The Prospectors Hiking Trail is one of the most difficult hiking trails in South Africa – that said…you are fit and surefooted…read on…
Follow the footsteps of the early miners, prospectors and fortune-seekers who rushed to Pilgrim’s Rest during the goldrush in 1873. The trail incorporates diverse natural areas inclusive of the Morgenzen State Forest and the enticingly named ‘Robber’s Pass’. Along the way you will see many relics of early gold-mining days including water furrows that channeled water to old mines and, course, the town of Pilgrim’s Rest itself.
There is lots to experience and enjoy along the Prospector’s Trail, a 5-day, 60km circular route. The trail is rated as very difficult (although there are more trail options for the less serious hiker), but the scenery of the magnificent Drakensberg escarpment makes it worthwhile. The prospect of seeing the extremely rare and beautiful paradise fly-catcher bird, as well the wild horses on some parts should be enough to entice any nature lover along this unique and magnificent route.
Getting there: from Johannesburg, take the N4 going East into Mpumalanga. Take the R37 turnoff going into Sabie, which becomes the R532 shortly before Sabie. Follow the R532 through Sabie and on to Graskop. Turn left at the split onto The R533 and follow this road into Pilgrim’s Rest. Here, follow the signposts to the Pilgrim’s Rest Hut.
| More info on the town of Pilgrims Rest | More info on the Panorama Route area |
