Ribbokkloof Hiking Trails

Between Middelburg and Stoffberg, Mpumalanga

Hikers these days are continually looking for places to go that are in easy reach of Gauteng. Ribbokkloof is an easy two hours drive from Gauteng. The trail can be done as a backpack route or a basecamp route. At basecamp one has the luxury of home comforts while the overnight camp is very basic. The trails are ideal are a training ground for first time backpackers as the distances are relatively short and the climbs not too severe.

         
 

Accommodation

The Stinkhout hiker's accommodation is some of the best to be found on any trail. It includes beds and mattresses, kitchen with stove and fridge and table and benches. Ablutions include flushing toilets and hot shower. Outside there is a braai area.

 
 
         
 
  The river camp is more basic with basins shower and flush toilets. Take your own mattresses and hiker's stoves along and appreciate the beautiful night skies and the feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world.  
         
 

Both days of the trail are well marked and relatively easy to moderate. Both days start with a fairly stiff climb to the top of the escarpment. The first day follows a beautiful mountain stream up the mountain side and then meanders through open grassland with views of the kloof below. The second day starts with a steep climb and is then followed by some meandering through rocks and grassland back to the basecamp. A short route is also an option, this follows the jeep track along the river.

  
 

'In a Nutshell'

Distance from nearest town 34km from Middelburg, Mpumalanga
Access road status The farm road is fairly good to the office and the road to the camp was in quite a good state of repair when we did it
Trail type 2-day backpack trail. Can also be done as day trails from the base camp
Difficulty Easy to moderate
Marking Well marked when last assessed
GPS Co-ordinates Turnoff provincial road                               S25 35.364 E29 49.039

Stinkhout Basecamp                                   S25 34.243 E29 48.759

Riverbed camp                                            S25 34.805 E29 49.992
Cell phone reception On higher ground
Facilities Luxurious and well maintained base camp. Basic overnight camp

 

Bookings

Bookings for the Ribbokkloof Trail can be made through

Jacana Travel Marketing and Reservations

 

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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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