HIKING DESTINATIONS

MPUMULANGA HIKES
BLYDERIVIERSPOORT HIKING TRAIL - Graskop to Swadini
The trail stretches from God's Window near Graskop to Swadini in the Lowveld and winds alternately through the Blyderiverpoort Nature Reserve, privately owned land and the Blyde State Forest.
The Blyde river Canyon, which is 16 kilometres long and 600 metres deep, is the gate through which the Blyde River flows and is one of the great natural wonders of southern Africa. Excluding Table Mountain, the Blyde River Canyon is the foremost single tourist attraction in South Africa. The trail features include God's Window, with its stupendous view of the Lowveld, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and other prominent topographical features such as the Three Rondavels.

The trail covers 65 kilometres over five days but shorter variations are possible. A minimum of two and a maximum of 30 people are permitted. During school holidays it is advisable to book well in advance.

Reservations and Enquiries: The Regional Director, Eastern Transvaal Forest Region, Private Bag X503, Sabie 1206 Tel: (0131512) 307.

THE BROOK/MONDI HIKING TRAIL - Chrissiesmeer/Warburton
In an area called Africa's little Scotland, a most beautiful part of the country, you will find mountains streams and beautiful views.
Length/Duration: Three one-day trails of 12, 5.5 or 4.5km.
Degree of difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
Overnight facility: Muzentu farmhouse: four bedrooms, 26 hikers. Three hot showers, one bath, flush toilets. Gas geysers.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 346 3550/1/2, Fax: (012) 346 2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za

ELANDSKRANS HIKING TRAIL - Waterval-Boven
This trail starts at Waterval-Boven and lead to Waterval-Onder and then back to Waterval-Boven. The trail can be one or two days depending on the hiker. One hut. Guided tours.
Maximum number of people aloud: 28.
Reservations and enquiries: The Manager, Elandskrans Holiday Resort, PO Box 53, Waterval-Boven 1195. Tel: (013) 257-0175

ELANDSVALLEI TRAIL - Ngodwana/Nelspruit
It lies in the Elands Valley. Along the river are indigenous and exotic forests. Mountainous. Indigenous flora, 150 birds species and wild life.
Length/Duration: Two days/nights. Circular trail. 18.2km. Day 1:13km. Day 2: 6km. Day trails: 3 & 8km.
Degree of difficulty: Average to difficult.
Overnight facilities: Old school on Lindenau farm: 20 hikers. Hot showers/two flush toilets. Overnight bushcamp, 20 hikers. Showers & flush toilets. Cold water-with solar heating.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Phone: (012) 346-3550/1/2, Fax: (012) 346-2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za
ELANGENI HIKING TRAIL - Waterval-Boven
Situated near Waterval-Boven at the Elangeni Holiday Resort. Twenty-one kilometres are completed in two days. The hut which caters for 32 people has bedrooms and a kitchen. Lapa, running water and barbecue facilities.
Maximum number of hikers: 32
Reservations and enquiries: S P Labuschagne, Elangeni Holiday Resort, PO Box 254, Waterval-Boven 1195. Tel: (021) 662-1140

FANIE BOTHA HIKING TRAIL - Ceylon State Forest to God's window
This trail starts at Ceylon State Forest to God's window, the total distance of the trail is 79km and it is a five-day walk, two days circular. Huts are equipped with bunks and mattresses. Hikers must provide their own food, sleeping bags, lighting stoves, cooking utensils and fist aid-equipment. The maximum trail capacity is 30 people.
Reservations and enquiries: The regional Director, Private Bag X503, Sabie 1260. Tel: (012) 481-3615.
HADEDA FALLS TRAIL - Lydenburg/Burgersfort
Traversing some of the highest mountains of the Steenkampberg range, in the lush Waterfallsriver valley in Mpumalanga.
Length/Duration: Network of four to five trails. Kranz trail 4 to 5km. Leopard Loop 4km, Ammo trails 15.8km. River trail 5.6km. Kloof trail 1.2km.
Degree of difficulty: Average to difficult.
Overnight facilities: Base camp: Two huts, accommodate 24 hikers. Two pit toilets, two showers. Leopard Cave: Overhang cave, Comfortable for 8 persons. Tent sites for eight more. Pit toilet and stream water.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 346-3550/1/2 Fax: (012) 346-2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za
HAMERKOP TRAIL - Breyten/Hendrina
This cultural historical trail with abundant water pans and good birding. Suitable for all groups.
Length/Duration: two-day trails or a two-day overnight trail. First day: 7km. Second day: 5km.
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Overnight facilities: Oukiip Barn: 24 hikers. Two hot showers, flush toilets. Electricity
Hamerkopnes overnight hut: 24 beds & matrasses, pit toilet, shower, drum water.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 346-3550/1/2 Fax: (012) 346-2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za

IDWALA HIKING TRAIL - Middelburg/Loskopdam
Alongside the corridor of the Loskopdam Nature Reserve in the surrounding hills. Kloof and cliff areas. Game farm. Exceptional camp.
Distance/Duration: Network of trails - a total distance of 24km.
Degree of difficulty: Average.
Overnight facilities: Base camp: Three chalets. 24 beds. Two toilets, showers with gas geysers and basins.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 346-3550/1/2, Fax: (012) 346-2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za
KAAPSCHE HOOP HIKING TRAIL - Berlin State Forest.
Hikers can choose from a two- or three-day hike which includes two circular routes from Berlin State Forest. Huts equipped with beds and mattresses. Hikers must supply their own food, sleeping bags, lighting, cooking and first-aid equipment. Or a circular tent route which is a three-day hike. Only toilets, barbecue places and firewood are supplied.
Maximum number of hikers: 30 for both.
Reservations and enquiries: The Regional Director, Southern Transvaal Forest Region, Private Bag X11203, Nelspruit 1200. Tel: (01311) 52169 (9am to 12.30pm).
KRANSKLOOF TRAIL - Carolina
Interesting combination of gorges, mountain streams and the highveld plateaus. beautiful vistas of the landscapes.
Length/Duration: Two day overnight trail: approximately 8.5 & 10km. Day trails from Kranskloof: 10 or 8.5km.
Degree of difficulty: Easy to average.
Overnight facilities: Kranskloof camp: Three huts with eight beds each. Suikerkrans camp: Four huts with six beds each. Hot and cold showers, flush toilets at both camps.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 346-3550/1/2 Fax: (012) 346-2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za
RIBBOK HIKING TRAIL - Lydenburg Nature Reserve
Starts at the Lydenburg Nature Reserve. It's a 2 days trail. Day1- 12 km, Day 2 - 10 km. One two-roomed hut with 6 double bunks. Maximum number of hikers are 12.
Reservations and enquiries: Municipality Lydenburg, PO Box 61, Lydenburg 1120. Tel: (01323) 2130.

SALPETERKRANS TRAIL - Roossenekal/Lydenburg
Winds through the mountains, rich in history, exceptional flora and bird-life area incl cranes. Magnificent veld flowers. Rock climbing.
Length/Duration: Salpeterkrans trail 13km; the shorter trail is 7km. Bokbrug trail 10.5km. Roossekop trail 15km. The Spitsberg trait 10km.
Degree of difficulty: Easy to average.
Overnight facilities: Basecamp: Four huts, sleeping 30 in total. Three showers, flush toilet, wood-fired geyser. Finger rock overnight camp: Two huts, sleeps 30. Four showers with hot water and flush toilets.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 346-3550/1/2 Fax: (012) 346-2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za

STEENKAMPSBERG HIKING TRAIL - Dullstroom
Situated four kilometres northwest of Dullstroom next to Dullstroom-Tonteldoos road. It's a two-day hike. Tent sites, firewood, water and toilet facilities are available.
Maximum number of hikers: 12
Reservations and enquiries: Mrs Cecile Eloff, PO Box 135, Dullstroom 1110. Tel: (01325) 40101 during office hours.

SUIKERBOSCHFONTEIN HIKING TRAIL - Carolina
Diversity of terrain and flora situated on the escarpment, a winding trail through several deep gorges and mountain streams.
Length/Duration: Two day circular route: approximately 9km per day.
Degree of difficulty: Average to difficult.
Overnight facilities: Oom Japies; Holiday home, 21 beds/mattresses. Flush toilets and showers.
Rooikrans camp: Three huts sleeping 21. Same ablutions.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Tel: (012) 346-3550/1/2 Fax: (012) 346-2499 and Email: info@jacanacollection.co.za
UITSOEK HIKING TRAIL - Between Nelspruit and Sabie
Starts at Uitsoek Forest Station between Nelspruit and Sabie. Covers about 29.5km in two days. The trail is two days' walk of 11km each. Uitsoek Hut (starting point) has electricity and barbecue facilities, firewood, hot water and bunk-beds with mattresses. The hut can accommodate 36 people.
Lisabon Hut (overnight hut) only has cold water. Hikers must supply their own cooking utensils and gass stoves. No electricity of firewood. Bunk-beds with mattresses for 12 people are available.
Maximum number of hikers: 12
Reservations and enquiries: The Regional Director, Private Bag X11201, Nelspruit 1200. Tel: (012) 481-3615.
WELGEDACHT TRAILS - Lydenburg
Deep in a picturesque valley, network of 40 km of trails, all year round hiking for hikers with different levels of experience.
Length/Duration: From a well drawn and very specific map, hikers can decide on their route suite each individual need.
Degree of difficulty: Average/difficult.
Overnight facilities: Oom Tos' house and Old Farmhouse: 16 beds each. Flush toilets and showers.
Fern Kloof hut: 16 beds. Stream water. Cold shower and flush toilet.
Reservations and enquiries: Head Office: Jacana Marketing & Reservations, PO Box 95212, Waterkloof, Pretoria. Phone: (012) 346 3550/1/2, Fax: (012) 346 2499 and E-mail: info@jacanacollection.co.za

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All hiking trail information supplied by:
Wilhelm van der Hoven of South African Hikes