Hiking Trails Around Mpumalanga

Oct 13, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit

Zongororo Trail

The Zongororo Trail is a 7 km hike about 5 km to the east of Waterval Boven. Waterval Boven was established in 1898 as a supply depot for the railway link and is situated on the escarpment. The railway line in itself is quite a spectacle as it doubles back and forth through tunnels in an effort to reduce height.

The trail begins just across the Elands River at the Elands Waterfall. The trail then heads up taking you through a spectacular indigenous forest. Once through the forest, the trail heads into open mountain grassland and contouring for about a kilometre. On the way, you will cross two non-perennial streams. For the next kilometre, the trail ascends and takes you to the top of a plateau. At this point, the trail gets very rugged. After carefully negotiating this section of the hike, the reward is a bird’s eye view of the Elands Valley. After a break at that point, it’s a final push upwards to reach the highest point of the trail. The ascent is steep but the views are well worth it.

Just when you think the view cannot get better, the trail descends gradually to a rocky outcrop. From there you get a splendid view of the valley and the adjacent mountains. To get back to the starting point the descent is a steep two-kilometre hike.

Along the way there is no drinking water, so be sure to take along plenty as it can get hot out there in the summer months. It is also advisable to wear a hat and please don’t forget the sunscreen.

Uitsoek Hiking trail

On the N4, take the Sabie/Sudwala turnoff, 10 km after the road becomes dirt, turn right at the Uitsoek Hut Sign and continue till you reach the Uitsoek Forest Plantation. Once there you can make your choice of which trail you would like to take. The day trails are Bakkrans or Beestekraalspruit. There is also an overnight trail, Houtbosloop.

Bakkrans Trail

With this trail, you start by heading out into the pine plantations. From there you head into the gorges and the landscape changes to indigenous scrub forest. Along the route, you will cross several small tributaries and also pass the Bakkrans Waterfall.

The trail is about a distance of 11 km and can be moderately difficult. Remember to bring water, a snack, hat and sunscreen as it can get hot.

Beestekraalspruit Trail

You start this trail with a gentle climb through the pine plantations and continue climbing through the indigenous forest until you reach the edge of a cliff of the Beestekraalspruit. From here you will crisscross the Beestekraalspruit about 20 times using wooden bridges which cover a distance of 4 km. After leaving the stream you gradually climb back to the starting point.

The trail is about 11 kilometres and it is considered moderately difficult.

Houtbosloop 2 Day Trail

On the first day of this hike, you will start in the foothills and climb up to the plateau. Along the way, you will cross several streams before reaching the Lisabon overnight hut. On the second day, it will be a decent into the Houtboslopp Valley. The trail will take you from indigenous forest to the Lowveld Sour Bushveld and also the scarce North-Eastern Mountain Sourveld.

The first day of the trail is a distance of 14.5km and the second day is a distance of 13.5 km. To do the 2 day trail, you will need to be fit as it is a difficult trail.

There are plenty of exciting hiking trails close to Nelspruit and a stay at our Nelspruit Lodge is the perfect place from which to enjoy hiking holiday.

Sabie Mountain Bike Trails

Oct 11, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit

If mountain biking is your kind of hobby, then Sabie has got to be one of the most exciting places to do it. The area is ideal for both novice and experienced mountain bikers and the self-guided trails are well marked, safe and amongst some of the most breath-taking, in terms of the scenery. During the wet season, it is advisable to not use slick or semi-slick tyres as these routes and trails can get very slippery and muddy. It is also advisable to take along your pump and spare tubes. This area can get humid in the summer months so be sure to take along enough water and a snack for the road. All of these routes start and end at the Sabie Municipal Caravan Park and it is essential that you obtain a permit before embarking as you will be going through a private forest.

The trails are as follows:

Yellow Route

This is a 6 km route that is fairly easy and should take you less than an hour. You start by following a jeep track that runs parallel to the Sabie River and then turn right at the foot of the densely overgrown and moist cliffs of Castle Rock. The trail takes you over slippery loose slate and rocks, a dense bush tunnel and then back onto the jeep trail that will bring you back to the finish. This trail can be done at night too.

Green Route

This route is 15 km long and an intermediate ride that can take up to 2 hours. On this route, you will find yourself going from a single track to a jeep track, over a wooden bridge then up some steep inclines till you reach an altitude of 1.250 meters. Once at the top it’s a winding series of single tracks that loop you all the way back to base.

Blue Route

This is an intermediate route that can take up to 3 hours and is 25 km long. The start is 8 km of flat riding that will take you over a wooden bridge as you head towards Lone Creek Falls. From there you will climb for about 1 km followed by 9 km of jeep track that leads to Bridal Veil Falls. From there you will be on forestry roads till you get back to the starting point.

Black Route

This route is most definitely only for experienced riders. It is a difficult 13 km ride that starts with a single track along the Sabie River. From then on it is 4 km of uphill riding on a jeep track that becomes a single track of slithery loops. A final one km push ends with a drop-off. This track runs behind a shooting range so if the roads are barred, please don’t use the track.

Red Route

This difficult trail is 30 km and requires some skills. You start out along the banks of the Sabie River and then pass through the Pine Plantations before coming to Oelof’s Dam. Then it is onto an undulating gravel road to Bridal Veil Falls. The next 4 km is an off-road climb up to the Ceylon and Tweefontein boundaries. From here the view of the Sabie Valley is simply amazing. The way down is a technical single track of about 10 km.

Mountain biking guests can stay at Nelspruit Lodge and spend their days enjoying these magnificent tracks. Be sure to book your stay with us this summer.