Five Assegais Country Estate, situated as it is on the lip of the African escarpment, is a wonderland of waterfalls which stream into gullies and gorges that feature giant tree ferns, sparkling pools and a multitude of rare plants.

This magnificent 1000 hectare property straddles the Skurweberg, which is a unique mountain top in the Central Highlands of Mpumalanga.

The guest house was opened in 2003 and has since established an enviable reputation as a fly fishing and wildlife venue of note and as a desirable luxury country retreat half way to the Kruger Park.

The original building with an adjacent small dam, was built in the 1850's as an "Uitspan Plek" or "Resting Place". It was established on the main route for the wagon trains that were transporting people and material to the newly discovered gold fields in Barberton.

The Country Lodge

The Lodge offers a single very private and exclusive luxury house for for the discerning lover of country life.

The self catering guest house boasts three double bedrooms, all en-suite, a children's room sleeping four, an open plan kitchen, sitting and dinning room with cozy fireplace, TV, video and DSTV.

The Lodge is fully equipped and serviced. Catering can be provided on request.

Outdoor Activities

There are wonderful walks on the Estate and fly fishing for rainbow, brown and golden trout on dams close to the house.

Pets (as long as the owners are well behaved); quad bikes, scramblers, 4x4's and mountain bikes are also welcome.

The 'God's Window' Camp

The hiking camp is situated on the very edge of the escarpment.

There are 3 charming double story wooden pagoda's, not tree houses but rock houses, built into the extraordinary sandstone rock canyons that are a feature of this estate, with bunk beds each sleeping 8 for a maximum of 24.

Each hut is equipped with a fridge, stove, kitchen utensils and a sink. There is a braai and the camp has electricity.

The camp has 4 open air, hot showers incorporated into the rocks as well as 3 toilets that look over the whole of the Komati valley down to Badplaas, as well a ladies only toilets and shower block.

A natural boma with a fire place and seating creates a spectacular and comfy bush camp.

Hiking

Five Assegais Country Estate is proud to announce the opening of two new and spectacular hiking trails on the thousand hectare fenced nature and game conservancy.

This two day trail (12Km & 5Km) has been designed and built by Albert Bossert to the highest standards of beauty and safety. The trails have Green Flag status.

The Escarpment Trail

This beautifully laid out path takes you over the Skurwerand, a spectacular landscape of wind and water eroded ancient sandstone, filled with yellow wood trees and aloe gardens with views over the Komati valley all the way to Swaziland.

The trail then plunges into the Bankspruit gorge taking you past crystal pools and rapids, through a pristine gorge forest to the foot of the second highest waterfall in Mpumalanga, then out of the gorge and across old veld pastures filled with game, back to the hiking camp situated on the very edge of the escarpment.

The "Hells Bells" Trail

This 5km trail takes you down the infamous Hell's Kloof Pass.

The trail meanders from the camp down into one of the largest yellow wood gorge forests with a spectacular swing bridge in front of the waterfall, down past rapids and pools where the Louries cry and the orchids bloom, through secret places untouched by man, returning through this unspoiled forest of mosses and ferns back to the camp.

Oom Paul's Backpackers Trail

Albert Bossert has also created a 2 day round trail of 13 km and 9km, in conjunction with the well-known Bermazi trail, that will satisfy the most discerning hiker.

Linking these two trails allows backpackers to enjoy all the wonders that the two properties boast and add a popular element that caters to the more intrepid that like to backpack.

Location

The Estate is situated off the R541 between Machadodorp and Badplaas.

It is 275km (2½ hours driving) from Johannesburg and 20km from Machadodorp, the nearest village. It is also half way between Johannesburg and the Kruger Park, and only 300km from the sea at Maputo.

Reservation enquiries:

Francis Darvall
Tel: +27 (0)13 256 9263
Fax: 086 652 7054
Cell: +27 (0)82 889 6757
email:

Web Site: www.fiveassegais.co.za