Kranskloof Hiking Trails

(Also known as Bartletts Farm)

Magaliesberg Mountains, North West Province

Kranskloof is situated close to the well known Sparkling Waters Hotel, not far from Rustenburg in the North West Province. The farm is owned by Ronnie Bartlett, hence the other common name used for the trails. The farm also is home to Canopy Tours, the popular treetop slide experience. Come to Kranskloof for the day or book a stay at the Kranskloof camp which is suitable for camping or a group can book the hikers hut which can accommodate up to 20 people.

         
 

Hikers report to the farm on arrival. Ronnie meets the hikers and provides maps of the trail.

The trail starts from the overnight camp and passes a farm dam before beginning the gradual ascent up the Magaliesberg

  
Ronnie meeting the hikers on arrival The camp with space to park your car
An old log bridge close to the start
 
         
 
 

The climb is steady and relatively easy. There are some interesting rock formations that one passes along the way

  
         
 

The view from the top is well worth the energy and sweat that has been used. A break, a snack a few photos and it is time to begin the downward trek.

  
 
         
 
 

Now begins the kloof walk that must be one of the most beautiful in the Magaliesberg. Rugged in places and needing a certain amount of agility, the gorge is full of beautiful surprises.

  
         
 

Rock strewn river bed with many lovely specimens of indigenous trees including rock figs that send their roots down the sheer rock face.

  
 
         
 
 

Rocks, rocks and more rocks as the gorge become narrower and the stream becomes stronger.

  
         
 

The upper reaches of the gorge are often dry after periods of drought but water is usually to be found in the lower regions

  
 
         
 
 

Boulder hoping is a lot of fun but the rocks can be slippery when wet.

  
         
 

Towards the bottom of the gorge walk, there are some lovely examples of tree ferns

  
 
         
 
 

After a swim at the last pool it is time to make the climb out of the kloof and make ones way back to camp

  
         
 

The camp is well equipped with hot showers, flush toilets, braai facilities and a table with some seats. There is also a dormitory that can sleep up to 20 people that must be booked well in advance.

  
 

Directions to Kranskloof

Follow the R104, the old Rustenburg road, from the R512 or Hartebeespoort Dam past Mooinooi past the turnoff to Mountain Sanctuary until one reaches the turnoff to Sparkling Waters Hotel. Take this road for one and a half kilometres and the Kranskloof turnoff is on the right.

Conclusions

A really nice trail without being very difficult. A trail that has some beautiful scenery especially in the kloof.

Bookings

Telephone 014 535 0014 (often out of order due to cable theft)

Cell number 078 976 6723

Fax 014 535 0022

Bookings for the hut must be done at least 3 weeks in advance

 

 Footprint Hiking Club

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