Hartbeespoort

The village of Hartbeespoort is situated on the shores of the popular Hartbeespoort Dam - on the Crocodile River and at the base of the majestic Magaliesberg mountain range. The dam, with a shoreline of almost 56km, is a popular weekend retreat offering a host of water related activities such as water-skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing. The rolling foothills and scenic surroundings are also perfect for other outdoor activities such as hiking or taking a leisurely meander along the arts and crafts route.

Visitors can also enjoy spectacular views from a vantage point reached by cable car, and may be interested in paying a visit to the Hartbeespoort Aquarium which houses an extensive collection of indigenous and exotic fish.

Hartbeespoort is en-route to the popular Lost City, the Pilanesberg National Park as well as the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Engela

Alexandria Hiking Trail

The Alexandria Hiking Trail is situated in the Woody Cape section of the Addo Elephant National Park, departing from the offices near Alexandria. The length is approximately 36 km which is a two day circular route of which the first day is 19.5km and the second day is 16.5 km. This is ideal for those who want a challenging walk along the coastline. Hikers carry their own provisions and the hike is not guided.

Early morning offers hikers an opportunity to investigate the signs of animals, such as jackals, duikers and the endemic hairy-footed gerbil, left on the dunes from the previous night. Tall posts guide hikers through the shifting dune fields.

By night you can listen for the haunting calls of the rare tree dassie and awake to a chorus of birds in flitting through the forest canopy. Look out for trumpeter hornbills, ground hornbills, Knysna turaco, tree dassies and bushbuck.

Keys for the overnight huts are collected at the park offices near Alexandria. Fees can be paid at Matyholweni rest camp or at the Addo main camp reception. At the Woody Cape hut, no fires are allowed and the hikers must carry their own cookers. Water at the Woody Cape hut is only for drinking and cooking as the hut relies entirely on rainwater. At least one or more of the hiking group should be able to read a map and compass, and to wear a brightly coloured jacket that can be seen from the air if a search and rescue is launched. The Langebos huts are available to hikers on the two-day Alexandria Hiking Trail, as well as those simply wanting an overnight stay in the forest. The 7km Dassie Day Trail begins at the huts and the breath-taking Woody Cape coastline of the Park is a short drive and walk away.

Engela

Tierkloof Hiking Trail

Dramatic gorges, stunning mountain scenery, amazing wildlife and birds characterize the Tierkloof Hiking Trail in Gamkaberg Nature Reserve.

This moderately strenuous trail starts in the Succulent Karoo biome before heading into a lush, forested ravine. Here a melodic chorus of forest songbirds rings in the kloof – particularly the vocal Bokmakieries and Southern Boubous. A pair of breeding Black eagles have claimed the cliffs for their eyrie and can often be seen soaring in the thermals.

The two-day trail eventually leads hikers onto the fragrant fynbos-clad mountain plateau. Spectacular views of the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains can be enjoyed from the far-flung overnight stop at Oukraal camp.

The camp provides beds, mattresses, gas fridge, stove, fireplace and ablutions. Permits can be obtained from the CapeNature Booking Office.

Day One 14.5 km, Day Two 13 km.

Where to stay

Rietfontein Ostrich Palace - 18.90km from Tierkloof Hiking Trail

Welcome to Rietfontein Ostrich Palace, a working ostrich farm situated between Calitzdorp (Port Capital of the World) and Oudtshoorn (Ostrich Capital of the world) on the Route 62 (longest wine route in South Africa). It is the eldest working ostrich farm in the Cape Colony, established by the Potgieter family in 1897 and boasts with one of the most intriguing ostrich palaces, dating back to the early 1900’s (the feather boom era). 

Enjoy a scrumptious meal at our restaurant - we serve ostrich cuisine and local wine. Our accommodation comprises of 3 units (6 rooms ) each with en-suite bathroom and equipped with all necessaries. Experience an one hour private ostrich farm tour daily. Not commercial. Experience the historical side of Rietfontein Ostrich Palace & the Feather Boom Era.

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