Entabeni Hiking Trail

Entabeni Hiking Trail

Levubu, Limpopo Province

Names such as Kliphuis, Klein Australie and Ou Entabeni will bring back memories to many hikers who have been walking the trails of our beautiful country for a number of years. We were all saddened when these names disappeared from the hiking map due to the closure of the eastern section of the Soutpansberg hiking trail. However Komatiland Forestry (Safcol) have now decided to re-establish hiking trails in the area and have recently opened the new Entabeni hiking trail. At the moment there are two day trails with two further loops that could add an extra day or so to your hiking experience. The trails start from Entabeni Hut which is a new hut and not the old Ou Entabeni hut that us older hikers will remember.

The new Entabeni Hut is comfortable and well equipped. It can accommodate groups of up to 22 people. It has a ablution facility with hot showers, flush toilets and hand basins. There is a kitchen area with an inside braai facility, kettle, iron pans and table with benches. The sleeping quarters consists of three rooms with beds and thick mattresses and side tables.

Phadzima View Trail

This trail is 16Km long and should take the hiker about 6 hours to walk. The trail stretches north from the hut and passes through some really stunning indigenous forest reminiscent of those to be found on the Outeniqua Trail. Ebbe Dam is passed soon after the start and a while later the trail begins its ascent up through beautiful forest until views of the Phadzima valley come into view.

The trail continues through forest and grassland and crosses two rivers before it passes close to the old Kliphuis hut which now serves as a guesthouse. The trail passes some of the largest and most beautiful examples of Tree Ferns I have ever seen. Some lovely waterfalls are also to be seen along the way.

A further loop option is available for the energetic hiker. This takes the walker up to Thate-Vondo view and to Mathiva Peak. This loop will take an additional three hours to walk.

The Redwood Trail

Although also 16Km long, this trail is much easier than the Phadzima View Trail. It passes some of the largest Redwoods to be found in Southern Africa. The trail also passes Vera's Tears waterfall which is a welcome stop on a hot day. Another 3 hour loop section is available that leaves this trail in a southerly direction that takes the hikers up to Klein Australia View.

Along the way many fine examples of brightly coloured and interesting fungi are to be found including the beautiful Forest Star.

Conclusion

The Entabeni trail, while vastly different to the original trail of The National Hiking Way Board, is a beautiful trail and well worth doing. Some of the finest examples of indigenous forest are to be found in the mountains of this area. Willie Botha, the young lady who has laid out the trail for Komatiland Ecotourism, is to be congratulated on the excellent work she has done on the trails. Should you have any queries about the trails, please contact Willie Botha direct (082 957 0102) who would be glad to answer any of your questions.