KRANSBERG HIKING TRIAL

The Kransberg Hiking Trial is situated in the Waterberg mountain range, on the farm Hartebeestfontein, district Thabazimbi. This majestic tract of land is part of the most northern province in South Africa. A piece of Africa, great in its vastness, variety and beauty. This region is famous for its unspoiled mountains and flowing streams of the Waterberg. Conservation is a way of life in this region and nature lovers will stand in awe as the sun sets in a riot of colors in the West. On clear nights you can see the light patches of Pretoria and Johannesburg in the South.(Coordinates 24 29'37.11" S 27 38'38.21E)

FACILITIES:-

Kransberg Hiking Trial Base Camp (Boekenhout-hut)

The Boekenhout-hut consists of three overnight rooms, each with ten beds with matresses. Two roofed lapas with braai- and washing facilities. Hot water showers (donkey) and flush toilets. Each lapa has a five litre(5lt) kettle, pan, two iron pots with lids, one aluminium pot. There is also one gas freezer.
There are lights, powered by sun energy, but - NO ELECTRICITY!

ROUTES:

Kransberg Hiking Trial mainly offers two circular routes, making backpacks almost unnessessary. The base "Boekenhout-hut" is the only overnight facility. The routes are devided into the Mountain route, where you will be climbing to the top of the Kransberg, and the Lo-hani Swimming route where you will descend to the the bottom of the gorge.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE (Day One)

You've got a choice between mountain routes A, B or C. The choice of route to follow is totally up to your own discression as for these routes caters for the different needs of each individual. Children may not attempt difficult routes alone without responsible adult supervision.

Mountain Route A - Advanced Route

Duration: 7-8 hours, +/- 15km
Very scenic. This route caters for strong, fit hikers with plenty of endurance. Hikers must not be claustrophobic or acrophobic. The route is difficult and long and you will have to move reasonably fast, therefor start at daybreak. No water is available on this route. Hikers are recommended to take 2-3 litres of water with.

Mountain Route B - General Route

Duration: 6-7 hours, +/- 10km
The general route. For the average and experienced hikers. Only a daypack is necessary. Start early. Route is marked with yellow arrows and kilometre reading indicators.The first 2,3km is relatively steep and your progress will be slow.The next section of +/- 3km will be relatively easy. Now's the time to enjoy the scenery! Take time and look for places like Thabazimbi, Rooiberg and Amandelbult. Beware of the descent between the cliffs is relatively severe. When you finally arrive at the bottom of this decline, move to your left and follow the only road at your disposal towards the "round bush". Do not attempt to reach the base camp, straight down the mountainside. From the "round bush" the trial leads to the Aloe forest. There are 45 large aloes exceeding 2 metres in height, indicating that these old creatures are hundreds of years old. From this lovely view the trial eases off and it's an easy stroll to the basecamp. It's important to note that there is no water available on the trial and that it is advisable for each hiker to take at least two litres of water with him or her.

Mountain Route C - Shorter Hiking Trial

Duration: 4-6 hours +/- 8km This route is the same as the general trial however it deviates at the foot of the mountain, leading directly to the "Round Bush". The hikers following this route do not have to go up the mountain all the way. The deviation reduces the trial by approximately two kilometers, and if you want to, you could wait for other hikers who want to follow the general route up the mountain. You may also run into a few diferent types of game in this area.

LO-HANI SWIMMING ROUTE (Day Two)

Duration: +/- 4-7 hours The trial starts off with an easy hike from the Boekenhout-hut in an easterly direction. Only follow the yellow footprints along the cattle-paths till you reach the crip. Cross the dirt road and follow the small stream (Sandlopie), although it's dry except for the rainy season. Follow the the yellow markers to the bottom of the gorge (Groot Kloof). Once in the gorge you turn left, and walk around the "horse-shoe" until you reach the Lo-hani Swimming pool. This is an ideal spot for lunch, lying round, and having fun in the fresh mountain water. Spen some time here as for it has been included in the total hiking time. There is a braai on the South-side of the swimming place, and you would have past the chemical toilet about fifty meters before you reached the swimming place. From the swimming place, you follow the markers upstream until you move into a smaller cliff to the left. A steep climb awaits you, with the most beautifull scenery imaginable, that awaits you. When you reach the top of the waterfall you'll almost be able to "drink" the natural beauty. You've got an exellant chance to spot the eagles at this point. Follow the route until you leave the cliff, fromwhere the hike will be much easier. You'll move westward, back to the base. We hope that you've enjoyed the the hike, and found it interesting and stimulating. Visit us again, and do'nt forget to sign the visitorsbook at the Boekenhout-hut!
Route map, National tree list and emblem are for sale at booking office as well as base camp. Fire/Braai wood is also for sale at the base camp.

BOOKINGS:

Mrs J.S. Scheepers
P.O. Box 2196
Thabazimbi
0830

Tel (014) 772-1270 (07:00 - 20:00)
(083) 229 9417
Arrival 12:00 - 22:00

RULES:-

INDEMNITY:-

The management accepts no responsibility for any death, injury or illness sustained or suffered by any person or loss or damage to any property, occurring within or arising from a visit to this property, no matter how or through who, or by whom or from any other cause whatsoever. BY ORDER.
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