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Protea Bush
Camp
Near Naboomspruit, Limpopo
Province
The Waterberg mountains
are home to many hiking trails of all descriptions, from short day
walks to multi-day backpack trails. Protea Bush Camp falls into the
weekend day walk category, with each day quite short and fairly
easy. This enables the visitor to relax and enjoy the bushveld
atmosphere. The accommodation is designed to enhance the feeling of
wellbeing and relaxation.
Location:
In the Waterberg, near Naboomspruit (well 30km), only a 2h drive
from Pretoria. The final 9km is on a high quality gravel road. The
map leads you to a reception area where you sign in and obtain the
keys for the gate and huts. NB reception is immediately after the
river crossing on the right.
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Accommodation:
Base camp is situated at the foot of the mountains and
comprises two 5 person wooden huts each with a separate
toilet and shower. The showers open to the sky for
evening stargazing. Full bedding is provided but take a
blanket if you like to be extra snug. There is also a
large, thatched roof, lapa containing a fully equipped
kitchen - cutlery, crockery, gas fridge, gas kettle,
pots and pans etc. No electricity but plenty of
lanterns and paraffin were provided for the lapa and
huts.
A Braai area is situated next to the Lapa with a second
chimney Braai inside. Tables and chairs for all. The
garden also has a small splash pool and not surprisingly
many proteas surround the complex.
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Hiking:
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There are two circular trail day walks from the base
camp: 10km and 5km
The trails take the same route and follow a rocky,
wooded hillside with some excellent aloes.
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After around 1km the trail crosses the road using wooden
styles to negotiate the fences. Now a short walk across
protea spotted grassland brings you to the Snyspit dam
2.75kms. This is an excellent location for a swim but
probably a little early in the day. Our visit followed
2 days of heavy thunderstorms and the dam was
overflowing yet it was still no problem to cross. |
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The 5km trail branches off
to the left just before you reach the dam whilst the10km
trail now crosses the main dam wall and begins a short,
steep climb to the summit of the hills. The trail now
winds its way through rocky, tree strewn terrain with
some stunning view points of the Waterberg Mountains.
After crossing a small steep valley you will descend
gently to a river crossing with many pools. Last chance
for a swim as the camp is less than 2km away. Just
after the river you rejoin the 5km trail to re-cross the
road and return to camp. I have seen this trail
described as 12km and even 15km but I checked it with a
GPS and the current trail is 10km.
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There are also opportunities for fishing, canoeing and mountain
biking but we stuck to the hiking on this occasion.
Conclusion
Protea Bush Camp may not offer hiking trails that cater for the fit
and dedicated hiker but the trails are an excellent opportunity for
people looking for a weekend away in the bush who wish to do a hike.
The accommodation is excellent although without electricity.
Anvie Ventures
Telephone +27 12 662 0586/1140
e-mail anvie@xsinet.co.za
Footprint Hiking Club
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