Serendipity Hiking Trails in Mookgophong, Limpopo (original) (raw)

Start: Tierkloof farm, between Modimolle (Nylstroom) and Mookgopong (Naboomspruit)
Finish: Tierkloof farm
Duration: 24 km, two-day hike
Fitness: moderate to difficult
Our tip: take enough water with you on the hike, as most of the streams are perennial and may not have water out of the rainy season

This trail is set on a malaria-free bushveld farm aimed at outdoor experiences. Besides the trail there are also 4X4, quad bike and mountain bike trails in 200 hectares in the shadow of the Waterberg Mountains.

Serendipity is one of two overnight trails on the farm. The other is Sable Valley.

The trail takes hikers through valleys, gorges, savannah and mountain streams with clear rock pools, indigenous forest, game and waterfalls (a wide variety of terrain makes the hike particularly beautiful).

The farm lies in the catchment area of the Nylsvlei Wetlands, giving rise to an abundant bird life. In particular, you can spot the gymnogene, mountain wagtail, mocking chat, the African green pigeon and black eagle.

And some beautiful examples of trees includes the large fruited bushwillow, the velvet bushwillow and rock figs.

Overnight huts and camp sites are well equipped with showers and flush toilets, braai areas, tables and benches etc. The bush huts allow wonderful views out over the valley. Hope for an electric storm as the play of lightening across the valley is said to be rather spectacular.

There is also a further variety of accommodation options to choose from.

There are also day walks to Sable Valley and Tierkloof, should you not want to do the overnight hike.

Day one, 12 km, from Bush Baby camp to Berg camp.

Day two, 10 km, returns to Bush Baby Camp.

The trails are not long, but the objective is to take your time and drink in nature around you.