Established in 2007, we specialise in holidays with an outdoor edge. If you're the kind of person who needs a mountain or two, ocean swims, and breath - taking scenery to really enjoy your getaway, we are that specialist tour operator.
We understand that outdoor people range from those who thrive on endorphins, to those who simply need to relax in the quiet of nature; and as such Active Escapes offers all types of active, outdoor and nature - focused holidays. Hiking, slackpacking, mountain biking, trail running, river rafting, horse riding or simply being in nature; we know how dynamic people like to spend their time.
Contact us3 or 5 night Wild Coast Pondoland Trail Options: either fully-supported & catered (the Pondo-Hopper) or a self-catered version (the Pondo-Explorer), sleeping in tented camps nestled up against a dune or along a pristine estuary.
This walking trail is an escape into one of the most ecologically diverse parts of South Africa. Fern and swamp forests, savannah and secluded beaches. Overnighting in comfortable bush and beach camps with catering, guiding, snorkelling, and a 3 lakes boat-trip.
This primitive hiking trail is a reset and reconnect with our ‘wilder’ selves. Hiking in the northern parts of Manyoni private game reserves, trailist’s will be getting back to basics: sleeping under the stars, taking nothing we want, but everything we need.
Reach the top of the escarpment and source of the Tugela River, where you can stand atop the second highest waterfall in the world. On our 3 day Amphitheatre hike you’ll overnight in comfy mountain lodges, have your meals catered for, and can have your backpack portered.
Walk the Wild Coast, 2hrs from Durban. Our 3 Night Mtentu-Explorer takes you to private beaches, forgotten falls and pristine estuaries. Overnighting in a homestay the first night and a joint-venture eco-camp the next two– your stay bolsters the local economy, much needed in the fight against mining.
Hike through giant yellowwood forests and mistbelt grasslands to the forgotten falls of the Karkloof, on our 3 day Midlands Slackpacker. The Falls2Falls is a fully catered, luggage-supported trail encompassing some of the least discovered parts of Midlands countryside.
One of the few self-guided MTB tours with bikes available for hire. Expertly crafted single-track, majestic mountain views, fully catered lodgings, and close enough away for a weekend getaway.
Come and explore one of Africa’s last great wildernesses on foot - Pafuri, northern Kruger. The private trails camp, used as our base for exploration, is positioned on the banks of the Luvuvhu River, an idyllic setting where animals congregate and over which the moon waxes and wanes.
Whether its adventure, nature, or relaxation you after, the surrounds & company of Tugela Bushcamp offer the perfect tonic. From birding & fishing to 4x4'ing, mtb-biking, river rafting and trail-running, and newly launched nature and yoga-focused ‘Retreats’
Combining the best of the Kosi Lakes with Maputalands finest beaches, we offer 4 'Turtle Trail' Slackpacker’s. All of them start out at Kosi Mouth and finish at Lala Nek or Mabibi with snorkelling, kayaking, ocean safaris and barefoot dreams.
Overnighting in high mountain cabins, this newly launched slackpacker, offers a birds-eye view of one of only two vulture colonies in the Drakensberg. Just 3hrs drive from the major airports, this trail offers the perfect long weekend getaway from Joburg and Durban.
Enjoy barefoot wanderings, forest bathing, yoga, coaching and mindful plant-based eating on our 4 day Wellness Retreat at Gugs, Maputaland - Northern KZN.
On this trail one can expect wild terrain, diverse game and bird encounters, delicious campfire cuisine, and a journey into the heart of the Tugela gorge. Easily adapted to trail runners, mountain-bikers and fishermen alike. One night spent wild camping, and two nights in the lodge.
Kath Fourie signed up for her first post-Covid escape: a Women's Yoga-Nature Retreat held at Tugela Bushcamp. A break from being 'plugged in' to looking within. Arms stiff from planking, glutes stiff from Goddessing and cheeks stiff from laughing. This was her experience...
Read moreWhen Sarah, owner of Active-Escapes, asked if I’d like to join her on a 6-day getaway down the Wild Coast, I jumped at it like a hound with a nose for hidden biltong. I have always had a keen scent for hedonistic adventure, and the urgency to break with routine was made more pronounced in the dreary shadow of lockdown.
Read moreWhether you heading off on day-hike or planning for a week-long expedition, choosing the right food to bring along, can be your ‘make or break’. Foods are your fuel, and on multi-day hikes, you wish to choose wisely for both endurance and recovery.
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