Trails: Friendly N6, Eastern Cape

4 Day Sky Walk - War Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Barkely East
Description: The Wild Mountain Adventures is based at the Rosstrevor Guest Farm, near Barkley East, in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg Mountain range. Hike through the spectacular Southern Drakensberg, reaching altitudes of 2700m. Home to the Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture), Black Eagle, alpine wildflowers and various small wildlife, this hike leaves you with breath-taking memories. Take with you only day packs while your backpacks (luggage) are transported to your next destination. Experience true Eastern Cape hospitality and the natural splendour of the Southern Drakensberg!!! The 4 Day Sky Walk - War Trail will be a trip to remember - where hikers overnight at B&B accommodation for 5 days. Terrain is montage grassland and altitudes range from 1800m to 2700m above sea-level with spectacular views of the Southern Drakensberg & Maluti mountains of Lesotho. Hikes are tailored to the group's needs. Hikes are unmarked and therefore guides are needed. Challenging 4 days hiking, glorious views over Transfer and Lesotho, New England valley, including the Balloch (natural heritage site), stunning sandstone formations, Bushman paintings, waterfalls and sparkling rock pools to swim in. Accommodation and dinner on arrival day at Rosstrevor Guest Farm. Farmhouse breakfasts and 3 course dinners each trail day. Packed lunches for each trail day.
Tel: +27 (0)12 662 1140/ 0586
Fax: 086 548 2348
e-mail: anvie@iburst.co.za
Web: http://www.anvieventures.co.za

Beenvlei
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Barkly East
Description: Looptrails from base; 2/4/ or 8km; average; circular; on a farm along rantjies or riverside; house and bungalows at base; 2-20 persons max; 2 nights minimum.
Enquiries: Frans van der Berg
Tel: + 27 (0)45 971 0191

Gateshead
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Barkly East
Description: 18km horse trails; self catering in farmhouses; maximum 8 persons; September through to April; should be fit and experienced
Enquiries: Gateshead Lodge
Tel: + 27 (0)45 971-0233
Fax: + 27 (0)45 ask for 9231

Telle Falls Trails
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Barkly East
Location: In the Wartrail District about 45 km from Barkly East
Description: Telle Falls Trails offers unforgettable 2-day and 1-day horse rides over mountains, rivers, passes and veld. With no fences in sight and majestic valleys to explore with the odd waterfall thrown in, there is truly no better way to spend a day on a horse. Custom made packages are available. Our normal packages over weekends include 2 day 7hr rides with 3 nights accommodation (2 B&B and 1 overnight camp). Arrive Thursday, ride Friday and Saturday and leave on Sunday. 1 day rides with 2 nights accommodation (B&B and camp) are also available. Arrive Friday, ride Saturday and leave on Sunday. All meals, horses, tack and camping equipment included. All riders welcome.
Comments: Accommodation in traditional Lesotho huts with hot showers, kitchen, toilets and a camping area are available.
Enquiries: Kathy, Rob or Scott Mitchell
Tel: +27 (0)45 9749 226
Fax: +27 (0)45 9749 226
Cell: +27 (0)83 2575 400
e-mail: kathym@wartrail.co.za
Web: http://www.tellefallstrails.co.za

Telle Falls Trails
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Barkly East
Location: In the Wartrail District about 45 km from Barkly East
Description: Telle Falls Trails offers a real off-road trail experience. Pack your gear and head for our beautiful valley where it literally is your play ground! Take a ride to the fabulous Telle Falls and try out many other fantastic routes which will keep you peddling all day!
Comments: Accommodation in traditional Lesotho huts with hot showers, kitchen, toilets and a camping area are available.
Enquiries: Kathy, Rob or Scott Mitchell
Tel: +27 (0)45 9749 226
Fax: +27 (0)45 9749 226
Cell: +27 (0)83 2575 400
e-mail: kathym@wartrail.co.za
Web: http://www.tellefallstrails.co.za

Telle Falls Trails
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Barkly East [Back to Top]
Location: In the Wartrail District about 45 km from Barkly East
Description: Telle Falls Trails offers breathing heavily from the steep slope you've just climbed, you take the last few steps to the top of the ridge and right ahead there is the most magnificent view of mountains, rivers and waterfalls. That is the reason why we love to hike, why we love to explore some place so remote it seems hidden to all humanity. Come join us for awesome trails around the Telle Falls range and spend nights camping in tents and traditional Lesotho huts.
Comments: Accommodation in traditional Lesotho huts with hot showers, kitchen, toilets and a camping area are available.
Enquiries: Kathy, Rob or Scott Mitchell
Tel: +27 (0)45 9749 226
Fax: +27 (0)45 9749 226
Cell: +27 (0)83 2575 400
e-mail: kathym@wartrail.co.za
Web: http://www.tellefallstrails.co.za

Wild Mountain Adventures
Trail Type: River rafting
Closest Town: Barkly East
Location: Rosstrevor Guest Farm
Description: Wild Mountain Adventures offers river rafting and multi-activity adventure trails in the Eastern Cape Highlands - also known as "The Wild Side of the Drakensberg". River rafting takes place on the scenic Kraai River and includes the option to camp overnight in a huge sandstone cave. Multi-day tours can include hiking, horse riding, river rafting and mountain biking. All trails are fully catered and accommodation in charming guest farms is included.
Comments: GPS Coordinates: S 30deg 48' 30" E 27deg 35' 33"
Enquiries: Reservations
Tel: +27 (0)45 9719064
e-mail: wildmountain@polka.co.za
Web: http://www.wildmountainadventures.co.za

De Berg
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Burgersdorp
Location: In the De Berg Nature Reserve. The R391 and the R48 converge at Burgersdorp
Description: Indigenous forest and fynbos, forest streams, bird watching. Estuary system. Otters may be spotted. Paths are slippery in wet weather. Chalets and camp site at Nature's Valley.
Comments: Forest walk in the Maitland Nature Reserve.
Enquiries: Burgersdorp Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)51 653-1777
Fax: + 27 (0)51 653-0056

Benghoil Horse and Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Cathcart
Description: Horse trails over weekends; other options available; maximum 8 persons; accommodation in lodge; catering provided
Enquiries: Benghoil Horse and Hiking Trails
Tel: + 27 (0)45 843-2284

Gelegenfontein
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Dordrecht
Description: 26 km/ 2 days; alternative one and two day routes available; return; moderate; overnight under overhanging cliff, farmhouse at start/end.
Enquiries: Frans and Petro Slabbert
Tel: + 27 (0)45 944-1014 after hours
Fax: + 27 (0)45 944-1015 (care of)

Ecowa
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Elliot
Location: From Elliot take the Ugie / Maclear Road (R56), drive 19 km, turn left to the Gatberg at the mushroom sign and follow the gravel road and mushroom signs for another 8 km.
Description: 18km/7hrs; difficult; network of trails; in nature reserve. Starts and ends at the rest camp.
Comments: Three alternative routes; 5, 11 or 14 km; difficult; picnic spots on route; no overnight accommodation. Eerstefontein Day Walk: starts and ends at the Spandaukop gate. Three trail route options displayed on the information board: 5, 11 and 14 km. Hikers are restricted to trails. Picnic spots on the route. Permits available from the reserve office. No fires along the route.
Enquiries: Elliot Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)45 931-1011 or 931-1361
Fax: + 27 (0)45 931-1361

Lammergeier Adventure
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Lady Grey [Back to Top]
Location: In the Lammergeier Private Nature Reserve. Between lady Grey and Barkly East, turn off the R58 at Lammergeier Trail Signboard, about 40 km from Barkly East and 27 from Lady Grey. Travel 14 km on Joubert Pass gravel road to Reception.
Description: The reserve, some 7 500 ha, a holistically managed family farm (winner of the prestigious Grasslands Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1997) is located in the Witteberg range, and is named after the endangered bearded vulture (lammergeier). There are some 282 species of birds, including the Cape vulture, black eagle, jackal buzzard, and crowned cranes. Game includes several species of small antelope, lynx, jackal, wildcat and red hare. Summers are mild to hot, while winters are cold with snowfalls. The only farm in South Africa growing Organic and natural grown wheat with Stoneground Wheatmill that supplies local bakers and Health food market. One of the top Bonsmara Stud herds in the Eastern Cape. Weather can be very changeable: be prepared for extreme conditions at any time of the year.
Comments: The reserve, some 7 500 ha, a holistically managed family farm (winner of the prestigious Grasslands Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1997) is located in the Witteberg range, and is named after the endangered bearded vulture (lammergeier). There are some 282 species of birds, including the Cape vulture, black eagle, jackal buzzard, and crowned cranes. Game includes several species of small antelope, lynx, jackal, wildcat and red hare. Summers are mild to hot, while winters are cold with snowfalls. The only farm in South Africa growing Organic and natural grown wheat with Stoneground Wheatmill that supplies local bakers and health food market. One of the top Bonsmara Stud herds in the Eastern Cape. Weather can be very changeable: be prepared for extrem conditions at any time of the year.
Enquiries: Lammergeier Adventure Trails
Tel: + 27 (0)51 603-1114
Fax: + 27 (0)51 603-1114
e-mail: margot@eci.co.za

Lammergeier Adventure
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Lady Grey
Location: In the Lammergeier Private Nature Reserve. Between lady Grey and Barkly East, turn off the R58 at Lammergeier Trail Signboard, about 40 km from Barkly East and 27 from Lady Grey. Travel 14 km on Joubert Pass gravel road to Reception.
Description: The reserve is located on the slopes of the Madeira Mountains. Opportunities to view kudu, mountain reedbuck, zebra, eland, bushbuck, duiker, black wildebeest, blesbok, steenbok, springbok, impala and ostrich are numerous. The vegetation type is Sub-arid Thorn Bushveld characterised by grasses, aloes, cycads and acacias. Tambookie thorn is of special interest. Cape vulture, black eagle and martial eagle are among the 166 species of birds recorded in the reserve. Visitors, not those officially on the trails, may only get out of their cars at demarcated picnic spots. Motorcycles and pets are not admitted.
Comments: Amenities: Relaxing pursuits include bird watching, trout fishing on the well-known Karringmelkspruit, spectacular wild flowers in season, swimming and tubing. More strenuous activities include 2 to 5 day hiking trails, 4x4 trails, various mountain bike and quad bikes trails. There are also courses for school groups. Horse trails by prior arrangement. Strictly controlled greywing francolin shoots. Access provided to Khoisan paintings, Cape vulture breeding grounds and Lady Grey Transwilger School Fossil Project. Accommodation is in self-catering cottages, comfortable farmhouses with bed and breakfast (by arrangement; minimum 6 people) and 3 overnight hiking facilities. Guests are provided with a 1:50 000 map and a trail description of each day's trail. Trails are marked and run through kloofs, river crossings, up on the plateaux, and up into the mountain ranges.
Enquiries: Lammergeier Adventure Trails
Tel: + 27 (0)51 603-1114
Fax: + 27 (0)51 603-1114
e-mail: margot@eci.co.za

Sethunzini
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Lady Grey
Description: Closed
Enquiries: Martin Joubert

Sethunzini Horse Trails
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Lady Grey
Description: Closed
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Woodcliffe
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Maclear
Location: Follow the R56 to Maclear and ask directions to Woodcliffe at the Municipal Office. In the Joelshoek Valley about 22 km from Maclear.
Description: The Woodcliffe Cave Trail is situated in the lovely Joelshoek Valley approximately 22km from the picturesque little town of Maclear. The trail is of five days duration but it is worthwhile extending your stay to visit the Rock Art in the caves or do some pony trekking. How often do we travel down to the Eastern Cape to do a trail like the Amatola without considering a visit to one of the other excellent trails in the area? Woodcliffe Cave Trail has been around for a number years and has received excellent reviews from the media. Why not visit it next time that you decide to do a trail in the area.
Comments: The farm Woodcliffe is located in the Joelshoek Valley about 22 km from Maclear. The cave trail is privately run and traverses the rugged Drakensberg Mountains between Lesotho and South Africa. Mountain streams are stocked with trout. The farm offers the beauty of the valley, fascinating rock formations, San paintings, rock pools, fly-fishing and a variety of wild flowers, including proteas.
Tel: + 27 (0)45 932 1550
Fax: + 27 (0)45 932-1550
Cell: + 27 (0)82 925 1030
e-mail: psephton@intekom.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/

Lawrence De Lange Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Queenstown
Location: Turn north into Robinson Road at the Royal Hotel, then left into Kingsway about 3 km along the gravel road. The reserve's gates are an extension of Hangklip Road, and are open daily from 8h00 to 17h00.
Description: In the Lammergeier Private Nature Reserve. Waterfalls; mountain scenery; birding. Be prepared for any weather. Snow in winter. No cell phone reception.
Comments: Various options form same base: Dassiekranz 4km; Ongeluksloot 5km; Graskop Mountain Trail 11km; Gatsrivier 8km. Easy to moderate. Accommodation in guesthouse, rondawel or stable flat. Selfcatering or B&B.
Enquiries: The Town Clerk
Tel: + 27 (0)45 838-2233
Fax: + 27 (0)45 838-3168

Tsolwana Game Reserve
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Queenstown [Back to Top]
Location: The reserve may be reached from Queenstown via the R61 to Tarkastad, or the R67 to Whittlesea and Fort Beaufort.
Description: 22 km; 2 days; 10 people; moderate; guided; circular; in game reserve; overnight accommodation in trail camps. Bush camp accommodation for 10 people; bunks and mattresses, hot and cold water, a tourist store and lecture area. Visitors must provide their own food. There is also accommodation in four fully serviced lodges. Day and night trails have been laid out, and a game ranger accompanies quests. There are also tours in a 4x4 vehicle and horse rides. There are picnic sites near the entrance for day visitors. Limited winter hunting is permitted under supervision.
Comments: This 7 000 ha reserve (located between Whittlesea, Queenstown and Tarkastad) of semi-arid karoo plain's grassland and scrub-covered slopes is popular with hikers, sightseers, game watchers and hunters. The name Tsolwana is derived from the conical shaped hill of the same name, that in Xhosa means 'sharp little one.' Attractions are the abundant game including white rhino, eland, gemsbok and black wildebeest, San caves and paintings, and a variety of bird life.
Enquiries: Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Tel: + 27 (0)40 635-2115
Fax: + 27 (0)40 636 4019

Vaalkrantz
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown / Sterkstroom area.
Description: 37 km; 3 days. This hunting farm with its beautiful hunting scenes is ideal for hikers. There is an abundance of plants and animals to see along the trail.
Enquiries: Nici and Alet Corbett
Tel: + 27 (0)45 838-2216

Ben Macdhui
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Rhodes
Location: Situated in the vicinity of the picturesque town of Rhodes, 60 km from Barkly East. From the north take the N6 to Aliwal North, the R58 To Barkly East and the R396 to Rhodes. From the south N6 to Queenstown, R392 to Dordrecht and the R 396 to Rhodes.
Description: A permit is not required. for the Ben Machdui trail. Stunning Drakensberg scenery; waterfalls; snow in winter; wild flowers in spring; a variety of 191 species of birds. Weather prone to rapid change; hikers must always carry a map, as snow may conceal the markers in winter.
Comments: There is a limit of 24 people for the Ben Macdui trail. All hikers must be prepared for foul weather. A good raincoat, windproof and warm clothing are essentials even in summer. Although the trail is routed in the Drakensberg it is not very steep. Parts of the route run over rough terrain, giving it a moderate to high degree of difficulty. The route is marked with yellow paint on rocks and fence poles. Hikers must keep to the marked route as it runs over privately owned land. Cellphone reception.
Enquiries: Mr Gideon van Zyl
Tel: + 27 (0)45 971 0446

Tiffendell/Ben Macdlui
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Rhodes
Description: 2-3 days; difficult; 52kms circular; huts; 24 persons max
Enquiries: Gideon van Zyl
Tel: + 27 (0)45 971-0446
Fax: + 27 (0)45 971-0446

Black Eagle Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Sterkstroom
Location: 22 km east of Sterkstroom.
Description: Approximately 40 km; 3 days; 2 nights. Circular. Minimum of 12, maximum of 22. Education centre showing films on the environment, field demonstrations, 2 large tents, a wooden bungalow for cooking, toilets, a natural rock swimming pool. Accommodation is available in two lodges: Stagger Inn located on the boundary of the site and accessible by normal vehicles; Black Eagle situated in remote wilderness country only accessible by 4x4 vehicles supplied by the owners. Full board is provided. Most hikers sleep in two big tents. There are two gas stoves and a small electric generator for lighting. Most cooking is done on open fires.
Comments: The Reserve lies in the isolated Andriesberg on Carnavon Estates. Since 1977 trails have been organised for underprivileged children. All costs are met by funds raised by business and private individuals initiated by the Lions Club. There is a botanical trail near each lodge, concentrating on the diversity of wildflowers. There are 16 species of antelope on the property, including Cape Mountain Zebra. Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including black and fish eagles, and Cape vultures that breed on Carnavon. Weather from May to August can be very cold and snow is normally experienced during these months. Game includes fallow deer, mountain reedbuck, eland, black wildebeest, Cape mountain zebra and blesbok. May to August very cold; snow not unusual.
Enquiries: Carnavon Estates
Tel: + 27 (0)45 966 9053
e-mail: carnarvon@worldonline.co.za

Koos Ras Nature Reserve
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Sterkstroom
Location: 3 km from Sterkstroom. Take the Dordrecht road from Sterkstroom and turn right just before you get to the railway line. The gate is 3 km along a good gravel road.
Description: Easy walking trails have been laid out in the Koos Ras Nature Reserve. The rest camp has chalets with rooms with electric lighting and stoves, and sites for 20 caravans and tents.
Enquiries: Sterkstroom Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)45 966 0080
Fax: + 27 (0)45 966 0020

Kologha Forest
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Stutterheim [Back to Top]
Location: Northwest of Stutterheim. From Stutterheim along the R30 it is about 7 km to the Plantation Office. All trails start and end at the Kologha Picnic Site.
Description: Red Day Walk (17 km): This circular route passes through indigenous forest and grassland. Hikers will encounter three waterfalls, providing the only drinking water available on the route. Yellow Day Walk (7 km): This circular route follows part of the Red Day Walk. Blue Day Walk (3 km): You will encounter three spectacular waterfalls where you can sit down and enjoy the beauty of the forest. The return route is the same way. Walk to Anderson's Dam (8 km): A road takes to you to the dam and back. You can enjoy a picnic at the dam. Amenities: Braai facilities, toilets, picnic tables and a small outdoor information centre are provided at the picnic site.
Comments: Situated at the eastern end of the Amatolas, the tall yellowwoods and white stinkwood trees of the Kologha State Forest invite day visitors into the cool canopy of shady walks. The forest provides ideal habitat for bushpig, samango monkeys, bats and numerous birds. Water birds and browsing duiker add to the enjoyment of the hiker. There are several marked day trails, taking in waterfalls, and trout-fishing opportunities. Mountain bikes and horses are permitted on certain trails.
Enquiries: Kubusie Plantation, SAFCOL
Tel: + 27 (0)43 683-7323
Fax: + 27 (0)43 683-7315

Kologha Forest
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Stutterheim
Location: Northwest of Stutterheim. From Stutterheim along the R30 it is about 7 km to the Plantation Office. All trails start and end at the Kologha Picnic Site.
Description: Mountain Bike Trail (17 km): This circular route, on a vehicle track, passes through indigenous forest, plantation and grassland. There are several drinking points. Mountain Bike Trail (8 km): A ride to the dam and back on the road. Amenities: Braai facilities, toilets, picnic tables and a small outdoor information centre are provided at the picnic site.
Enquiries: Kubusie Plantation, SAFCOL
Tel: + 27 (0)43 683-7323
Fax: + 27 (0)43 683-7315

Kologha Forest
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Stutterheim
Location: Northwest of Stutterheim. From Stutterheim along the R30 it is about 7 km to the Plantation Office. All trails start and end at the Kologha Picnic Site.
Description: Horse Trail (17 km): This circular route, on a vehicle track, passes through indigenous forest, plantation and grassland. There are several drinking points. Horse Trail (8 km): A ride to the dam and back on the road. Amenities: Braai facilities, toilets, picnic tables and a small outdoor information centre are provided at the picnic site.
Enquiries: Kubusie Plantation, SAFCOL
Tel: + 27 (0)43 683-7323
Fax: + 27 (0)43 683-7315

Ntabathemba Tribal Reserve
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Tarkastad
Location: 8 km southeast of Tarkastad. Take the Bedford road from Tarkastad, turn left into the Upper Black Kei Road.
Description: Activities include game watching, climbing, hunting in season and hiking the 8 km trail. It is fairly steep in parts and starts and ends at Lily Fountain. There are periodic exhibitions of traditional dancing. Accommodation is in self-catering or fully catered colonial-style lodges.
Comments: This 3 000 ha reserve adjoins Tsolwana Nature Reserve. Members of the Amaquati clan control it. Various vegetation types support blesbok, mountain reedbuck, springbuck, impala and Hartmann's zebra. There is a breeding colony of Cape vultures.
Enquiries: Eastern Cape Tourism Board
Tel: + 27 (0)45 653-2115
Fax: + 27 (0)45 636-4019

Tarka Toorberg
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Tarkastad
Description: 60km/3 days; guided; circular; homestead and cottage
Enquiries: Tarka Hiking Club
Tel: + 27 (0)49 845-9021

Prentjiesberg
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Ugie
Location: North west of Ugie.
Description: 51km/3 day or 2 day circular; one way. Overnight facilities for up to 12 people
Comments: The Prentjiesberg is a spectacular mountain range. It is reputed to have its name derived from the San paintings in the numerous overhangs that occur along the escarpment at different altitudes. Prentjiesberg has magnificent rock formations, sheer sandstone krantzes, indigenous forests and stands of proteas. The catchment area includes rock pools, sponges, underground streams, waterfalls and torrential streams. The mountain is also the habitat of the threatened Cape Vulture. Blesbuck, mountaind reedbuck, and Burchell's zebra have been introduced to the reserve. A section of the trail passes through the Blackwoods Natural Heritage Site. The trail has two or three-day routes.
Enquiries: North East Cape Forests - Mondi
Tel: + 27 (0)45 933-1042

Goodlands
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Venterstad [Back to Top]
Description: 50km/2day; moderate; one-way; take own tent; 8 persons allowed on the trail. Cabin at the end.
Enquiries: Oviston Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)51 655-0190

Goodlands
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Venterstad
Description: 50km/2 day; moderate; one way; own tent; 8 persons max;
Enquiries: Oviston Nature Reserve
Tel: + 27 (0)51 655-0000
Fax: + 27 (0)51 655-0190