Kransberg Hiking Trail

Thabazimbi, Limpopo

Dates

7-11 April 2024

For married people and couples
Max 12 hikers
55km from Thani Zimbi farm to Syringa Sands

19 – 24 May 2024

Ladies only
For ladies sharing a room
This is an epic hike of 75km from Thani Zimbi farm to Rhenosterfontein
Max 12 hikers

21 – 25 Julie 2024

Ladies only
For ladies sharing a room
55km from Thani Zimbi farm to Syringa Sands
Max 12 hikers

Itinerary

Sunday

On Sunday afternoon we will gather at Thani-Zimbi Game Farm. The farm is situated 23 km outside Thabazimbi on the Rooiberg Road nr. 255 in the Rooiberg Bavaria Area. You need to get to the farm on your own accord. Thani-Zimbi possesses over a number of chalets and can accommodate approximately 60 people. The farm has abundance of bird- and wildlife, large variety of indigenous trees as well as an inspirational walking path. Around a campfire we will get acquainted with our fellow hikers with the bush sounds of the night around us, the howling of a jackal and the song of the night jars. We will end the day with a Bush Braai and retire in our comfortable chalets with the exciting challenges of the next day awaiting us.

Monday

Early morning, we awake with the smell of fresh coffee and rusks. After filling our water bottles and fastening our shoelaces we hit the road to the “Amani Inspirational Path” on the farm where you will be able to observe a number of inspirational quotes of famous persons. We will also be able to identify a substantial number of indigenous trees. Halfway we will stop for a quick refreshment at Amani. This trail will take us down the mountain through an indigenous “Knoppies Doring” forest. Remember your binoculars as you may also be able to identify a number of birds only found in the bushveld.

After a 6 to 8 km morning hike, we will enjoy breakfast under the lapa at Thani-Zimbi. The friendly staff of Thani-Zimbi will transport us to the nearby Reptile Inc. and Snake Park. The owner, Petrus van Breda, will be awaiting us. He will do a short informational session about snakes and introduce us to a number of the most venomous snakes found in the Bushveld. On completion, we will then depart on a short hike of approximately 3 km. to Indaka Lodge, where the ladies from Matsimela will pamper your tyred feet with a well-earned pedicure.

At approximately 15h00 the friendly game ranger from Marakele National Park will pick us up for an afternoon game drive. Marakele is located approximately 12 km northeast of Thabazimbi in 67000 hectares of unspoiled nature. Its highest point is the 2088 metre Lenong Point. Apart from the big five, one of the most remarkable wildlife attractions in Marakele is the largest breeding colony of Cape Vulture in the world, where around 800 breeding pairs roost on the cliffs.

After an awesome game drive and observing a breathtaking sunset from the highest point in the Waterberg, the staff at Indaka will spoil us with a delicious supper. After supper and coffee, we can retire for the evening.

Tuesday

After a scrumptious breakfast we are now ready for the scenic Bakker’s Pass. This fairly steep gravel pass lies between Rankin’s Pass in the East and Thabazimbi to the south-west. The distance from Indaka Lodge to Kransberg Lodge is approximately 11 km. There are beautiful hiking trails and water holes at Kransberg, if you still have any energy left after Bakker’s Pass. We will have delicious chicken wraps for lunch and will “kuier” around the campfire under the starlit African sky.

Supper will be served on the veranda.

Wednesday

After breakfast the long and scenic stretch to Shakawe Private Game Reserve awaits us. This is a 19 km hike along the Kransberg Mountain range. Halfway we will stop for a picnic and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. This route is mostly level, with water emerging from the mountain and forming little streams along the way. Along the way we shell visit the Grobler’s Museum. We will break for a mid-day picnic at a look-out point next to a dam and observe the hippos playing. After a long day of hiking, the luxury five -star Shakawe is a beautiful and very welcoming sight, where our friendly host Louis Le Grange will be awaiting us. The lodge has the most incredible views of the of the Waterberg Mountains. The Reserve has a range of activities and one of the best accommodation facilities in the surrounding areas. A delicious supper under the African sky with the possible sounds of roaring lions, howling jackals, and laughing hyenas will bring an end to another tiring but most satisfying day.

Thursday

After breakfast we will leave the beautiful Shakawe Private Game Reserve for our last short walk to Rankin’s Pass. The walk is all the way downhill for 5 km where the trail will end at Syringa Sands Rest Camp near Rhenosterpoort. After a light lunch our transport will be awaiting us to take us back to Thani-Zimbi Game Farm where we started our journey a few days ago. Accommodation at your own cost can be arranged at Thani-Zimbi upon request.

Thursday (extended hike)

The Kransberg hiking trail usually ends at Syringa Sands after a distance of approximately 55 km. This is normally from a Monday morning to a Thursday afternoon. The May 2024 event, however, will be extended to a 75 km walk, especially for those with a zest for walking a longer distance. Therefore, instead of ending at Syringa Sands on Thursday we will continue and end at Renosterfontein Accommodation. The accommodation comprises of 3 self-catering chalets and a tented camp as well as a camp site on the shores of a beautiful dam. Activities on the farm include fishing, game viewing, bird watching and hiking trails. This is a 20 km downhill walk down Rankin’s- or Trichardt’s pass with beautiful surroundings. On your walk you will pass the well-known Rhenosterfontein Hiking Trail.

After a long day’s hike we will relax at the beautiful Renosterfontein and enjoy the facilities. At sunset the fires will be lit and we will enjoy a last time Bushveld “braai” under the starlit African skies.

Friday

Before leaving for Thani-Zimbi Game Farm, where we initially started our hiking journey a number of days ago, we will enjoy a light breakfast. At Thani-Zimbi we will unfortunately have to say goodbye, but not farewell! Trusting that we will treasure the new friendships and memories in the years to come!

Included in the fee

Your luggage will be transported between your overnight stay accommodation.
Please keep to one container and mark your container clearly with your personal details.
Dimensions for container:
- 53cm long 34 cm wide and 28 cm deep. Available at West Pack.
- Please take note that no loose baggage can be transported.
Accommodation in 4 luxury lodges (3 nights)
Accommodation takes place in 5 lodges for the May 2024 trail.
All meals (3 meals per day) drinks and snacks are excluded.
You can buy drinks as all the lodges. Bring cash.
3 Hour game drive in Marakele National Park (Conservation fee included)
Transport from Syringa Sands back to Thani-Zimbi starting point.
Extended walk from Renosterfontein to Thani-Zimbi. (May 2024 walk)
First aid kit, radio and backup support along the trail.
Free Wi-Fi available at all the lodges.

Excluded from your fee

Transport to Thani-Zimbi prior to the walk (Starting point for the hike).

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at overnight accommodation venues

General

The route is mostly hard gravel, soft sole running shoes will therefore be recommended.
For those who are interested, there are also short hiking trails at the lodges where we will overnight.
Kindly bring your own torch.
The weather in the Bushveld is not always predictable.
April is still summer and you my still have hot days. Late summer showers are also possible.
May is a lovely time, the bushveld is still green but not as hot. Light showers may still be possible.
July is winter, it can get cold especially up in the mountain, but it makes excellent walking weather.
This is a jeep track hiking trail with a 5 difficulty grading.