The Fanie Botha hiking trail is thought as one of the best trails in the country.  It was one of the original hiking trails in South Africa and was supposed to be the beginning of a network of trails stretching from the Soutpansberg in the north to the eastern escarpment in the Cape.     The scenery is breathtaking but to savour the magnificent vistas one encounters some fairly strenuous sections.

Remember to organise transport arrangements prior to starting the hike.

The trail is five days with the possibility of variations into either two or three days.  It starts with a short walk from the parking area at Ceylon Forest station to the Ceylon Hut, which has electricity, bunk beds and mattresses, braai area with wood supplied, flush toilets and cold showers.

Day 1:  Ceylon Hut to Maritzbos Hut 8,7Km.   After a relaxing evening around the fire and a good night's sleep, the first part of he trail takes one through plantations and passes the beautiful Lone Creek Falls prior to making ones way to Maritzbos Hut.  This hut has bunk beds with mattresses, toilet and cold showers and a braai area with firewood supplied

Alternative:  For those wanting an easy relaxed weekend,  an alternative from the Maritzbos hut is take the 9km path which will take one back to Ceylon Hut.

Day 2:  Maritzbos Hut to Stables Hut 12Km.  Day two begins with a steep climb through an indigenous forest, crossing streams, passing small waterfalls and climbing up rocky cliffs to Hartebeestvlakte.  Thereafter one follows a mountain stream with beautiful pools and waterfalls to Stables Hut., which has the same facilities as Maritzbos Hut.

Alternative:  A 15Km trail from Stables Hut to Ceylon Hut, giving one the option of a three day trail.

Day 3:  Stables Hut to Mac Mac Hut 16.4Km.  From Stables Hut one follows the edge of pine plantations up to Mount Moodie, from where one can savour the  magnificent vistas of the Sabie Valley.  From here the trail descends to the Mac Mac hut, where there are no showers.

Alternative:  Hikers can go directly to Graskop from Mac Mac hut, making the trail 4 nights.

Day 4:  Mac Mac Hut to Graskop Hut 22,3Km/11Km.  Depending on how the hiker is feeling, there are two options for this day.   One route follows the escarpment via the Mac Mac Pools which is 22,3Km while a shorter route of 11Km takes the hiker to Graskop via "The Bonnet".

Day 5:  Graskop Hut to President Burger Hut:  The last day to President Burger hut, which is close to Mac Mac Forest Station. 

Komatiland Forests (Pty) Limited (a subsidiary of SAFCOL)

Telephone +27 12 481 3615  Fax +27 12 481 3622

e-mail [email protected]