Our partner: Lowveld Trails Co

Established by Wilderness Trails Guides in January 2016, Lowveld Trails Co. strives to ‘Create the space for personal, social and Wilderness regeneration’. They conduct immersive trail, training and tracking experiences for small groups (maximum of eight participants) according to their unique ethos. This has significantly contributed towards Lowveld Trails Co.’s reputation as one of the most innovative and professional organisations within the industry.

Their team of Wilderness Trails Guides and Trainers have extensive experience and some of the highest qualifications in their field. Through ever-growing knowledge, immersive experience, and imaginable metaphors, they translate Nature’s wisdom, sparking awareness and allowing participants to channel those understandings into their own circumstances.

Their passion, knowledge and experience, combined with the ‘soft skills’ that come from many years of leading multi-day, unsupported Primitive Trails across Africa, equip their team with the ability to facilitate valuable and meaningful personal and educational experiences. Lowveld Trails Co. will enable ways of looking at yourself and Nature differently.

What is special about travelling with Lowveld Trails Co?

They are experts in the industry with highly qualified and experienced Wilderness Trails Guides, Trainers and Trackers.

They have a consistent and positive reputation. As leaders in the industry, they set and sustain high standards.

They provide supportive engagement from start to finish. In the office and in the field, they all care about the people that choose to engage with Lowveld Trails Co.

They are skilled facilitators with a unique and thought-provoking facilitation method.

They challenge what is essential. “When we focus only on what is essential, we strip away the unnecessary, we strip away layers of clutter. We allow ourselves to authentically immerse, free from distraction and we foster a deep sense of appreciation, free from excess.” - Wayne Te Brake, Co-Founder of Lowveld Trails Co.

They choose to work with small groups only. “It allows for personal attention from the facilitators, as well as space to be quiet and think.” - Brenden Pienaar, Co-Founder of Lowveld Trails Co.

They provide access to Wilderness spaces where one can embrace the intrinsic quality of the landscape and experience true adventure.

They allow participants to play their role in a regenerative travel model, to be part of something bigger than yourself.

What is the philosophy behind Lowveld Trails Co?

Lowveld Trails Co. believes that the greatest danger of all is the growing disconnect between humans and our natural habitat. The progressive loss of direct human-nature interaction has become known as the 'extinction of experience'. It may yet prove to be one of the key environmental concepts of our times. The removal of humans from their natural habitat negatively impacts our well-being and compromises any efforts made towards conservation.

It is now estimated that a record one in every four persons will suffer from a mental disorder during their lifetime. The Rhino crises (a showcase of what is happening to biological diversity on our planet), deforestation, and global climate change are further symptoms of our 'ecological amnesia'. We have become disconnected from our ecological reality at a murderous level.

As Wilderness Trails Guides, there is one thing that we know for certain. Real, immersive experiences in Wilderness spaces change people. It changes the way that they think and the way that they behave. The experience of Wilderness enables a dramatic shift in mindset, a heightened sense of consciousness among participants that the fate of humanity and Nature is inextricably linked. Whatever happens to Nature, will happen to us.

The Lowveld Trails Co. vision is to build a net positive, regenerative business model that uses immersive, Nature-based experiences to generate awareness of self and Wilderness. With the ultimate intention that a heightened awareness will contribute to increased engagement and investment in Wilderness.

As part of our commitment, Lowveld Trails Co. has been carbon neutral for the past two years (2022 and 2023) and donate 1% of profits to Wilderness (landscape level) conservation projects.

What programmes does Lowveld Trails Co. offer?

Lowveld Trails Co. offer Primitive Trails, Apprentice Trails Guide Courses and Tracking Courses.

#1 Primitive Trails

Our Primitive Trails will expose you to the fine detail, the grandeur of the landscape and the thrill of moving among large mammals. Well beyond an activity, it is a fully immersive experience that permits participation in Nature as opposed to traditional spectatorship. Led by professional Wilderness Trails Guides, with thousands of trails hours experience each, you will spend a minimum of three self-sufficient nights (four days) in the wild. By carrying all your equipment on your back, you’ll enter a world accessible to a privileged few.

Destinations: South Africa (Timbavati, Makuya and Kalahari), Rwanda (Akagera), Zambia (Kafue)

#2 Apprentice Trails Guide Courses

On the Lowveld Trails Co. Apprentice Trails Guide Course, candidates will receive personalised attention from their course facilitators and as much first-hand experience as possible. Although the primary objective is to be signed-off as an Apprentice Trails Guide at the end of the 28 days, we place strong emphasis on the ethos surrounding Trails Guiding, the necessary bush skills required for multi- day Trails and holistic environmental interpretation.

Lowveld Trails Company, a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) accredited training provider, proudly facilitates direct human-nature interaction in wild spaces and specialise in Trails Guide training and mentorship.

Destination: Timbavati, Greater Kruger National Park

#3 Tracking Courses

The Track & Sign course will open up a new world to the naturalist, with the focus being on the identification and interpretation of the tracks and signs left behind by the incredible diversity of wildlife in the South African Lowveld.

As your ‘Environmental literacy’ skills are honed, you will become more situationally aware, and will therefore feel more at home in your natural environment. The course follows the CyberTracker structure and standards, culminating in a CyberTracker Track & Sign Assessment on the final day.

Destination: Timbavati, Greater Kruger National Park

Immerse in wilderness

Explore the captivating Lowveld trails, where the rhythm of nature guides each step and the untamed beauty leaves an indelible imprint on the soul. Wander through landscapes alive with history, where wildlife thrives and echoes of ancient cultures linger in the air.

Whether tracing the path of a winding river or venturing into the depths of lush forests, Lowveld trails promise a journey of discovery and connection with the wild essence of the land.