Trails: Eastern Region, Free State, South Africa

Sporekrans
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Bethlehem
Description: Sporekrans hiking trail is a two day backpack trail situated between the towns of Bethlehem and Fouriesburg. in the Eastern Free State. The Eastern Free State is full of surprises for the hiker and offers some exciting and very interesting trails. The Sporekrans trail is one of the best in the area. The base camp (4 bedrooms) has electricity and offers accommodation for up to 24 hikers. Facilities include a kitchen with fridge, hot plate, pots, pan and electric kettle. A Lapa with braai facilities, hot showers, bath and flush toilets are available. The overnight cave has rustic log beds but no mattresses. Water and braai facilities are provided along with a long drop toilet which offers a spectacular view over the plains of the reserve. It is well laid out and constructed and a welcome addition to the hiking trails of South Africa. It is quite short (18Km in total) and should be taken at a leisurely pace so as to experience the fullness of what this area has to offer.
Enquiries: Discovery Trails
Tel: +27 (0)58 471-0551
e-mail: retastrydom@worldonline.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/

Tepelkop
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Bethlehem
Description: The Tepelkop Hiking Trail is a lovely weekend trail and suitable for anyone with some degree of fitness. The area can get very hot during summer and very cold during winter. The accommodation is better equipped than most. The kitchen is fully equipped with crockery, cutlery, pots, pans, electric kettle and has a microwave oven. Ablutions include hot showers flushing toilets and hand basins. The beds have thick comfortable mattresses. There are electric lights and plugs. Outside there is an undercover braai. Supply your own wood or charcoal. The first day of the trail is 12km long. The second day 10 km.
Comments: Pack your sleeping bag and we look after the catering, also self catering. Hike, abseil, mountain bike, bass or fly fish or relax and enjoy the tranquility in our new conservancy in the eastern Free State.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Wolhuterskop
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Bethlehem
Description: 19km/2day; easy; circular; in nature reserve; farmhouse at base; overnight hut; 16 persons max.
Neville Grading: 8.69
Comments: Trail suited for new hikers. Carry water.
Enquiries: André van der Linde
Tel: + 27 (0)25 303-3392
Fax: + 27 (0)25 303-3392

Angel's Wing Hiking trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Clarens
Enquiries: Annali Bossert
Cell: +27 (0)73 050 8030
e-mail: summithiking@gmail.com

Bokpoort
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Clarens
Description: Description: 3 different trails from 5 to 56 km; on a farm; 24 persons in hikers camp; 18 persons in chalets; catering available
Comments: Restored sandstone barn with 3 rooms, 24 beds and matrasses, ablution block and electricity. Mountain camp with shelters and pit toilets
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Bokpoort
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Clarens [Back to Top]
Description: 3 different horse trails from 10 to 50 km; 2 to 8 persons; equipment and meals provided; base camp
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Bokpoort
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Clarens
Description: 3 different trails from 5 to 56 km; on a farm; 24 persons in hikers camp; 18 persons in chalets; catering available
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Golden Gate
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Clarens
Description: Description: 1 to 2 hour horse trail; guided; in nature reserve; horses available; chalets & camp sites at base
Enquiries: Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Tel: + 27 (0)58 256 1471
Fax: + 27 (0)58 256-1471

Golden Gate
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Clarens
Description: 1 to 2 hour horse trail; guided; in nature reserve; horses available; chalets & camp sites at base
Enquiries: Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Tel: + 27 (0)58 256 1470
Fax: + 27 (0)58 256 1471

Rhebok
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Clarens
Description: The Rhebok Hiking Trail is situated in the Golden Gate National Park. There is no designated accommodation for hikers at the start of the trail, so one has the choice of booking either a camping site or chalet at Glen Reenen Rest Camp or make other arrangements at a nearby town such as Clarens or Harrismth. It is important to be able to make an early start on your hike, especially in summer when heat can be a problem as well as electric storms. Day 1 1-14,2km. The Rhebok Hut has bunk beds and mattresses, a kitchen area, an outside braai area with firewood supplied, flush toilets and a shower with hot water supplied by a 'Donkey Boiler'. Day 2 Day 2 - 13,9km.nearly start is recommended as the walk can take up to 8 hours.
Enquiries: SA National Parks Board
Tel: + 27 (0)12 426 5111
Fax: + 27 (0)12 343 0905
e-mail: reservations@sanparks.org
Web: http://www.sanparks.org

St Fort
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Clarens
Description: The St. Fort Hiking Trail is situated on the farm Letsoana Stad, five kilometres from Clarens in the Eastern Free State, approximately 300kms from Gauteng. The Eastern Free State is well known for its beautiful sandstone formations and the Clarens area especially, can justifiably be singled out as being one of the jewels of natural beauty of South Africa. The St. Fort Hiking Trail is situated on the farm Letsoana Stad, five kilometres from Clarens in the Eastern Free State, approximately 300kms from Gauteng. The Eastern Free State is well known for its beautiful sandstone formations and the Clarens area especially, can justifiably be singled out as being one of the jewels of natural beauty of South Africa. There are overnight facilities at Ruth's Base Camp; the camp is a restored dairy with full facilities and can hold 24 hikers. Mike's Cave is a magnificent overhang where bushman paintings can be seen; mattresses are supplied as well as a "long drop" toilet, wood, braai grid and pots.
Enquiries: Discovery Trails
Tel: +27 (0)58 4710551
e-mail: retastrydom@worldonline.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/

Ben Nevis
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Clocolan [Back to Top]
Description: 8-10km/4 hour; farm house and bed & breakfast at base; braai and picnic area;
Enquiries: C Botha
Tel: + 27 (0)51 943-0031

Evening Star
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Clocolan
Description: 6km/3hr; average; circular; accommodation in Clocolan; 20 persons max;
Enquiries: Johan Cloete
Tel: + 27 (0)51932 ask for 3240

Franshoek Hoek Mountain Horse Trail
Trail Type: Horse trail
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Description: 29km horse trail; lodge base camp; overnight in cave; 10 persons maximum; guided
Tel: + 27 (0)51 192 3938

Kututsa
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Description: Kututsa trail is situated at Franshoek, well known among Polo players as a playing match venue and adjoining Rustler's Valley home to Rock Concerts. The trail is moderately difficult and runs through the beautiful sandstone mountains that form a lovely backdrop to the valley This is a trail that has been around for a number of years. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful areas of the Free State. If you like peace and quiet as most hikers do, make sure that you do this trail when it is not festival time at Rustler's Valley.
Comments: Carry 2-3 litres of water. The trail lies in a sandstone mountaineous gorge in the western side of the Witteberg mountain range and with views of the Maluti mountains in sight.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za

Langesnek
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Description: 21km/1-2day; easy to average; in a conservancy; figure of eight with same farmhouse as base; 24 persons max;
Comments: The farmhouse has electricity and a fridge, cooker, pots pans. Ablution blockwith flush toilets, bath and shower.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Skip Norgarb
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Location: Middelpoort Farm
Description: 24km/2day; easy; figure of eight; same base hut; 30 persons max;
Enquiries: Mrs Vanessa Moffett
Tel: + 27 (0)51 933 2130/3959

Sphinx
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Ficksburg [Back to Top]
Location: 45 km from Ficksburg, 230 km from Bloemfontein, 340 km from Gauteng.
Description: 19km/ 2day; average; circular; in the Moolmanshoek conservancy; farmhouse at base; overnight mountain hut; 22 persons max. Day 1: 10,3 km, Day 2: 5 km. The Sphinx trail is situated in the Visierskerf Private Nature Reserve in the Eastern Free State district of Ficksburg. The base camp is located on the Moolmanshoek farm, with two lapas - both of which have a beautiful view of Visierskerf. One is set in a clump of trees, (the "boslapa") while the other one is at the house. Game that one may see includes springbok, mountain reedbuck, fallow-deer, duiker and steenbok. There are many bird species and black eagles nest up against Visierskerf. The trees have been identified and the trail offers a rich variety of flowers and ferns. Overnight facilities Basecamp, Moolmanshoek Farmhouse: 22 beds and mattresses, electricity, 2 plate stove, fridge, kettle, two pans and pots, cast iron potjie and braaigrids. Wood supplied. Bathroom/shower with flush toilet and pit toilet outside. Sphinx mountain hut: 22 Beds and mattresses, two pit toilets cold showers, donkey for hot water at lapa, braaigrid, kettle, two pots, pans, cast iron potjie. Wood supplied.
Neville Grading: 6.80
Comments: Farm stall sells farm produce at Moolmanshoek office. Rusks, milk, jams, fresh produce. Beautiful views of the Free State and Maluti mountains.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Game viewing: Black Wildebeest, Zebras, Blesbusk, White Blesbuck, Springbuck and Ostriches

Thaba Thabo
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Description: Four loop trails from same base; 5km/8km/12km or 15km; easy to difficult; in private nature reserve on a mountain; bungalow at base; 30 persons max
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Visierskloof
Trail Type: 4 x 4
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Description: Four trail options in sandstone area on private game reserve. Accommodation for 24 people in the Langesnek Camp
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Game viewing: Various species of game

Waterkloof 1
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Location: 45 km from Ficksburg, 230 km from Bloemfontein, 340 km from Gauteng.
Description: 21 km/2 day/2 night; average to difficult; circular; in a conservancy; farmhouse at base; overnight cave; 30 persons max. (8 km optional to mountain peaks). 1st Day: 10,5 km. 2nd Day: 10,5 km. The Waterkloof trail is situated in the Visierskerf Private Nature Reserve in the Eastern Free State district of Ficksburg. The route lies against the two most famous mountains in this area, namely Visierskerf and Sikonjellahoed. The base camp is located on the farm Waterkloof. The adjoining lapa offers an unforgettable view of Visierskerf. Overnight facilities: Base camp at Waterkloof farmhouse: 30 beds with mattresses. Four rooms in house, additional rondavel. Two bathrooms with a shower, bath and flush toilets. One pit toilet. Gas geysers. A two-plate gas stove, 2 pots, 2 pans, kettle and potjie. Braai facilities and wood. Barolong overhang cave: Supply own groundsheets/mattresses. Three rooms or sleep near fire/under overhang. Braai facilities kettle, two potjies, one cast iron pot. Collect braai/fire wood from the 4x 4 road near the cave. Water available from tank off mountain stream. Pit toilets( to be upgraded).
Comments: No rubbish collection at Cave. Please take out what you have brought in. Farm produce available at the office -rusks, milk, jams, fresh produce.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Game viewing: Black Wildebeest, Zebras, Blesbusk, White Blesbuck, Springbuck and Ostriches

Waterkloof 2
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Ficksburg
Location: 45 km from Ficksburg, 230 km from Bloemfontein, 340 km from Gauteng.
Description: 33km/3 day/3 night; average to difficult; circular; in a conservancy; farmhouse at base; overnight cave; overnight mountain hut and overhang cave; 30 persons max. (8 km optional to mountain peaks). 1st Day: 10,5 km. 2nd Day: 10,5 km. 3rd Day: 5,7 km. The Waterkloof trail is situated in the Visierskerf Private Nature Reserve in the Eastern Free State district of Ficksburg. The route lies against the two most famous mountains in this area, namely Visierskerf and Sikonjellahoed. The base camp is located on the farm Waterkloof. The adjoining lapa offers an unforgettable view of Visierskerf. Overnight facilities: Base camp at Waterkloof farmhouse: 30 beds with mattresses. Four rooms in house, additional rondavel. Two bathrooms with a shower, bath and flush toilets. One pit toilet. Gas geysers. A two-plate gas stove, 2 pots, 2 pans, kettle and potjie. Braai facilities and wood. Barolong overhang cave: Supply own groundsheets/mattresses. Three rooms or sleep near fire/under overhang. Braai facilities kettle, two potjies, one cast iron pot. Collect braai/fire wood from the 4x 4 road near the cave. Water available from tank off mountain stream. Pit toilets( to be upgraded) . Sphinx Mountain Hut: 22 Beds and mattresses, two pit toilets cold showers, donkey for hot water at lapa, braaigrid, kettle, two pots, pans, cast iron potjie. Wood supplied.
Comments: No rubbish collection at Cave. Please take out what you have brought in. Farm produce available at the office -rusks, milk, jams, fresh produce.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Game viewing: Black Wildebeest, Zebras, Blesbusk, White Blesbuck, Springbuck and Ostriches

Brandwater
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Fouriesburg
Description: 72km/5 day; difficult; circular; on private ground; house at base; caves on trail; 20 persons max; no persons under 10
Enquiries: Fouriesburg Cultural Association
Tel: + 27 (0)58 223-0050

Dikitla
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Fouriesburg [Back to Top]
Description: Temporarily closed (21km/2day; circular; base camp; overnight cave)
Enquiries: Ronel Thake
Tel: + 27 (0)58 223-0532

Lesoba
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Fouriesburg
Description: 28km/2day; average; two circular routes from same base; 4 huts at base; 20 persons max;
Enquiries: A Viviers
Tel: + 27 (0)51 522 8659

Tonnel-kruin
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Fouriesburg
Description: 17km/1 day; circular; caravan park and chalets at base;
Enquiries: JP le Roux
Tel: + 27 (0)58 223-0067

Ventersberg
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Fouriesburg
Description: 32km/2day; average; guide available; circular; in nature reserve; own tent; 20 persons max;
Enquiries: Fouriesburg Cultural Association
Tel: + 27 (0)58 223-0050

Vergezient - The Wingswept Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Harrisith
Description: The Wingswept Trail, which is also 13,5 kms long, takes the hiker to the highest point of Vergezient and offers some incredible vistas of the surrounding mountains. The trail descends through the beautiful Oom Pieter se Bos and passes the 50m high Vergezient falls before returning the hiker to the starting point. Hikers are accommodated in The Barnhouse, a well equipped and comfortable base from which to do the trails. Gas geysers provide hot water for the showers while fire places at each end of the covered stoop provide Braai facilities in all weather conditions
Enquiries: Jacana
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/

Bald Ibis Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Harrismith
Description: The Bald Ibis trail has been in existence for several years and must rank as one of the best. The trail offers both a two day backpack route plus an easier day route option for those who would like to have a less strenuous time of it. This is a lovely trail but certainly one that can be considered quite strenuous. If you consider that the backpacking route might be beyond you then the day route option might appeal to you as an alternative. However, the backpack route is certainly worth doing if possible.
Enquiries: Jacana Marketing and Reservations
Tel: +27 (0)12 346 3550/1
e-mail: info@jacanacollection.co.za

Platberg
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Harrismith [Back to Top]
Description: Various optional day walks; moderate to strenuous depending on route; return to one of two base camps; hut; 10 persons per base camp max;
Enquiries: Harrismith Marketing Bureau
Tel: + 27 (0)58 612 3525
Fax: + 27 (0)58 613 0923

Sterretjies
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Harrismith
Description: 26km/2day; difficult; circular; in nature reserve; own tent; chalets & camp site at base; no overnight facilities on trail; 20 persons max; R12 per vehicle with 10 persons;
Enquiries: Sterkfontein Dam
Tel: + 27 (0)58 612 3520
Fax: + 27 (0)58 612 1772

Vergezient - The New Beginnings Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Harrismith
Description: The New Beginnings trail starts off with a walk along the cliff edge until Yellowwood Kloof is reached, where the trail descends to the second terrace of the escarpment and to Folly Ridge falls. The well marked path then descends through a forested kloof until the "Old Opstal" is reached. From here the route follows an old road to "The Ford", where the Vergezient Stream is crossed. From the natural splash pools the hiker has a panorama view of the northern and central Drakensberg. A short distance from here is the New Beginnings cave. Here can be viewed ancient bushman drawings of long ago. From the cave the trail ascends through a beautiful forested kloof passing the Vergezient falls and a lovely natural rock pool, after which a short walk takes the hiker back to the Barnhouse. Hikers are accommodated in The Barnhouse, a well equipped and comfortable base from which to do the trails. Gas geysers provide hot water for the showers while fire places at each end of the covered stoop provide Braai facilities in all weather conditions.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: +27 (0)12 346-3550
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/

Vergezient - The Razors Edge Trail
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Harrismith
Description: The Razor Edge trail is not as difficult as the New Beginnings trail and can be easily accomplished in a morning. The trail starts with a climb down through Vergezient Kloof. From the base of the kloof the trail continues along the steep slopes of the mountain side until aptly named Razors Edge is reached. Here the trail once more takes the hiker to the top of the mountain. From the vantage point at the top one has an incredible view of the Tugela valley and also the surrounding sandstone hills of the eastern Free State. The trail finishes with an easy walk back along the ridge to the Barnhouse. Hikers are accommodated in The Barnhouse, a well equipped and comfortable base from which to do the trails. Gas geysers provide hot water for the showers while fire places at each end of the covered stoop provide Braai facilities in all weather conditions
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: +27 (0)12 346-3550
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za/

Spelonken
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Kestell
Description: 27km/2 day/2 night or 1 night; average; circular; in a national park; hut at base and overnight; 12 persons max
Neville Grading: 9.23
Enquiries: Eco-Tourism Division
Tel: + 27 (0)58 713-4444
Fax: + 27 (0)58 713-4342

Steve Visser
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Ladybrand
Description: 16km/1 or 2 day; easy; base hut; overnight hut; 18 persons max
Enquiries: Leliehoek Resort
Tel: + 27 (0)5191 4 0654
Fax: + 27 (0)5191 4 0305

Koranna: Two Mountains
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Marquar [Back to Top]
Description: 37km; circular; very difficult; in conservancy; overnight cottage 8 persons; overnight barn 20 persons;
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Aurora
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Marquard
Description: Various options; follow own route; average; from Aurora cottage as base; (fully equipped); 8 persons max;
Enquiries: Cherry Trails
Tel: + 27 (0)51 991-0126
Fax: + 27 (0)51 991-0126

Kameelkop
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Marquard
Description: TRAIL CLOSED (26km/2 day/2 night; average; circular; in the Banke Conservancy; cottage at base; overnight cave; 15 persons max)
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Korannaberg
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Marquard
Description: The Korannaberg Hiking Trail is situated close to the historical Free State town of Winburg, The 2 day trail is well marked and can be considered quite strenuous but should be included in any list of trails to do. The base camp consists of an old barn set under the shadows of nearby sandstone cliffs. Day 1- 18Km; Day 2- 12Km
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Merriemetsi
Trail Type: Day loops; central hut
Closest Town: Marquard
Location: km from Marquard, 150 km from Bloemfontein 350 km from Gauteng.
Description: Circular cycling route; huts; 20 persons max
Comments: There is no water on the white trail
Tel: + 27 (0)51 991-0126
Fax: + 27 (0)51 991-0126

Merriemetsi
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Marquard
Description: Circular cycling route; huts; 20 persons max;
Enquiries: Cherry Trails
Tel: + 27 (0)51 991-0126
Fax: + 27 (0)51 991-0126

Merrimetsi
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Marquard [Back to Top]
Description: Merrimesti Day trails: For those hikers that don't feel like doing the backpack trails, there is the option of doing a choice of three day trails that return the hiker each night to the Merrimetsi Barn. The distances are 10Km (approx. 4hrs), 14Km (approx. 6hrs) and 6Km (approx. 4hrs).
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
Tel: +27 (0)12 662 0586
e-mail: anvie@xsinet.co.za
Web: http://www.footprint.co.za

Rietfontein Rides: Rietfontein and Wolwerand
Trail Type: Mountain bike
Closest Town: Marquard
Description: 10 circle routes from 6kms-66kms; various grades; accommodation in town; campsite available. From R55-R85 per person per day. Comments: Take sufficient repair kits due to thorns
Comments: Take sufficient repair kits due to thorns.
Enquiries: Jacana
Tel: 0861 522262
Fax: + 27 (0)12 734 0159
e-mail: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Rooihaartjie
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Marquard
Description: Day walk/ 5 hours; other options available; average; circular; from de Hoek base house; 8 persons max;
Enquiries: Cherry Trails
Tel: + 27 (0)51 991-0126
Fax: + 27 (0)51 991-0126

Witkop
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Marquard
Description: Day walk/ 3 hours; average; from de Hoek base house; 8 persons max;
Enquiries: Cherry Trails
Tel: + 27 (0)51 991-0126
Fax: + 27 (0)51 991-0126

Vingerpol
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Paul Roux
Description: 27km/2day; 2 night; average; circular; rooms at base; overnight rooms; 15 person max; no child under 10;
Enquiries: Paul Roux Municipality
Tel: + 27 (0)5847 231
Fax: + 27 (0)5847 232

Bergvaring
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Senekal
Description: 12km/1day; easy; circular; accommodation nearby; 15 persons max;
Enquiries: R Erasmus
Tel: + 27 (0)5848 2302
Fax: + 27 (0)5848 2302

Black Wildebeest Hiking Trail
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Van Reenen [Back to Top]
Description: The Black Wildebeest Hiking Trail is a two day backpack trail situated at the bottom of the Van Reenan pass in KwaZulu Natal. The trail can be classed as moderate in difficulty and therefore suitable for people who are looking for a more leisurely trail. The trail is on a game farm and the viewing of animals along the trail adds to the experience of nature. The trail traverses prime Natal Acacia veldt and there are several streams that cross the land which are ideal for cooling off in.
Enquiries: Anvie Ventures
Tel: +27 (0)12 662 0586/1140
e-mail: anvie@xsinet.co.za

Witkoppe
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Verkykerskop
Description: 1 or 2 day; average; circular; on a farm; farm house at base; overnight in caves; 10 persons max for overnight route
Enquiries: Dirk van Niekerk
Tel: + 27 (0)5861 23-465

Fika Patso Mountain Resort
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Witsieshoek
Description: Various day routes; for resort guests only; guide available; day hikes free; catered; overnight hikes by arrangement; self catering
Enquiries: Fika Patso Resort
Tel: + 27 (0)58 713-3656
Fax: + 27 (0)58 713-2253

Metsi Matsho
Trail Type: Hiking trail
Closest Town: Witsieshoek
Description: Temporarily closed (30km/2day; circular; base camp; stone overnight huts)
Enquiries: Witsieshoek Mountain Resort Hotel
Tel: + 27 (0)58 713-6361
Fax: + 27 (0)58 713-5274

Sentinel: Drakensberg
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Witsieshoek
Description: 10km/1day; average; return; from Sentinel car park to escarpment by way of chain ladder; own tent; accommodation at resort
Enquiries: Basotho Cultural Village
Tel: + 27 (0)58 721 0300

Witsieshoek Mountain Resort
Trail Type: Day walk
Closest Town: Witsieshoek
Description: Two circular routes; to Mahai Falls (3 km) & Royal Natal National Park (16km return); overnight at the resort
Enquiries: Witsieshoek Mountain Resort Hotel
Tel: + 27 (0)58 713-6361
Fax: + 27 (0)58 713-5274