The Broodboom Hiking Trail near Middelburg in the Highveld region of Mpumalanga is named for a species of cycad only found here – the ‘Middelburg Cycad’ or ‘Broodboom’ (Bread Tree).
Expect beautiful scenery, the endemic cycads, mammals, and many bird species.
The trail network has two day walks both starting from the Kantoor Hutte and a longer two-day trail.
The two-day trail is situated on private land in the Olifants River Gorge and starts at a farmhouse with basic 4 bed chalets including mattresses, braai facilities, and hot-water showers.
Day 1 is a 12km hike with a fair amount of rock climbing and scrambling over boulders on the descent down to the Olifants River, with two routes on offer – one for the fit, and an easier route for the not-so-fit. This section of the hike incorporates some beautiful rock pools and you will also see many cycads along the way. You can also swim at the mid-way point on day 1 at the bottom of the Gorge in the Olifants River, before the ascent up to the Arendsnes Hut on the ridge – with a spectacular view over the Olifants River Gorge. The hut has bunks, mattresses, braai facilities, firewood, showers, and toilets.
Day 2 back to the starting point is only 6km, fairly easy-going and known for the beautiful rock formations that surround the trail, views and indigenous forest.
Please note that there is no cell phone reception in the Olifants River Gorge, nor at the overnight hut. Temperatures can get very hot in the day, and very cold at night. This is a summer rainfall area.
The day walks start and end at the Kantoor Hutte, and both are about 8km meandering through beautiful scenery and interesting rock formations. A higher level of fitness is required for the Bobbejaan Trail that requires some rock scrambling and boulder hopping.
For more Trail Info and to book call Narissa Smit on 013 282 6101 or 013 242 8146 or 013 282 5752.
Alternatively e-mail: rosa@jacanacollection.co.za OR smitpje@lantic.net.
Getting there: The trail is situated just outside of Middelburg. Take the N11 north out of Middelburg toward the Loskop Dam Reserve. Look for a sign for the Broodboom Trail on your left after about 14km. Turn left at the sign on to a dirt road and travel a further 10km (the road bends to the right), to a second signposted left turn, and a further 2.5km along another dirt road.
| More info on the town of Middelburg |
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