Vasbyt Hiking Trail

Near Naboomspruit, Limpopo Province

Over the last few years the popularity of the Waterberg mountains as a tourist destination has increased immensely. There are many reasons for this including relative closeness to the business centres of Gauteng and the absence of Malaria. Many excellent hiking trails have been developed in the area and new ones are opening on a regular basis.

A recent addition to this growing list of trails is the Vasbyt Hiking Trail. The Vasbyt Hiking Trail is situated on the farm Jozette Boerdery about 41km outside Naboomspruit. It is a overnight backpack trail with comfortable accommodation and some very spectacular scenery to hike in.

Base Camp

The accommodation	The social area with cooking facilities
Relax around the Braai	The Braai area

The base camp is well equipped and comfortable. Thick mattresses are provided along with flush toilets and showers. There are gas stoves and a kettle plus tables and chairs in a thatched lapa. Outside there is a lit Braai area with a Braai grid.

Day 1

Up the lower mountain slopes	The trail ascends steeply
A lovely pool is found	The mountains are well vegetated
The trail is rough in places	There are lovely views
Once the top is reached the panoramas are breathtaking
The start of the decent	Ropes help!
The road far below	Looking back up

The trail start from the base camp and soon begins to rise up the side of the mountain. Some sections of the trail are quite steep. About midway up the mountain the trail reaches a plateau and circles underneath the cliffs before rising once more though a gap in the rock wall. Once the summit is eventually reached, the views are stunning. However, it is not long before a steep kloof is reached and with the help of ropes the hiker is soon descending towards the overnight hut.

Overnight Mountain Hut

Looking at the way down from the hut	Well constructed accommodation
Our group ready for the day	Looking back at the hut

The overnight mountain hut is well constructed and equipped with bunk beds and thick mattresses. A donkey boiler is supplied to heat the water for a welcome hot shower and flush toilets complete the above average accommodation. The owner normally offers a "tuck shop" service supplying beer and cool drinks plus chips and other snacks. Braai wood can also be purchased.

Day 2

Beautiful rocks	Lovely pools
Unusual rocks	Looking down at the trail
Rugged scenery	Rock pools

Conclusion

This is a beautiful trail and certain to become popular with hikers who enjoy backpacking trails. The days are not long but varied and challenging enough to satisfy the vast majority of hikers without being beyond the capability of the novice. The facilities are above standard and clean.

Directions to Vasbyt

From the centre of Naboomspruit take the Marken road for twelve kilometres until a T-Junction is reached. At the T-junction (Elephant) turn right left and then 500 metre further turn right towards Marken. After 17 km turn left onto the sand road signposted Zwartkloof. Travel along this road for 12 km and then turn right into the farm marked Jozette Boerdery/Vasbyt Hiking Trail.

Bookings

Bookings for the Vasbyt Hiking Trail can be made through

 Anvie Ventures (012)662-0586/(012662-1140

e-mail anvie@xsinet.co.za

Footprint Hiking Club

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