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Home > Trails/venues > Sunday hikes > Hennops

On the doorsteps of Johannesburg & Pretoria ...
Hennops hiking trail

In the heart of busy Gauteng, virtually on the doorstep of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, hikers can now experience one of the few unspoilt nature areas near the Hartbeespoort Dam.
 

The Hennops hiking trail consists of two day trails setting out from two base camps. At the beginning and end of both trails, the route meanders along the Hennops River before veering away into the surrounding mountains.

 

The Krokodilberg trail followed on the first day is 11,33 km long and traverses the mountainous area of the farm, while the second day’s Zebra trail, 6,15 km long, traverses the fenced game camp. A third trail is being planned in the gorge along the river. The Hennops trail will thus be ideal for both short and long weekend breakaways. Day hikers are welcome.

There are two base camps, called Loerie and Hadeda, both on the banks of the Hennops River where there are many swimming holes. Loerie camp also has a big swimming pool where hikers can cool down and picnic after a good day’s hiking. The original stone farmhouse and rondavel make up Hadeda camp. Both camps have excellent facilities to ensure a pleasurable base from which to undertake the hikes. Two unique features on the trail are the river crossings - a suspension bridge and a cable car. There are interesting historical sights along the trail, amongst others an old field (veld) hospital used in the Anglo Boer war. Aspiring historians will enjoy seeing an underground cave where “Pruimpie” lived, traces of old settlements and the old dolomite mines and the ovens in which the rocks were heated to melt and extract the lime. Apart from the 9 mammal species in the game camp, kudu thrives in this area and may be seen all over the farm. The indigenous trees along the river, the gorges and plateau areas makes this an outstanding area for bird life.

 

At times the trail feels so remote that one can hardly believe that both Johannesburg and Pretoria are less than 45 minutes away! The Hennops hiking trail will appeal to all hikers, even nature lovers who are not dedicated backpackers.

 

Length/Duration

First day 11,33 km, second day 6,15 km.

Degree of difficulty

Easy to average.

Overnight facilities

Loerie camp: 20 people. Three rondavels: 2 sleeping 6, 1 sleeping 8. Communal veld kitchen with electricity, fridge, kettle, two-plate stove, pots, pans and “potjies”. Ablution block with 2 basins, showers and toilets.

Hadeda camp: 18 people. Farmhouse with 2 rooms and rondavel. Each room has 3 bunk beds, sleeping 6 people. Facilities ? same as Loerie camp. Swimming pool at Loerie camp.

Day hikers

Proceed to Hadeda camp for parking and braai facilities.

Pertinent information

  • Carry water. The water in the river is not suitable for drinking.
  • In the event of the Hennops River being in flood, Loerie camp hikers will be taken by vehicle from the owner’s house to a place from where baggage can be carried over the suspension bridge to Loerie camp.

Location of trail

25 km from Pretoria, 40 km from Johannesburg, 16 km from Hartbeespoort Dam.

 

Acknowledgements and bookings: Jacana