Magoebaskloof

TRAIL DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND:

The Woodbush hut is the original plantation forester's house and adjacent to this, one finds one of the oldest arboretums in South Africa, made up of exotic pine species. Broederstroom owes its origins to the mining magnate, Sir Lionel Phillips, who bought the farms at the request of his wife, Florence. Lady Phillips is remembered for the horses that she reared at the "Broederstroom Stud Farm" and the trees that she planted. On one occasion she planted 20 swamp cypresses along the avenue just below the Broederstroom Hut. On another occasion she pushed acorns into the soft soil along the Broederstroom and these grew into the oaks that now shade the area below the Dap Naude Dam. When you relax under these trees, spare their origin some thought.

Surely this must be one of the most beautiful trails in South Africa, and possibly the world. Nestled in the indigenous forest of Magoebaskloof this trail takes you to beautiful areas steeped in mystery.

The trail winds mostly through indigenous forest, yet occasionally traverses sections of plantation, avenues of oak trees, or follows a mountain stream to cascading falls into huge pools. Beautifully positioned log cabins and a historically important mule stable are used for overnight accommodation providing comfortable lodgings.

How to get to De Hoek / Dokolewa Pools Hut

From Gauteng, take N1 North towards Pietersburg. Turn off to Tzaneen on the R71 until ± 77km from N1. De Hoek Plantation is reached by turning off to the Debengeni Hiking Trail and Waterfall as signposted. Follow the gravel road past the Debengeni Falls for ±7km, and find the De Hoek House on the left, signposts – and parking is available under the trees around the house.

How to get to Woodbush and Broederstroom:

Should you start from Woodbush Hut or Seepsteen Mule Stables / Broederstroom / Waterfall Huts:

From Gauteng, follow the N1 north towards Pietersburg. Turn off to Tzaneen on the R71 until ±77km from the N1. Follow the signpost to the Woodbush plantation – turning left from R71 onto a gravel road. (Also marked Houtbosdorp). Sign is marked: Safcol Ecotourism – Magoebaskloof Hiking Trial, follow indicators to the different huts.

¨ Broederstroom 2 night trail:

Starting point: Woodbush hut

End: Circular route

Distance: Woodbush hut - Broederstroom 15 km

Broederstroom - Woodbush hut 26.4 km

Rating: Difficult

(Hike via Dokolewa to Woodbush)

¨ Dokolewa Waterfalls 3 night trail:

Starting point: Parking at De Hoek hut

End: Circular route

Distance: Dokolewa Pools - Seepsteen Stables 8.4 km

Seepsteen Stables - Waterfall camp 15 km

Waterfall camp - Dokolewa Pools 18 km

Rating: Moderate - Difficult

· Exactly the same trail can be hiked just staying in the bigger 30 sleeper huts, that is, begin at De Hoek the first night, hike to Woodbush and then to Broederstroom.

· You can also start at Seepsteen stables on the Dokolewa Pools 3-night trail were you get to hike the short distance last back to your car.

· Arrival can also be at Broederstroom hut spending the first night there on the Broederstroom 3-night trail and then hiking the 18km distance to De Hoek first day, and then the 8.4km and 15km on the last leg back to your car.

· Magoebaskloof 5 Night Trail:

Starting point: De Hoek to park

End: Circular route

Distances: Dokolewa Pools - Seepsteen Stables 8.4 km

Seepsteen Mule Stables -Waterfall Camp 15 km

Waterfall Camp - Dokolewa Pools 18 km

Dokolewa Pools – Woodbush 8.4 km

Woodbush - De Hoek (Parking) 11.7 km

Rating: Difficult.