The trail traverses a critically endangered and valuable stretch of mist belt grassland and some forests around the Haenertsburg village. This is one of the few surviving remnants of this grassland type in the area as most of the land has been converted to commercial forestry or agriculture.

The grassland contains over 630 species of plants and there are indications that several threatened reptiles, mammals and birds also make this their home.  Some red data species, which may be seen include Methuen’s Dwarf Gecko, the Blue Swallow and the Wolkberg Zulu Butterfly.

Directions to the start of the trail

The circular trail starts and ends in Rissik Street of Haenertsburg village near the Village Hall at the sign “Hiking Trail Start” where parking is available. The clearly marked trail is ±10 km long and should take about 4-5 hours to complete. Short cuts such as the Doggie Walk can be taken.

Laminated maps can be purchased in Haenertsburg from the Tourism Magoebaskloof Office, the Never Despair Shop and Nipper’s Cheese Stall at R20 per map. The selling price for laminated maps includes a contribution towards the maintenance of the trail. This is a community funded project.

Points of Interest

Cemetery View Point

To the south is the Iron Crown at 2126m the highest point in the area and is in the Wolkberg range.

Vodacom Tower View Point

To the east is Deney’s Nose (1812m) and beyond it Stylkop (1900m).

Patrick Point Picnic Site

A beautiful view of the headwaters of the Ebenezer Dam as well as Haenertsburg School and the upper section of the village.

Jan’s Knoll View Point

Close by is the shortcut to The Tryst.

Bubbling Brook Picnic Site

This is a favourite haunt of bushpig, porcupine and other forest animals.

The Tryst Picnic Site

A beautiful and secret meeting place in an indigenous forest. It is a special place for lovers but look out for other hikers!

Rhino Rubbing Rock

One of several such rocks in the grasslands rubbed smooth by rhinos with a persistent itch. The white rhino was probably resident in the area as they prefer a grassland habitat.

Nipper’s Nook Picnic Site

This picnic spot has a view of the rolling grassland.

Old Acacia Tree

This Paperbark Thorn Tree (Acacia sieberiana) has provided a convenient perch for a Strangler Fig. A monkey or bird probably deposited the fig seed.

Please…

  • Ensure that you take drinking water.

  • Keep to the path to prevent erosion and to avoid getting lost.

  • Don’t damage or remove any plant, wild animal or artifact such as rocks, others would like to enjoy the flower that you picked!

  • Carry out all your litter and assist us by collecting any litter thoughtlessly left by others.

  • Please be warned that grassland fires can be disastrous and therefore smoking and the lighting of fires are strictly prohibited.

  • Take care as portions of this route become slippery when wet.

Please note that the use of the trail is entirely at your own risk and that FrOHG accept no responsibility for any loss or injury that may be incurred.