Uitsoek Hiking Trail

Footprintlogo6.gif (25506 bytes)

Uitsoek Hiking Trail

Near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

The Uitsoek Hiking Trail is situated in the Mpumalanga lowveld, close to the Sudwala caves and not far from the town of Nelspruit. The trail was originally laid out by the Roodepoort Hiking Club and is a real tribute to the memory of Chris Lerm, who in conjunction with other members of the club gave so much to hiking a decade ago.

The trail is set in the Uitsoek plantation and explores the richness of the indigenous forests, mountain streams and surrounding mountain grandeur. The overnight backpack route is quite strenuous and should be attempted by fit and experienced hikers only. The day routes are much easier and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Uitsoek Hut

The Trails

The trails start from Uitsoek hut which is situated on the outskirts of Uitsoek forest station. Uitsoek hut is well equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, tables and chairs, undercover Braai facilities and two plate electric stove.

After heavy rain the roads to the forest station can be very slippery so care needs to be taken.


Undercover Parking	Braai Facilities

The trail has a considerable variety of Fungi in the forests.

The first day of the overnight hike is 15Km long and climbs over 900m during the course of the day.

Many beautiful waterfalls are passed during this time.

The Trail passes some spectacular scenery as it ascends through indigenous forest and grassland.

The last few Kilometres of the first day take the hiker along a contour path until one reaches a deep kloof. Here the trail descends to a beautiful stream before once more ascending steeply. From the top the trail traverses plantations until the Lisabon hut is reached.

Lisabon hut is a welcome sight at the end of a long day's hike. There are twelve bed and mattresses plus a table and chairs. Outside there is a Braai area and in the nearby plantation there is a toilet.

The second day of the trail starts off with a stiff climb up through pine plantations followed by a beautiful walk along the cliff tops affording beautiful views over the surrounding mountains, indigenous forest and plantations below.

Once the trail reaches the indigenous forest a wonderland of green beauty, sparkling waters cascades and beautiful rock formations present themselves along the rest of the trip back to Uitsoek hut.

Conclusion

This is a beautiful trail and certainly one worth doing. However it is not a trail for those unsure of there fitness. I would suggest that the day walk trails are an ideal alternative for those who would like to do Uitsoek but are not fit enough.