Eagle Cove Hiking Trail

The Eagle cove hiking trail is situated in the Magaliesberg mountains not far from Rustenburg, North West Province less than two hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The trail caters for day visitors as well as those wishing to spend the night and walk the full trail. The trail offers a surprisingly large variety of terrain to walk through and the flora is also exceptional.

Accommodation

The overnight hut
The Braai and kitchen facilities

The overnight facilities are excellent and include showers, flush toilets, covered Braai area, boma and bunk beds and mattresses for 20 people. Cars may only be left at the parking area provided. There is a 2km walk from the parking area to Eagle Cove hut and hikers must allow sufficient time to reach the hut by 18h00. Transport can be arranged at extra charge, to take the hikers to the hut.

The Trails

Route 1 & 3	Route 1 & 2

The hiking trails cover the rugged area of Rotsboom and Hamerkop kloofs. The area is very rugged and offer some exciting and challenging walking. The combined route of 1 and 3 is 12Km long while route 2 is 6Km long.

		The steep descent into Hamerkop kloof is by way of ladders and may cause a few problems for people suffering from vertigo. The views from the kloof edge are quite stunning and the equal of those of trails on the edge of the escarpment.
The main ladder down into the kloof can be quite daunting at first sight but it is anchored securely and is well worth the effort.

	Once in the kloof the hiker finds the vegetation changes. A lushness abounds in the dense forest found along the streams. Lovely rock pools and waterfalls offer welcome relief to the hiker during summer months.

Fauna of the Magaliesberg

The Magaliesberg mountain range is home to a surprisingly large variety of bird and animal life. Among the animals that inhabit the area are Common Duiker, Grey Reebok, Mountain Reebok, Dassies, Baboons and Vervet Monkeys. Leopard are also present but are rarely seen. The area is home to a large variety of snakes including several poisonous species, however these rarely present any problems for hikers. More than 300 species of birds can be seen by hikers in the Magaliesberg and include the Black Eagle and the Cape Vulture.

Conclusion

The Eagle Cove hiking trail is well worth doing. It is worth taking Friday afternoon off to arrive in time to reach the hikers hut before the deadline of 6pm. The accommodation is excellent and the trails well marked. It is also nice to find a trail that is "on the doorstep" of Gauteng.

	Bookings for the Eagle Cove hiking trail should be made through Anvie Ventures Tel. 012 662 0586/1140 or e-mail anvie@xsinet.co.za

Footprint Hiking Club

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