Locality

Between Bethlehem and Fouriesburg in the Eastern Free State.  Approximately 45 km form Bethlehem, 310 km from Johannesburg and 280 km from Bloemfontein.

Accommodation

The base camp has electricity and offers a sleepover for up to 40 hikers.  Facilities include a kitchen with fridge, hot plate, pots, pan, microwave oven and electric kettle.  A lapa with braai facilities, hot showers, bath and flush toilets are available.  First and second night can be spend in the base camp or you can spend the second night in the cave.  It has 34 rustic log beds with mattresses.  Water, kettle, iron pot and braai facilities with wood are available and the “long drop” offers a spectacular view over the plains of the reserve. 

Route description

The name says it all.  On this overnight trail a wide variety, of up to 17  game species and various bird life,  roaming the immaculate fields and mountains at Bergdeel Private Nature reserve, welcomes you.  Nestled in the heart of the Witteberge with its dense bushes and mountain streams, this is a trail that will revitalize your soul.  On the first day (12 km) the trail starts off with a beautiful wood bridge under a sandstone cliff and then passes the rare Bald Ibis’s breeding spot.  You then enter into “Stinkhout Kloof”  completely surrounded by White-stinkwood trees where the trail leads to “Marriage Corner", a romantic resting place.  Further on, Caracals ladder takes you up to  Angel’s Height, God’s little finger and the Bushmen’s Baths.  At midday the hiker can cool off at the Mermaids pools, a highlight to look forward to.  The day ends off in Bushmen’s Cave where the ancient Bushmen’s presence can be felt and the turmoil of city life is forgotten.  Water is available in rainy season, but take enough water along.  The second day (4.5 km) takes you deeper into the reserve with lots of surprises installed for you.  A visit is an absolute must and an experience that cannot easily be matched.

• Wood are available
• You only need your own bedding, cutlery, food and toiletries
• The cost is R63 per person per night plus R25 bookingfee per group
• Bergdeel Wild offers special weekends where events like Sunset Game drives, abseiling, candle light dinners in the cave and many more can be included in the program.  Abseiling R80 per person, minimum of 10 persons. Candle light dinners in the cave, R80 per person and a minimum of 10 persons.  Bookings a month ahead!
• A luxury self-catering chalet accommodating 8 people, @ R140 per person per night
• There is also a farm stall with meat and vegetables in season.

The rating is done in terms of hikers of average fitness i.e. people who hike only a few times per year.

(HIKING TRAILS & DAY WALKS – Leon Hugo)

Acknowledgement and bookings: Discovery Trails