Usually nestled at the core of declared game reserves or resting on the shoulders of mountainous terrain, wilderness areas are the roaming ground of indigenous wildlife sheltered by landscapes, which are overwhelmingly beautiful. These have been part of the soul of humankind for a million years or more.In practical conservation terms, wilderness is the highest form of conservation category an area can achieve, and is defined by the World Conservation Union as a "large area of unmodified or slightly modified land and / or sea which retains its natural character and influence and which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural condition". In personal, social and cultural terms, wilderness was our home - the crucible in which humans evolved over millions of years - and is yet the repository of irreplaceable biological, economic and spiritual values.

Shamwari has recently set aside 16 % of their land, over 3,000 hectares (7,500 acres) as a wilderness area and are offering a 4 day wilderness trail programme.Four-day wilderness trails are run where two nights are spent in the bush with the first and last nights in the base camp. Your trail will be limited to 8 participants.

What makes the trail remarkable beyond a journey into these rare places is the sensitive and careful guidance by experienced guides who know and love the bush. You are not required to have sleeping bags, backpacks, camping equipment or extensive hiking experience. An all-inclusive trail fee covers all camping equipment, food, and transport from the base facility where you will spend your first night.Physical fitness and strength are not the focus of the trail. In the relaxed intimacy of a trail limited to 8, the wilderness brings out the best in everybody - including mutual responsibility for collecting water, firewood and keeping night watch. Camping is kept simple in open bush.

Shamwari operates their wilderness trails with a concern for minimum impact. The only lasting impression left by a wilderness trail is the experience itself. And it is likely to be indelible.As the founder of the SA Wilderness movement, Dr Ian Player, has said many times, "(Wilderness) presents us with a blue print, as it were, of what creation was about in the beginning, when all the plants and trees and animals were magnetic, fresh from the hands of whatever created them."Shamwari welcomes you and looks forward to providing you with a memorable trail experience.