Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail is a 50 kilometre circular trail over three days through extensive indigenous forest, sparkling mountain streams and pine plantations. One can choose from several hike duration options that range from two to five days. The trail takes in some awe-inspiring scenery and some things extra-ordinary, such as the huilklip - a natural rock that sounds like a gong when it is struck with a stone, samango monkeys, bushbuck, bush pigs and an extensive number of birds, particularly in the Grootbosch forest.
The trail has six overnight hiking huts namely De Hoek Hut which is 7km from Debegeni Falls , Dokolewa Hut which is 1.5km from De Hoek Hut . Broederstroom Hut is close to Dap Naude Dam. Waterfall Hut overlooks the Dap Naude Dam, Woodbush Hut which is close to the historical avenue of eucalyptus trees and Seepsteen Mule Stables which is 1.5 km from Woodbush Hut.
This trail can start from De Hoek hut, Broederstroom hut or Woodbush hut.
The difficulty rating of the trail ranges from moderate and difficult.
Location The Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail is near the town of Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province.
How to get there To Woodbush Hut: From Gauteng, take the N1 North towards Polokwane (Pietersburg). Turn off at the R71 to Tzaneen and drive for about 70km. Follow the signposts to the Woodbush Plantation. Turn left from the R71 onto a gravel road (also marked Houtbosdorp). The signpost says: Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail (Woodbush Entrance). Follow the signpost to the Woodbush Hut.
To Broederstroom Hut: From Gauteng, follow the N1 north towards Pietersburg. Turn off to Tzaneen on the R71 until 77km from the N1. Follow the signpost to the Woodbush plantation turning left from R71 onto a gravel road.Sign is marked: Magoebaskloof Hiking Trial, follow indicators to the different huts.
To De Hoek Hut: From Gauteng, take the N1 North towards Polokwane. Turn off at the R71 to Tzaneen and drive for about 77km. To get to the De Hoek Plantation, turn off at the signpost: Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail (De Hoek Entrance). Follow the gravel road past the Debegeni Falls for about 7km, until you arrive at the De Hoek Hut on your left.
General information You will need to be fairly fit to complete the five-day route. The two-day routes are less demanding and are suitable for families. The trail has three different starting points, namely Woodbush Hut, De Hoek Hut or Broederstroom Hut.
The trails are laid out on the forestry estate, but most of the walking is through magnificent sub-tropical, indigenous forest, over craggy ravines and alongside cascading waterfalls, pristine mountain streams, rivers and dams.
The summers can be misty and rainy (rainfall occurs mainly between October and March) but be prepared for rain at any time of the year. Temperatures range from 15.3C to 19.2C with higher temperatures in the lower-lying areas.
