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The late district of Mpumalanga ...
Brooks - Chrissiesmeer

Chrissiesmeer/Warburton   In an area called Africa’s little Scotland, is the Lake District of Mpumalanga where a most beautiful part of the country offers hiking trails. 

This is where the grassland of the high plateau gives way to the tumbling valleys forming the start of river systems flowing eastward.  Originally settled by Scotsmen in an area called New Scotland Development, the names of the farms echoed the homesickness of those early settlers, e.g. David Dale, Arthur’s Seat, Lochleven, Dundonald, Lochiel, The Gem and The Brook.  

Falling away to the northern valley of the Komati River basin, flows a number of brooks, the Scottish name for mountain streams.  The babbling brooks rise from many fountains and calves through numerous interesting paths as they bounce, bump, jostle and twist their way down the 440 mtre descent to combine and form the Muzentu Stream.   The magnificent, boulder-strewn, twin valleys formed by these brooks is the location of The Brook Hiking Trail.  Come and explore the hidden wonders tucked away in the folds.  ‘Diarama Kop’, ‘Watsonia Kom’, ‘The Cascades on the Legume Spruit’, ‘The Big Rocks’, ‘The Bumps’, ‘Boulder Canyon’, ‘The View Site at Yellowwood Bench’ and many more.  

The base camp is the Muzentu hiking hut, a restored farmhouse situated on the highest point of the trail (1787m) with a splendid and breathtaking view of an exciting and endless panorama, stretching away to the north.  It has a deep stoep on the northern side where one can sleep in warm weather. 

The weather can often be misty and cold and hikers should provide for warm clothes all year round.  

The trail consists of two day hikes being 12km and 5,5km.  The trail is situated in a fenced off game area and passes through open grassland with abundant wild flowers of incredible beauty, especially after a burn and during summer.  Many hundred species of birds, 7 different snakes, 4 amphibian species and several mammals occur of which hikers should be able to spot blesbuck, zebra, mountain reedbuck and the smaller mammals.  

This is an ideal trail for the whole family who have small children, even grandparents will enjoy this outing.  Those who stay behind can enjoy short, easy and interesting walks to the north of the hut or do trout fishing in the two beautiful trout dams.  There are swings and jungle gyms for the children.  The veranda is a peaceful place to just relax and reload one’s inner spirit whilst enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside where complete silence will again take meaning.  

Overnight facilities:  Muzentu restored farmhouse with four bedrooms, 24 beds and mattresses, 3 showers with gas geysers, one bath, three basins and flush toilets.  Kitchen is equipped with 4 plate gas stove with oven, a gas fridge, cast iron potjies, pots, pans and kettles.  Three drum braais on verandah for rainy days and four lapa with braa facilities including braai grids and wood.  Hikers to supply own lighting and charcoal.  

Location:  78km from Carolina, 60km from Badplaas, 300km from Gauteng.  

Acknowledgements: Jacana Marketing and Reservations