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Lesoba Hiking Trails
Fouriesburg/Clarens area of Eastern Free State
Lesoba is
situated in one of the most picturesque areas of South Africa. The
sandstone mountains with their eroded krans make for a photographic
dream. Hidden away among these mountains, rock pools glisten in sun and
the streams that feed them trickle out of crevices in the rock like
tears. Rock overhangs that have given shelter to human and animal alike
over centuries, abound in the sometimes inhospitable environment that
forms the border with the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
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There are two day trails
from the central base camp plus a short nature trail that follows a
stream for about 2.5km through riverine bush. |
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The
first trail takes the hiker up a steep cleft in the rock to the top
of the mountain. A detour from here takes one to a vantage point
with panoramic views across the Caledon River to Lesotho. |
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From
here the trail traverses the mountain top allowing the hiker distant
vistas of the surrounding areas. Eventually the trail descends
through the krans steeply along a rock strewn path and then contours
around to a interesting cave formation. From here the trail crosses
a stream and then contours past the Queen Victoria rock formation
back to camp. |
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To begin with day 2 of the
trail follows the same route as day 1 for a short way. The trail
then splits and follows a lower route until a view of a rock bridge
comes into view. The trail then descends to cross the valley before
beginning a steep ascent of 400m to the top of a mountain. Once on
the top, take a break and survey the amazing spectre that pans out
before you. |
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From here the trail crosses
the plateau before a rocky descent down another gully and then
follows the edge of a dyke back to the basecamp. |
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The
trail accommodates twelve hikers but larger groups can be catered
for in other accommodation provided this has not already been booked
by other people. Bedding can be supplied as an optional extra. A
well equipped communal kitchen is also available for hikers as is a
modern ablution block. |
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Conclusion
A trail that is certainly worth
doing. Even in winter, despite the cold, the Eastern Free State has it
special character and generally is no more than 2°C
colder than Johannesburg. But the other seasons are the best time to
enjoy the area. As with all the Free State trails it is very important
to carry plenty of water. The ascents and descents could be a problem
for those that suffer from a fear of heights.
Apart from hiking,
Lesoba offers other activities such as a 4x4 trail, camping and
caravanning, mountain biking, fishing or just relaxing in their superbly
appointed guest cottages.
'In a
nutshell'
| Distance from nearest
town |
Fouriesburg is about
10km away |
| Access road status |
The farm road is well
maintained and should present no problems. Check
at time of booking as to if there are any
changes to this. |
| Trail type |
Two circular trails
from a central hut |
| Difficulty |
Moderate. There are
some steep sections that could be regarded as
difficult |
| Marking |
Well marked when last
assessed |
| GPS Co-ordinates |
Overnight camp
S28 40.27 E28 18.32
GPS tracks are available
from our office when booking the trail |
| Cell phone reception |
Normally at camp and
most areas on the trail |
| Facilities |
Luxurious and well
maintained camp. |
Bookings
Jacana
Travel Marketing
and Reservations
Telephone
0861Jacana (0861 522262)
Direct
phone: Port Elizabeth 041 378 1439
Pretoria: 012 803 9109
Direct
fax: PE 041 378 2548
Pretoria: 012 803 4144
PE
e-mail
bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Pretoria e-mail:
rosa@jacanacollection.co.za
Footprint Hiking
Club
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