Bospoort
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Belfast
Description: 21km/2days; Day 1, 14 km. Day 2, 7 km; average; loop trails from same base; on a farm; one hut at base, three rooms, 42 beds; 4 persons min/ 42 persons max.
Comments: Historic place, birds, abseiling (bring own equipment) horse riding, 4x4 trail, mountain biking, wildlife. Regret no dogs.
Enquiries: Mr Frik du Toit
Tel: +27 (0)13 253 1304
Fax: +27 (0)13 253 1304
e-mail: rapids@yebo.co.za

Rapids
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Belfast
Description: 16km/2days; moderate; circular; on a farm; igloo at base; overnight rondawel on trail; 4 persons min/24 persons max;
Neville Grading: 5.99
Comments: Braai facilities, pots, kettle and basins are provided
Enquiries: F B J Du Toit
Tel: + 27 (0)1325 31304

Ama Poot-Poot
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Dullstroom
Description: 19km/2days; day 1 (Ribbok Route), 13km; day 2 (Trout Route), 6km; circular routes (back to same base), accommodation at base camp with two rooms, 12 beds per room, braai and lapa, kitchen with gas appliances, pots and other appliances, lounge with a cozy fire-place for those cool Dullstroom winter days.
Comments: In mountains with lovely views, ravines, cross rivers, mountain streams, wandering to a 10m high waterfall, views, rock pools, interesting rock formations and trout dams. Game viewing and trout fishing. Undercover parking available.
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
Tel: + 27 (0)13 662 1140
Fax: + 27 (0)13 662 0586
e-mail: anvie@xsinet.co.za

Ratelspruit
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Dullstroom
Description: 13.3km/2 day; easy; circular; other routes available; hutted base camp; camp site; overnight hut; 12 persons max;
Neville Grading: 4.93
Enquiries: Louis & Riana Mostert
Tel: + 27 (0)13 254-0831

Crane
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Lydenburg
Description: 9km/1day; easy; circular; in nature reserve; accommodation in Lydenburg.
Enquiries: Lydenburg Town Council
Tel: + 27 (0)13 235 2121
Fax: + 27 (0)13 235 1108

De Berg
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Lydenburg [Back to Top]
Description: Daywalks; easy; network; campsite
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
Tel: + 27 (0)12 662-0586
Fax: + 27 (0)12 662 1140
e-mail: anvie@xsinet.co.za

De Berg Country Lodge
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Lydenburg
Description: Network; daywalks; easy; guided; catering at request; various options; 10 persons max;
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
Tel: + 27 (0)12 662-0586
Fax: + 27 (0)12 662 1140
e-mail: anvie@xsinet.co.za

Hadeda Falls
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Lydenburg
Description: Choose from five trail options. Ammo Trail, loop to same base, 15.8 km; River Trail, day walk, 5 km; day walk; Kranz Trail, day walk, 5 km; Leopard Loop, day walk, 4 km; Kloof Trail, day walk, 1.2 km. Base camp, 24 persons. Leopard cave, sand floor, 8 persons. Hadeda's Nest self catering rondawel for four persons nearby.
Comments: Historic Anglo-Boer War site, views, 21 waterfalls, mountain-streams, 13 pools, ± 150 bird species, indigenous trees, aloes, tree-ferns, 10 mammal species. No dogs, no fires. Bilharzia and malaria free. Thunderstorms in summer. Cell phone reception
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: + 27(0)12 346 3550 or /1 or /2
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Pedi
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Lydenburg
Description: 5km/3hrs; easy; circular; in nature reserve; accommodation in Lydenberg;
Enquiries: Lydenburg Town Council
Tel: + 27 (0)13 235 2121
Fax: + 27 (0)13 235 1108

Protea
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Lydenburg
Description: 12km/1day; easy; circular in nature reserve; accommodation in Lydenberg;
Comments: Temporarily Closed
Enquiries: Lydenburg Town Council
Tel: + 27 (0)13 235 2121
Fax: + 27 (0)13 235 1108

Ribbok
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Lydenburg
Description: 20.5km/2day; easy; circular; in nature reserve; no base camp, overnight hut, 18 persons max,
Neville Grading: 7.72
Enquiries: Lydenburg Town Council
Tel: + 27 (0)13 235-2121
Fax: + 27 (0)13 235-1108

Sterkspruit
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Lydenburg [Back to Top]
Description: 31km/3day and 3 nights; can be done in 2 days; average; circular; in nature reserve; huts; 10 persons max;
Neville Grading: 12.39
Enquiries: Lydenburg Town Council
Tel: + 27 (0)13 235-2121
Fax: + 27 (0)13 235-1108

Bermanzi - Oom Paul's Backpackers
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: Bermanzi Mountain Retreat on the Bloemfontein road off the R541 between Machadodorp and Badplaas
Description: 2-day backpacker's trail (13 km and 9km), moderate difficulty. You cart start from either the Bermanzi or Five Assegais sides. From both sides you are gradually descending through rapidly changing sceneries of impressive rocks, krans, bush, mountain streams and waterfalls, to the Bankspruit Gorge. You go through an indigenous forest with a great variety of trees and birdlife. You also pass cultural and historical sites. You often follow the contour also used by bushbuck, kudu and mountain reedbuck with beautiful views over the Komati Valley. The climax of the trail is the impressive Bride's Leap Waterfall (also known as the Uitkoms Waterfall, being the second highest waterfall in Mpumalanga).
Comments: Night one: The Stables at Bermanzi provides accommodation for up to 40 people. The original farm stables have been renovated to provide comfortable backpackers accommodation in rooms with bunk beds and a loft with views over the escarpment. There is a boma with with braai facilities, electric stove, hotplate, refrigerator, pots and mattresses. The ablution facilities have hot and cold showers and flush toilets. Night two: God's Window Camp at Five Assegais is electrified, there are 3 charming double story wooden pagodas, 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 and braai plus kitchen utensils and a sink. 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 and a spectacular natural boma with a fire place and seating to create a spectacular and comfy bush camp. The hiking Trail has Green Flag Status.
Enquiries: Bermanzi Hiking Trails
Tel: +27 (0)12 347 7793
Cell: +27 (0)82 856 1942
e-mail: attievn@gmail.com
Web: http://www.bermanzi.co.za

Bermanzi - Wapad
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: Bermanzi Mountain Retreat on the Bloemfontein road off the R541 between Machadodorp and Badplaas
Description: Various loop trails (back to base), 12, 6 and 4 km. Routes may be combined. The trail has Green Flag Status. Breathtaking mountain valleys with indigenous forests and rock pools that can be explored on hiking trails varying in distance between 4 km and 12 km. The trails are rich in cultural and historical sites like genuine Bushman rock art paintings, Pedi and Swazi Kraals as well as sites of the Anglo Boer War. There is plenty of time to cool off in the refreshing waters of one of the many rock pools. It is breathtaking to take in the magnificent sight of the Bankspruit Waterfall which is the second highest waterfall in Mpumalanga.
Comments: The Stables provides accommodation for up to 40 people. The original farm stables have been renovated to provide comfortable backpackers accommodation in rooms with bunk beds and a loft with views over the escarpment. There is a boma with with braai facilities, electric stove, hotplate, refrigerator, pots and mattresses. The ablution facilities have hot and cold showers and flush toilets. The trail has Green Flag status.
Enquiries: Bermanzi Hiking Trails
Tel: +27 (0)12 347 7793
Cell: +27 (0)82 856 1942
e-mail: attievn@gmail.com
Web: http://www.bermanzi.co.za

Five Assegais - Oom Paul's Backpackers
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: Five Assegais Country Estate on the Bloemfontein road off the R541 between Machadodorp and Badplaas
Description: 2-day backpacker's trail (13 km and 9km), moderate difficulty. You cart start from either the Five Assegais or Bermanzi sides. From both sides you are gradually descending through rapidly changing sceneries of impressive rocks, krans, bush, mountain streams and waterfalls, to the Bankspruit Gorge. You go through an indigenous forest with a great variety of trees and birdlife. You also pass cultural and historical sites. You often follow the contour also used by bushbuck, kudu and mountain reedbuck with beautiful views over the Komati Valley. The climax of the trail is the impressive Bride's Leap Waterfall (also known as the Uitkoms Waterfall, being the second highest waterfall in Mpumalanga).
Comments: Night one: The God's Window Camp is electrified, there are 3 charming double story wooden pagodas, 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 and braai plus kitchen utensils and a sink. 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 and a spectacular natural boma with a fire place and seating to create a spectacular and comfy bush camp. Night two is spent at The Stables at Bermanzi providing accommodation for up to 40 people. The original farm stables have been renovated to provide comfortable backpackers accommodation in rooms with bunk beds and a loft with views over the escarpment. There is a boma with with braai facilities, electric stove, hotplate, refrigerator, pots and mattresses. The ablution facilities have hot and cold showers and flush toilets. The hiking trail has Green Flag status.
Enquiries: Francis Darvall
Cell: +27 (0)82 889 6757
e-mail: francis@fiveassegais.co.za
Web: http://www.fiveassegais.co.za

Five Assegais - The Escarpment Trail
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: Five Assegais Country Estate on the Bloemfontein road off the R541 between Machadodorp and Badplaas
Description: 12km, Day loop, moderate. 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 trial 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.
Comments: The God's Window Camp is electrified, there are 3 charming double story wooden pagodas, 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 and braai plus kitchen utensils and a sink. 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 and a spectacular natural boma with a fire place and seating to create a spectacular and comfy bush camp. The trail has Green Flag status.
Enquiries: Francis Darvall
Tel: +27 (0)13 256 9263
Cell: +27 (0)82 889 6757
e-mail: francis@fiveassegais.co.za
Web: http://www.fiveassegais.co.za

Five Assegais - The Hells Bells Trail
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: Five Assegais Country Estate on the Bloemfontein road off the R541 between Machadodorp and Badplaas
Description: 5km trail takes you down the infamous `Hells Kloof Pass'. The trail meanders from the camp down into one of the largest yellow wood forests in the gorge, with a spectacular swing bridge in front of the waterfall and 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.
Comments: The God's Window Camp is electrified, there are 3 charming double story wooden pagodas, 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 and braai plus kitchen utensils and a sink. 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 and a spectacular natural boma with a fire place and seating to create a spectacular and comfy bush camp. The hiking Trail has Green Flag Status.
Enquiries: Francis Darvall
Tel: +27 (0)13 256 9263
Cell: +27 (0)82 889 6757
e-mail: francis@fiveassegais.co.za
Web: http://www.fiveassegais.co.za

Marantan
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Machadodorp [Back to Top]
Description: Daywalks. Base- and bush bungalows, sleeps 30.
Tel: + 27 (0)13 235 1594

Rocky Ranch
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: Farm Rietvlei between Machadodorp and Badplaas
Description: trail rides varying between a few hours to a few days, or take part in cattle drives, cutting & roping, branding and other farm work. Rocky Ranch also offers pony camps over the school holidays for children 10 - 16 years old.
Comments: Rocky Ranch is a working cattle ranch situated on the escarpment of Mpumalanga. Our purpose is to establish an understanding of Western riding and to give guests the opportunity to experience the life and ways of the old-time cowboy.
Enquiries: Antonie Geyer
Tel: + 27 (0)13 256 9237
Cell: +27 (0)73 607 7941
e-mail: info@rockyranch.co.za
Web: http://www.rockyranch.co.za

Wathaba Wilderness
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: In the Skurweberg Pass mountain area on the road to Badplaas (R541), 20.8km from Machadodorp.
Description: 2 circular routes from same base hut; unmarked trails; 6 hrs average to difficult or 3 hrs easy; huts; 8 persons minimum and 24 persons maximum. hiking clubs welcome.
Comments: Rustic huts with covered matresses, firewood supplied. Swimming holes under four waterfalls in the Skurweberg mountains
Enquiries: Wimpie Rauch
Tel: + 27 (0)13 256-9104
Cell: + 27 (0)83 483 7753
Web: http://www.linx.co.za/wathaba

Welgedacht
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Machadodorp
Location: 270 km from Gauteng, 47 km from Lydenburg, 45 km from Machadodorp
Description: 18.3km/2 days; average to difficult; network; on a farm; overnight; 32 persons max. From a well drawn and very specific map, hikers can decide on their route, to suite each individual need. On the very edge of the Highveld escarpment, a trail network of more than 40 km awaits the hiker. These trails nestle deep in a picturesque valley and can be hiked all year round by hikers with different levels of experience - from families with junior hikers to the wilderness hiker. The trails are situated on Welgedacht, a dairy and trout farm with vast unspoilt wilderness areas. A unique feature of these trails are the ecological zones they span, namely river and wetland; grassland and foothills; indigenous mountain forest and kloof; and escarpment and highland. Two of the trails linking the valley to the highlands, cut through indigenous kloofs; some of the most unspoilt areas of indigenous forest in the Eastern Transvaal. Every trail has its unique focus such as flora, bird-life, archaeology and the magnificent vistas that hikers can enjoy from every vantage point. Overnight facilities: Oom Tos' house has 16 beds. Braai facilities with wood and grids. Potjie, pans and kettle. Ablution facilities - flush toilets and showers. Donkey fired geyser. Paraffin lamps. Two-plate cookers at each cottage. Under cover lapa for rainy days. Fern Kloof hut: 16 beds. Groups book max 16 persons. Big hearth with wood, pots, pans, kettle and braai grid. Stream water. Cold shower and flush toilet.
Neville Grading: 6.90
Comments: Bring own containers, buy fresh milk from dairy during milking times. Frozen Trout products can be ordered in advance. Trail badges are available. Oom Tos' house to be upgraded for smaller self catering groups.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Elandsvallei
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Ngodwana
Description: Elandsvallei hiking trail is nestled in the valley gorged out by the Elands River over millions of years lies this beautiful hiking trail. It is on the 1800ha farm Lindenau which has been in the same family for several generations. This is a backpack trail and should be regarded as quite difficult especially in hot weather. The Elandsvallei hiking trail is the sort of trail that one can say afterwards that one knows that one has had a hiking weekend. It can be strenuous especially under hot conditions..
Neville Grading: 7.81
Comments: Indigenous trees, mountain stream and Elands River, views of the Elands Valley, 250 species bird life, endemic game, 101 mammal species. Be cautious of hippos on first stretch next to river. In wet times second day can be slippery. Carry sufficient water. No dogs, no fires. Malaria and bilharzia free. Cellphone reception on hilltops. Cross via the N4 when river is in flood.
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
Tel: + 27 (0)12 662 1140/0586
e-mail: anvie@xsinet.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/elandsvallei.htm

Apiesburg
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Waterval Boven
Description: 14 or 17km/1 or 2 days; difficult; guided; circular; on a farm; hut at base for 42 persons max; basic overnight hut on trail for 12-14 persons.
Enquiries: SW Joubert
Tel: + 27 (0)13 262 ask for 1802

Elandshoogte Horse Trails
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Waterval Boven [Back to Top]
Description: 50km of guided horse trails overlooking Eland-s and Schoemanskloof valleys, accommodation and meals
Cell: + 27 (0)82 495 5048

Elandskrans
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Waterval Boven
Description: 23km/2day; moderate; overnight hiking trail, one way; steam train back to start; huts; 36 persons max.
Enquiries: Waterval Boven Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)13 257 0057

Elangeni
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Waterval Boven
Description: 21km/2days; moderate; circular; huts and camp sites; 32 persons max.
Neville Grading: 7.88
Enquiries: Elangeni Holiday Resort
Tel: + 27 (0)(0)13 257 7071

Piet's Horse Trails
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Waterval Boven
Description: Guided horse trails, kiddies rides and weekend trails, Friday to Sunday, meals included
Tel: + 27 (0)13 257-0392
Cell: + 27 (0)82 808 1793

Prestige Adventures
Trail Type: Combination
Closest Town: Waterval Boven
Description: Combination hiking, abseiling, horse trails, guided, accommodation up to 80 people
Tel: + 27 (0)13 257-0119
Cell: + 27 (0)82 964 9361

Roc and Rope
Trail Type: Rock climbing
Closest Town: Waterval Boven
Description: Rock climbing and abseiling guiding and instruction. Our guides are registered with the Mountaineering & Development Training Trust (M.D.T.) as well as the South African Mountain Guiding Association (SAMGA).
Tel: + 27 (0)13 257-0363
Fax: + 27 (0)13 257-0299
Cell: + 27 (0)82 753 3695
e-mail: gusberg@rocrope.co.za
Web: http://www.rocrope.co.za