Stamvrug Hiking Trail
Warmbaths, Limpopo
The Waterberg Mountains are home to several, fine weekend hiking trails. The main advantage that these trails are near Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Stamvrug Trail is situated less than two hours’ drive from Gauteng. The trail is within the Bateleur Private Nature Reserve which in turn forms part of the UNESCO proclaimed Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. There are several trail options available to the hiker, from half day trails to a two-day backpacking trail.
Location of trail:
- 26 km from Warmbaths;
- 25 km from Nylstroom;
- 120 km from Gauteng.
Pertinent information:
- No malaria or bilharzia in dams/streams
- It is advisable to start hiking before 07h00 in Summer
- Carry at least 2 litres of water
- Low axle clearance for cars.
- Min 4 hikers.
Rates:
Min stay of 2 nights over weekends
Min stay of 3 nights over long weekends
Day Visitors:
- R144.00 pp
Admin Fee:
- R55.00 once off reservation fee.
Overnight backpacking trail
The trail runs through the mountains that skirt the basin in which the Bateleur Nature Reserve is situated.
From the Kloof Base camp the trail is 13km to the Stamvrug Base camp. Those who start from Stamvrug hut also have a 13km trek as their first leg to Kloof camp known as the Leopard Trail.
The 2nd day of the trail are 6km long and are the Zebra and Quagga trails.
HIKING TRAILS -total of 100km
There are also day trails of varying lengths. These are the Escarpment Trail (6km), the Game Trail (4km) and the Moepel Trail (8km)
The area abounds in indigenous nature and it is well worth starting early to take advantage of the early morning crispness of the new day. Wildlife is also more visible in the first part of the day.
Other possible adventure activities include rock climbing.
Take your time to absorb the beautiful spectra of nature. An inquisitive Kudu bull might just come and inspect the new addition to the area!
Degree of difficulty:
- Average to moderately difficult
Overnight facilities:
Kloof basecamp
- 3 x Units that sleeps 25 Hikers
Rates:
Min stay of 2 nights over weekends
Min stay of 3 nights over long weekends
- R202.00 pp.pn
Stamvrug base camp
- 3 X Units that sleeps 25 Hikers
- Kloof and Stamvrug camps are comfortable and have bunk beds and mattresses, warm water showers, under cover braai areas with firewood @ R20.00 per bag, available from the staff.
- Ablutions include flush toilets and showers.
- There is also a gas stove provided at each of the overnight camps.
Rates:
Min stay of 2 nights over weekends
Min stay of 3 nights over long weekends
-
- R202.00 pp.pp
Gumtree
- Sleeps 10 Hikers in 3 Bedrooms
- Bunk beds
- Fully fitted kitchen
- 1 bathroom with shower,
- Prepaid electricity
Rates:
Min stay of 2 nights over weekends
Min stay of 3 nights over long weekends
-
- R202.00 pp.pn
- R138.00 pp.pn – no electricity
Farmhouse
- Sleeps 10/12 hikers in 3 bedrooms
- Bunk beds
- Fully fitted kitchen
- 2 bathrooms with showers.
- Prepaid electricity
Rates:
Min stay of 2 nights over weekends
Min stay of 3 nights over long weekends
-
- R213.00 pp.pn
- R173.00 pp.pn – no electricity