Sporekrans Hiking Trail
Bethlehem, Free State
The Sporekrans hiking trail is another example of a trail that opens up the Kaleidoscope of diversity that is the epitome of the Eastern Free State. It is well laid out and constructed and a welcome addition to the hiking trails of South Africa. It is quite short (18km in total) and should be taken at a leisurely pace as to experience the fullness of what this area has to offer.
Locality
Between Bethlehem and Fouriesburg in the Eastern Free State.
- 45 km form Bethlehem
- 310 km from Johannesburg
- 280 km from Bloemfontein.
Accommodation
First and second night can be spent in the base camp or you can spend the second night in the cave.
Base Camp:
- Accommodates 26 hikers
- Room 1 – 10 beds
- Room 2 – 16 beds
- Kitchen:
- Fridge
- Hot plate
- Pots & pans
- Microwave oven
- Electric kettle
- Lapa with braai facilities
- Hot showers
- Bath
- Flush toilets
Cave:
- Rustic log beds, supply own sleeping matt.
- Water and certain amount of wood is supplied.
- Kettle
- Iron pot
- “Long drop” offers a spectacular view over the plains of the reserve.
En-Suite Room:
- Double bed with linen
- Four single beds with linen
- Bathroom equipped with a bathtub.
- Use of braai facilities.
- Use of guest kitchen.
Self-catering Cottage:
- Double bed with linen
- Two single beds with linen
- Bathroom equipped with a shower.
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Mini bar fridge
- Front porch
- Use of braai facilities.
- Use of kitchen
Camping:
- Use of guest’s bathrooms.
- Use of braai facilities.
- Use of guest’s kitchen.
- Use of electricity
Route Description:
The name says it all. On this overnight trail a wide variety, of up to 17 game species and various bird life, roaming the immaculate fields and mountains at Bergdeel Private Nature reserve, welcomes you. Nestled in the heart of the Witteberge with its dense bushes and mountain streams, this is a trail that will revitalize your soul. On the first day (12 km) the trail starts off with a beautiful wood bridge under a sandstone cliff and then passes the rare Bald Ibis’s breeding spot. You then enter “Stinkhout Kloof” completely surrounded by White-stinkwood trees where the trail leads to “Marriage Corner”, a romantic resting place. Further on, Caracals ladder takes you up to Angel’s Height, God’s little finger and the Bushmen’s Baths. At midday the hiker can cool off at the Mermaids pools, a highlight to look forward to. The day ends off in Bushmen’s Cave where the ancient Bushmen’s presence can be felt, and the turmoil of city life is forgotten. Water is available in rainy season but take enough water along. The second day (4.5 km) takes you deeper into the reserve with lots of surprises installed for you. A visit is an absolute must and an experience that cannot easily be matched.
Difficulty Rating:
- EXCEPTIONALLY EASY
- EASY
- EASY TO MODERATE
- MODERATE
- MODERATE TO DIFFICULT – Sporekrans
- MODERATE TO DIFFICULT
- FAIRLY DIFFICULT
- DIFFICULT
- DIFFICULT TO VERY DIFFICULT
- EXTREMELY DIFFICULT (1)
- EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT (2)
The rating is done in terms of hikers of average fitness i.e. people that hikes only a few times per year. (HIKING TRAILS & DAY WALKS – Leon Hugo)
Rates:
- R300.00 pp.pn -Adult
- R200.00 – U/12 pp.pn – U/12
- R450.00 pp – 1 night in basecamp – Adult
- R350.00pp – 1 night in basecamp – U/12
- R450.00 pp – One night in cave – Adult
- R350.00pp – One night in cave – U/12
- R150.00 pp – Day Visitors
- R200.00 pp.pn – Camping
- R260.00 pp.pn – En-Suite Room
- R1500.00 per night – Self-catering cottage
- Camp firewood available, please supply own braai wood or charcoal.
Admin Fee:
- R55.00 admin fee once off per reservation
Enquire Now