Uitsoek Hiking Trail
Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
Location
Nelspruit / Sudwala Caves
How to get there
Follow the N4 towards Nelspruit. Continue on the N4 until you get the Sabie/Sudwala turnoff (R539). Turn left at the R539 and follow the road until it becomes a dirt road. After about 10 km, turn right at the Uitsoek hut sign. Keep on this road until you reach the Uitsoek Forest Plantation.
Trail Options
The trail offers several hikes
- Bakkrans Day Route
- Beestekraalspruit Day Route
- Houtbosloop 2-day overnight hiking trail
How to get there
Follow the N4 towards Nelspruit. Continue on the N4 until you get the Sabie/Sudwala turnoff (R539). Turn left at the R539 and follow the road until it becomes a dirt road. After about 10 km, turn right at the Uitsoek hut sign. Keep on this road until you reach the Uitsoek Forest Plantation.
Hut Facilities
Uitsoek Hut: 24 bunk beds, electricity, hot water, braai facilities, firewood, 3 Toilets, no pots or pans Lisabon Hut: Only cold water from river, no electricity, firewood, 12 bunk beds, 1 Toilet, no pots or hikers must provide own utensils and gas stove.
Starting Points
- Parking and starting point at Uitsoek Hut.
Trail Options:
Bakkrans Day Route:
The route winds through pine plantation above the Houtbosloop and through indigenous scrub forest in the gorges. The trail passes the Bakkrans Waterfall, before returning to the base camp, crossing several small tributaries, feeding the Houtbosloop.
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: Moderately difficult
Beestekraalspruit Day Route:
The route gently climbs through pine plantations, indigenous scrub forest to the cliff edge of the Beestekraalspruit, after which it descends gradually into the gorge with its riverine forest. The route follows the Beestekraalspruit for about 4 km and crosses the stream 20 times by means of wooden bridges. After leaving the stream, the trail gradually climbs to the starting point.
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: Moderately difficult
Houtbosloop 2 day:
The first day of this route climbs from the foothills to the plateau crossing several streams whilst contouring to the Lisabon Hut. The second day descends into the Houtbosloop Valley before returning to Uitsoek Hut. The trail traverses through indigenous forest, lowveld sour bushveld and scarce north-eastern mountain sourveld.
Distances:
Uitsoek – Lisabon – 14.5 km (grading 9)
Lisabon – Uitsoek – 13.5 km (grading 6)
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Rates:
- R223.00 pp.pn
Admin Fee:
- R55.00 admin fee once off per reservation
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