De reis: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
We head into the wilderness on foot, through a landscape where lions, elephants and rhinos roam freely. That way we effortlessly return to the essence.
Facilitated by Nature's Playground
- Where
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- How long
- 6 days
- Group
- 4–12 people
- Languages
- Dutch, English
The experience
In the north of South Africa, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, lies one of Africa's oldest parks: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park. Savannahs, hills and riverbeds come together in a landscape where wild animals roam freely.
This area carries a deep history. For generations Zulu kings used it for hunting and royal rituals. The park saved the white rhino from extinction and still counts as one of the most important places for its protection.
We head into the wilderness on foot and move through a landscape where lions, elephants and rhinos roam freely. That way we effortlessly return to the essence. You don't have to achieve anything. But often something like clarity arises by itself.
The character of this experience
What the facilitator has told us about their own trip. Anything they have not said is simply not here.
- Depth of the experience
- Next level inner journeyThis is not a treat trip. In many cases this is transformative: you look at parts of yourself that are not always pretty or pleasant. That brings uncomfortable moments and often brings up grief you may look at and let go of. It makes contact with deeper layers in you, and so with your heart. It lets you sink towards your true essence, towards what you have to bring to this world.
Who this is for
Said plainly, so you can rule it out as easily as rule it in.
- You are at a crossroads and feel more is possible than what you are living now
- You want something that really shakes something loose — not another workshop or a weekend away
- You are open to simplicity: walking with a backpack, sleeping under the stars, living with what there is
What's included
Included
- A 90-minute intake
- A one-day preparation session in the Netherlands
- A six-day trek in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park
- Guiding by two internationally certified wilderness guides
- A one-day session in the Netherlands after returning
Meet your facilitator
Nature's Playground
5 years running experiences
Niels Thijssen and Alexander “Ali” Gerritse take individuals, teams and organisations into the wild so that they come home, in their own words, “essentially different”. Their working idea is awe — the moment nature is so much bigger than your own story that the mind briefly falls silent and perspective shifts. Programmes run from a single day in Dutch woodland up to four-month trajectories built around an expedition in Italy, South Africa, Norway or Slovakia, and they also run a free monthly Community Hike.
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Why you can trust this listing
- A person read this listing against a checklist before it went live. It carries the quality stamp only because it passed.
- Every photo above was confirmed as this experience, not stock photography.
- Your money is held in a third-party client account and released to the facilitator 1 day after the experience starts.
Practical details
Including the cancellation terms — visible before you book, not buried at checkout.
Meeting point
Not published. The trajectory opens in the Netherlands; travel to South Africa is arranged with the group.
What to bring
Broken-in walking boots and a daypack of 30–35 litres Light, breathable layers plus something warm for the evenings Sun hat, high-factor sun cream and sunglasses A valid passport, any required visa, and personal travel insurance
Accessibility
A good basic level of fitness is required: you walk for several days through hilly terrain, carry your own basic equipment, and sleep outside in a sleeping bag for several nights.
Cancellation — Moderate
Full refund up to 30 days before the start date.
- More than 30 days before: 100% refund.
- More than 14 days before: 50% refund.
- Inside the last window: 0% refund.
Insurance to consider
Worked out from where this trip goes, how long it lasts and what the terrain is like. Insurance is yours to arrange.
Cancellation cover
Pays back what you cannot get refunded if you have to cancel or cut the trip short, for example through illness.
a.s.r. annuleringsverzekering(opens in a new tab)Medical costs abroad
Pays for a doctor or hospital outside the Netherlands. Your Dutch health insurance may not cover everything abroad.
a.s.r. reisverzekering (via Mountain Beat)(opens in a new tab)Rescue and repatriation
Pays for search, rescue and the journey home after an accident or illness. In remote or mountain areas a helicopter rescue can cost tens of thousands of euros.
NKBV Expeditieverzekering (membership required)(opens in a new tab)
The facilitator has not described the terrain yet, so this is based on the region and length only.
The insurance you actually need depends on your own circumstances, such as the cover you already have. Naturetreats does not sell or recommend insurance: check any policy against your own situation before you travel.