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Rooi-Ivoor Hiking Trail
(Rooi Ivoor is the
Afrikaans name for the Red Ivory tree that grows in the area. Its botanical name is
Berchemia Zeyheri. It is well shaped tree which grows up to 10m in height. It occurs at
medium to low altitude, in open woodland, often on termite mounds, on rocky ridges and
along watercourses. It has a striking and unusual pink heartwood)
The Rooi-Ivoor group of hiking trails are on a farm
close to the Mpumalanga town of Steelpoort. The area is rich in deposits of
Chrome and Vanadium and has several mines in the area. The farm has an area of
6000ha and includes several beautiful mountain streams and some stunning views.
There is, at present, two
overnight backpack routes plus three day routes from the Molope Basecamp.
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The hikers accommodation at the
Molope Basecamp is really very nice and certainly better than most provided by trail
owners.
The facilities include gas stove and
hot showers. |
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I wandered along a trail still
new,
across mountain streams,
that
appear so blue,
looking in the distance at
mountains so high,
with Rock Fig and Moepel for
shade from the sky,
all my thoughts and peace in my
mind,
still remember Rooi-Ivoor in
Steelpoort so fine.
Tim Hartwright
The
First overnight backpack
Trail- Molope to Stamvrug Hut and back
Each day of the backpack trial
has been given a separate name. The first day, which leads from Molope Basecamp to
Stamvrug camp is named after the Moepel tree(Mimusops Zeyheri)
or Transvaal Red Milkwood.
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The Moepel trail is 13,4Km long.
It takes the hiker along a mountain stream, crossing it in several places, before
ascending a tyre ladder consisting of more than 200 tyres. Along the way there are some
fine examples of Rock Figs. |
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The first part of the trail has
an abundance of water with several pools suitable for swimming in.
The trail has been well constructed
by the owner who has spend many hours ensuring the enjoyment of the hiker. |
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| Lovely rock pools |
Well constructed trail |
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Some more lovely swimming pools. |
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The trail eventually leaves the
stream behind and heads for the mountains. A tyre ladder of 200 tyres awaits the hiker in
his quest to reach the top. |
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Once the top of the tyre ladder
is reached, it is a short walk to the ridge and a path that affords beautiful views of the
valley below. |
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The second day of the overnight
trail is called the Morlothii Trail and is named after a large species of Aloe found in the
area. |
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There are also three short birding
trails from Molope camp, the Blou Visvanger (3,3Km),
the Bergkwikkie (3,6Km) and the Swarthelmlaksman (3,5Km).
There is also the Donkerwangbossanger birding trail (2,3Km) from the Stamvrug camp.
At the Rooi-ivoor camp there are two bird watching trails- The Honeyguide trail
(2,1Km) and the Cape Bates (3,3Km)
The
second overnight backpack trail - Molope to Suikerbos Hut and back
Trail now closed
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The
trail from Molope Camp to Suikerbos Hut is 11,8Km and is known as the
Bosloerie Trail. The route takes the hiker up a beautiful Kloof and across
bridges. |
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The vegetation
in the kloof is very lush with many fine examples of trees and ferns. |
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There is also a chain or two to
help the hiker negotiate tricky areas. |
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There is also opportunities for
swimming along the way. |
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Suikerbos Hut
is situated at the foot Schuringsburg - one of the highest points in
Mpumalanga. Three kinds of Protea grow here, namely the Common Sugar Bush
(Protea Caffra), the Silver Sugar Bush (Protea Roupelliae)
and the Cluster-Head Sugar Bush (Protea Welwitschii). The Scarlet
chested Sunbird is endemic to the area and with Buffstreaked Chat, can be
seen here in numbers.
The hut
accommodates up to 30 hikers and has a Chemical toilet, hot showers, gas
fridge, two plate stove, pots, pans and kettle. No electricity. Under cover
braai facilities. |
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The return
route to Molope is 11,4Km and is known as the Bobbejaanstert Trail. Reach
the area of the big trees at the bottom of the mountain and be amazed at
their size! The trees are the Red Leaved Fig (Ficus Ingens) and the
Mountain Fig (Ficus Glumosa), the largest known of its kind in
South Africa. |
Rooi Ivoor Eco Tourism PDF
(click here to read a description
of this unique place)
Conclusion
The Rooi Ivoor Trails offer a the
hiker a high standard in facilities and trails which some other owners could take note of.
They are certainly worth doing and sure to become favourites among the hiking and birding
fraternity.
'In a Nutshell'
| Distance from nearest
town |
About 300km from
Gauteng |
| Access road status |
Gravel road can be
hazardous and rutted after heavy rains |
| Trail type |
Overnight backpack
trail. Day
trails from the basecamp also available.
4x4 trail |
| Difficulty |
Moderate to difficult |
| Marking |
When evaluated the
trail was well marked |
| GPS Co-ordinates |
Turnoff Steelpoort
Lydenburg road onto gravel road S24 47.197 E30
17.971 Molope camp -
S24 49.281 E30
17.447
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| Cell phone reception |
No |
| Facilities |
Well maintained |
The Rooi Ivoor group of trails can
be booked through
Anvie Ventures
Tel +27 12 662 0586/1140 or
e-mail anvie@xsinet.co.za
Footprint Hiking Club
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this website click on a hyperlink below
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