount Lajuma reaches roughly 1,727 m and is the highest point in the Soutpansberg. The climb and descent have scrambling and loose, rocky ground.
Day 4 – Lajuma to Leshiba Venda Village Lodge via Yellowwood Forest (19.1 km)
The longest stage begins with a steep scramble through the Chimneys, then becomes more flowing across plateau grassland and forest. Ancient yellowwoods are the day’s signature feature before the trail returns to Leshiba’s plains.
Day 5 – Leshiba Venda Village Lodge to Medike (11.4 km)
The final day follows viewpoints above the gorge before re-entering Medike. A long, steep and rocky descent to the Sand River tests tired legs; take it slowly and use poles if they help.
What to expect
The trail is guided and luggage is carried ahead, so hike with a daypack containing water, snacks, sun protection, warm and waterproof layers, personal medication and emergency essentials. High-clearance vehicles are needed for the dirt-road approach to Medike; hikers travelling in sedans should arrange the current transfer option in advance.
The route passes through conservation land where potentially dangerous wildlife may be encountered. Follow the guide, give animals space and never treat the listed wildlife as a sighting guarantee. The trail is not dog-friendly.
About the area
The Western Soutpansberg combines yellowwood forest, protea slopes, ancient baobabs, mountain wetlands and deeply cut gorges. It is a biodiversity-rich range at the northern edge of Limpopo, with rock art and local cultural history adding depth to the landscape.
Address and contact details
Trail start and finish: Medike Nature Reserve, Western Soutpansberg, Limpopo Route information and bookings: The Old Salt Trail / Fagala Voet
Confirm future guided departures, the fitness requirement, road access, group rules and current safety information before travelling.
