Why Choose WildSide? A Look at WildSide’s Trail Philosophy
In a world that’s increasingly defined by noise, stress, and constant connectivity, finding true peace and connection with nature can feel like an elusive dream. WildSide Trails, located in the greater Kruger area of South Africa, offers a refreshing antidote to the pressures of modern life. Through our guided walking safaris, WildSide provides an opportunity to see Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife while reconnecting with the natural world and rediscovering a part of yourself that may have been lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
At the core of WildSide’s philosophy is the belief that nature has an innate ability to heal and restore us. However, this connection cannot be taught—it must be experienced. WildSide’s guided trails are designed to facilitate this personal journey, offering guests the space and time to reconnect with nature profoundly.
WildSide’s founders, Andrew Booth and Mark Montgomery, established the company with a deep conviction that Africa’s wilderness holds the power to cut through the confusion and complexity of modern life. They believe that by walking through these wild spaces - guided by the sun, the Southern Cross, and a shared respect for the land - people can rediscover a sense of peace and clarity that’s often missing from their daily lives. This isn’t just about seeing the Big 5 or ticking off a bucket list; it’s about engaging with the environment on a deeper level, allowing the rhythms of nature to guide you back to a more centred and balanced state of being.
One of the defining features of WildSide Trails is our emphasis on minimalism. Whether you choose a backpacking or slackpacking safari, the experience is deliberately stripped back to the essentials, allowing you to live a basic life close to the ground. This minimalist approach is key to fostering a genuine connection with the wild. By removing the distractions of modern life, we’ll help you focus on what truly matters—your surroundings, your companions, and your own thoughts and feelings.
Living simply in the bush, carrying only what you need, and sleeping under the stars brings a sense of liberation that’s hard to find elsewhere. The absence of unnecessary luxuries forces you to engage with the environment in a way that’s both authentic and humbling. You start to notice the small details—the changing light, the sounds of the bush, the tracks left by animals—and these become the threads that weave together your experience of the trail.
Our approach to immersion in nature goes beyond just physical presence; it’s about becoming attuned to the environment, learning to see, hear, and feel in a way that’s aligned with the natural world. As you spend more time on the trail, moving at nature’s pace, the real magic begins to happen. The distractions and stresses of modern life fade into the background, and you start to experience a deep sense of calm and connection—a reconnection with your wild self.
The impact of WildSide’s trail philosophy is best illustrated through the experiences of those who have walked these paths. Many guests have described their time on the trail as transformative, providing a much-needed reset and a renewed perspective on life.
One guest, after completing a multi-day slackpacking trail, shared how the experience allowed them to “unplug completely and truly live in the moment.” They spoke of the profound sense of peace that came from being surrounded by nature, free from the distractions of phones, emails, and social media. “It’s hard to put into words,” they said, “but there was a point where I just felt completely at one with the environment like I had tapped into something ancient and essential.”
Another trailist described how the minimalist approach of WildSide Trails helped them reconnect with themselves. “Carrying just the basics and walking through such raw, untouched wilderness made me realise how little I need to be happy,” they reflected. “The simplicity of life on the trail was incredibly freeing, and it gave me a chance to think clearly about what I want from life.”
These stories highlight the essence of what WildSide Trails aims to offer—a space for reflection, reconnection, and personal growth. It’s not just about the adventure, but about what the adventure unlocks within you.
If you need more than just a holiday, if you’re looking for an experience that will leave a lasting impact on your soul, WildSide Trails is the perfect choice. Our unique approach to guided walking safaris, rooted in minimalism, respect for nature, and the philosophy of reconnecting with your wild self, offers a truly transformative experience.
Whether you’re feeling the earth beneath your feet, or simply soaking in the quiet of the African night, We invite you to step away from the complexities of modern life and rediscover the peace that can only be found in the wilderness. Book your trail with WildSide today and start a journey that will stay with you long after your footprints on the path have faded.
Reserve Your Trail with WildSide Trails and find the peace, rest, connection, and adventure that your soul has been longing for.
