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 usDiscover the wonders of Walker Bay’s nature, culture and heritage on this new four-night luxury slackpacking trail which journeys through the fynbos, forests and coastline of Grootbos Nature Reserve and Walker Bay.
A bush-and-beach wilderness on-foot experience. A first of its kind – as a special concession within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Primitive by essence, but slackpacking in nature. We invite you to discover the truly rich and wild, St Lucia Eastern Shores.
This is a unique ‘mobile safari’ – where passage is on foot, and nights are spent in a mobile tented camp, set-up in a new wilderness location each night. Come trail burden-free, whilst we prepare camp and dinner.'
3 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 trail is along the same 3 or 5 day route as the Pondo-Explorer, but is a fully supported and catered trail. Lugagge support and catering provided. A great option for groups who'd like to have the planning & logistics taken care of.
If your idea of a hiking holiday is as much about the chilled wine, comfy bed and seafood dinner, then look no further than the Lower Wild Coast Hotel-Hopping trails. Starting at Kob Inn and finishing at Cintsa, we have 3-7 night options.
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, snorkeling, and a 3 lakes boat-trip.
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 and wine through vineyards and olive groves in the Robertson-Ashton valley. Overnighting at a 4-star country manor, you’ll wine(d) and taste your way through some prominent wine estates, artisan eateries, and discover less known treasures along the way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If driving from Gauteng or KZN, our 5 Day Pondo-Falls, starting at Port Edward and finishing at Grosvenor, is a good option to consider. Especially, if you wish to have catering provided all the way. With accommodation in a friendly homestay, community and private lodge, this hike packs an authentic mix of experience, and can also potentially be arranged over holiday periods.
This 3-day expertly guided hike showcases the mangroves, coastal forests, wild beaches and Raphia palms surrounding magical Mtunzini. Overnighting in a bush-chic farmhouse, with meals a delightful combination of home-cooked and local restaurants, this family and age-friendly slackpacker is a great new offering just 1.5hrs drive north of Durbs.
Combining the best of the Kosi Lakes with Maputalands finest beaches, we offer two 'Turtle Trail' Slackpacker’s. Both start out at Kosi Mouth and finish at Lala Nek or Mabibi with snorkelling, kayaking and a boat safari.
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’
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.
Walk amongst wildlife, learn about medicinal plants, and discover ancient Rock Art on this 3-night slackpacking hike in the Western Soutpansberg mountains. A protected Wilderness area - deeply rooted in culture, abundant in biodiversity, and blessed with breathtaking scenery.
A 3-day slackpacker offering wetland wanderings, renowned birding, and anglo-boer history, sweetened by melkterts and coffee tastings around a charmingly preserved dorpie.
The Leatherback turtles of iSimangaliso are the most southern breeding population in the world, and with fewer than 100 laying females coming ashore each year, they are actually more rare than our black rhino.
Read moreKath 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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