RIETFONTEIN HIKING TRAIL The Rietfontein hiking trail is situated on the farm Rietfontein in the Naboomspruit District of Limpopo Province, close to the well known mineral baths. It is very accessible and only 2 hours from Pretoria. The trail consists of two single day routes of 12kms and 9kms. The Trail Camp The accommodation at Rietfontein is really excellent and shows the care with which the farmer has developed the trail.
The Trails Day 1 The first day's walk is approximately 12 kms long. Near the start it passes some diggings, probably made by prospectors. The path winds on through wooded valleys and some fine examples of the Euphorbias known as Naboom (the name comes from Afrikaans and means "Like a Tree") after which the town of Naboomspruit takes its name. A steady climb takes the hiker to the plateau with vistas of the srrounding areas. The path now leads on to a kloof with pools in the rainy season. Ahead is another steady climb up to the highest point of thr trail and some more breathtaking views towards the Waterberg Mountains in the distance. A huge Marula tree is an ideal place to take a breather. From hear the trail passes some remnants of a possible by gone settlement before returning to base camp.
Day 2 The Day starts with a fairly stiff climb up the mountain. It then descends into a kloof which normally has pools of water in during the summer months. From here it rises to the plateau again and passes some rather interesting graves after which the trail returns the hiker to the base camp.
The Rietfontein Hiking trail is beautiful, especially after a good rainy season. The accommodation alone is worth the visit. What is also nice about this trail is that it is only two hours from Pretoria. The Rietfontein Trail is bookable through Anvie Ventures Tel 012 662 1140/0586 or e-mail anvie@iburst.co.za Footprint Hiking Club To view other pages on this website, click on a hyperlink below
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