Dates for 2025
Rhino hike:
This is a 66 km jeep track hike from Thani- Zimbi Game Farm to Rhenosterfontein (minimum 6 -maximum 10 hikers)
Day 1: Arrive on Sunday 11 May at 17h00 at Thani-Zimbi
Day 2: 13km hike Monday 12 May
Day 3: 13km hike Tuesday 13 May
Day 4: 20km hike Wednesday 14 May
Day 5: 20km hike Thursday 15 May
Day 6: Departure Friday 16 May from Rhenosterfontein at 9h00
Jackal hike:
This is a 40km jeep track hike from Thani-Zimbi Game Farm to Shakawe Private Reserve (minimum 6 -maximum 10 hikers)
Day 1: Arrive on Sunday 8 June at Thani-Zimbi
Day 2: 13km hike Monday 9 June
Day 3: 13km hike Tuesday 10 June
Day 4: 15km hike Wednesday 11 June
Day 5: Departure Thursday 12 June from Shakawe Private Reserve
Cheetah Hike:
This is a 40km jeep track hike from Thani-Zimbi Game Farm to Shakawe Private Reserve (minimum 6 -maximum 10 hikers)
Day 1: Arrive on Sunday 20 July at Thani-Zimbi
Day 2: 13km hike Monday 21 July
Day 3: 13km hike Tuesday 22 July
Day 4: 15km hike Wednesday 23 July
Day 5: Departure Thursday 24 July from Shakawe Private Reserve
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 camp fire 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 (13km hike)
Early morning, we awake with the smell of fresh coffee and rusks. After breakfast, filling our water bottles and fastening our shoe laces 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 all the way to Indaka Lodge. Remember your binoculars as you may also be able to identify a number of birds only found in the bushveld. At Indaka Lodge, Matsimela will pamper your tyred feet with a well-earned pedicure. (At your own cost).
At approximately 15h30 the friendly game ranger from Marakele National Park will pick us up for a 3hour afternoon game drive. Marakele is located approximately 12 km north east 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 (11 km hike)
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 a light lunch and later we will “kuier” around the camp fire under the starlit African sky.
Supper will be served around 7 o’clock
Wednesday (15km hike)
After breakfast the long and scenic stretch to Shakawe Private Game Reserve awaits us. This is a 15 km hike along the Kransberg Mountain range. Half way 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 shall visit the Grobler’s Museum. We shall 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 unfortunately have to say goodbye and return to Thani-Zimbi.
Thursday (extended 20 km hike, only for the May hike)
The Kransberg hiking trail usually ends at Shakawe after approximately 40 km. This is normally from a Monday morning to a Thursday afternoon. The May event, however, will be extended to a 66 km walk, especially for those with a zest for walking a longer distance. Therefore, instead of ending at Shakawe 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
Included
- 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. 40litre. Available at West Pack. You get them in black. Please take note that no loose baggage can be transported. Containers must be clearly marked.
- 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 at all the lodges. Bring cash.
- 3 Hour game drive in Marakele National Park (Conservation fee included)
- Transport from Shakawe back to Thani-Zimbi, starting point.
- Extended walk from Renosterfontein to Thani-Zimbi. (May hike)
- First aid kit, radio and backup support along the trail.
- Free Wi-Fi available at all the lodges.
Excluded
- 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 road, 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. We are very passionate about nature conservation of the Waterberg Biosphere and historic events in the Waterberg and will therefore arrange speakers along the way to keep you informed and entertained.
The weather in the Bushveld is not always predictable.
April is still summer and we might 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.
June/July is winter, it can get cold especially up in the mountain, but it makes excellent walking weather.
Rates:
- R5700.00 pp – Sharing
- R6000.00 pp – Single
May Extended Trail
- R6700.00 pp sharing
- R7000.00 pp sharing
Admin Fee:
- R55.00 once off per reservation.
