Magoebaskloof is easily Limpopo’s best under-the-radar adventure hub. Follow our guide to get the best out of the area.
The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour
The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour has to be one of the prettiest ziplines in the country. The two-hour tour includes 11 breath-taking slides and platform viewpoints over three enormous waterfalls. Each tumbles from about 20 metres up before trickling into waters below to the sweet sounds of forest bird song. (R660pp, canopytour.co.za)
Fish like a pro
Fly fishers are welcome to practice catch and release at Dap Naude and Bramasole Dam, or Mountain Fly Fishing log cabins, which all welcomes day visitors by appointment. It’s best to contact the Haenertsberg Trout Association for updates on open lakes and river conditions (rod permit fee costs from R150pp, htatrout.co.za) or stay at accommodation that boasts suitable waters, such as Zwakala River Retreat or Bramasole Guesthouse.
Hit the hiking trails
The most leisurely day hike around here is the short five-kilometre Louis Changuion trail. It winds through the lovely, though botanically rare, Afromontane grassland biome encircling the village of Haenertsberg. For a dip into the mystical mist belt forest, visit the Magoebaskloof Hotel and enquire after the Swartbos Hiking Trail. Whether you choose the two- or four-kilometre route, astonishing indigenous flora and lush birdlife are sure to dazzle. For a prolonged forest foray, book a multi-day hike through South African Forest Company Limited. Depending on time allowance, you can build your ideal Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail. Options range from two to-five-night expeditions and can begin from either the De Hoek, Woodbush or Broederstroom Huts. Hikers must be reasonably fit to complete the five-day, 63-kilometre route. The two-day routes are less demanding (roughly 20-kilometres) and suitable for families.
From R155pp, safcol.co.za
Ride away the day
Magoebaskloof is also a mountain biking mecca. Both Cheerio Trout Lodge and Magoebaskloof Adventures offer permits (R40 per day and kids under 12 are free, magoebasklooftourism.co.za) and there are five trails of varying difficulty. Starting from the Coffee shop at the legendary Cheerio Gardens, the 22-kilometre Green Route is the most challenging with technical downhill single-tracks through lush forest. Beginners are best-suited to the 17-kilometre Yellow Route, which consists of fairly flat farm roads with a few single-track twists thrown in.
Words: Melanie van Zyl | Images: Courtesy
READ: Climbing your way to fitness
