Klipkraal Hiking Trail

Klipkraal Hiking Trail

Near Heidelberg, Gauteng

The vast majority of hikers in South Africa are residents of Gauteng. It is a pity that the areas around Johannesburg and Pretoria offer so little opportunities for hiking. Klipkraal, being only 80kms from Alberton, offers the opportunity to help fill this gap.

The Accommodation

The hiking accommodation is comfortable and the facilities are above average. The houses look out across a lake and there are canoes available to go boating on the lake.

Beds with thick foam mattresses mold to the aching limbs after the days hike. A kitchen equipped with stove, refrigerator and pots and pans is ideal for preparing those delicacies that hikers like to take along for a weekend away.

The ablution facilities are also excellent. The communal braai area is under thatch.

End of the day with a lovely sunset.

The Panorama trail traverses bush and undulating open grassland. There are a few hills along the way to get the heart beating.

Grassland with views of the distant hills all around.

In the distance Vaal Dam can be seen.

More hills and more views to be seen.

Bokmakierie Guesthouse

As an alternative to the hikers accommodation there is some fully equipped self catering accommodation available at a very reasonable price.

Have a braai and watch the sun go down in a lovely relaxing setting.

If you are artistically inclined, take your paint brush canvas and easel along!

The Kraal Trail

This trail starts from the camp and passes many old Kraals along its route.

The trail passes a huge rock.

There are also some beautiful views to be seen. Along the way look out for the wildlife that is to be seen.

Conclusion

The Klipkraal Hiking Trail has as its main advantage the fact that it is one of the closest weekend trails to the towns of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The scenery is typical of that found on the Highveld and similar to that found in the popular, nearby, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. There is a good chance of seeing game such as Zebra and Wildebeest while the birdlife is quite prolific. When I walked the trail I was quite amazed at the number of species of Butterflies that fluttered past me as I walked. The accommodation is well kept and the different options available are designed to cater for most peoples needs.

Click here for a PDF of the directions from Heidelberg

Click here for a PDF of the tree list

Klipkraal Brchure

Please also have a look at their self catering guest cottages

www.footprint.co.za/kiepersol.htm

www.footprint.co.za/blinkblaar.htm

Bookings

For bookings for the Klipkraal Hiking Trail or self catering accommodation contact the owners

Maurice and Celeste Leonard

+27 16 372 1432 or 083 412 5272

Jacana Marketing and Reservations