Hanglipberg Trail in Naboomspruit, Limpopo (original) (raw)

Start: base camp, near Naboomspruit / Mookgophong.
Finish: base camp
Duration: 16 km
Fitness: moderate to strenuous
Our tip: this is a particularly scenic hike, take the time

Hanglipberg Trail (formerly known as Boskloof Trail): What used to be called the Boskloof Hiking trail has been reworked and called Hanglipberg after a prominent mountain in this part of the Waterberg range.

The popularity of the Skeurkrans Trail, set in the same area (the two hikes share a base camp) is the reason for the development of the Hanglipberg trail. It nudges the more remote areas of the farm on which the hike is based.

Spectacular rock formations and views to match are highlights of the walking trail, but wonderful craggy terrain and the odd rock scramble that includes a number of bridges and ladders, a few of which are enough to induce an attack of vertigo, make it exciting.

The overnight camp is set deep in a gorge and en route is a cave worth exploring.

Base camp to rock pool camp is a 6.5 km trail follows a path through flat bushveld and across a stream before it climbs. After the saddle the trail follows a contour path before climbing again to the top of the escarpment. You reach the camp by way of a farm road.

For a weekend overnight hike, add the following route for day two:

Rock pool camp to base camp is 10 km and passes along a kloof, with the help of a number of bridges and ladders, past waterfalls and through notable scenery. For this reason you may need more time than you think.

There are two other routes both of which start from the overnight camp that you can add to your hike:

The edge circle route is 7 km along the escarpment. Much of it skirts sheer drops that, for those with a fear of heights, might be an issue.

Geelhoutskloof circle route is 6 km up a kloof behind the camp, offering incredible views and a series of rock pools.