Wathaba Hiking Trails

About Wathaba Hiking Trails

Start: Wathaba farm
Finish: Wathaba farm
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Fitness: easy to moderate
Our tip: a popular trail so book well in advance

Set in the mountains on the road between Machadodorp and Badplaas, the Wathaba hiking trails won Best Trail for 2007 and 2012 from the Magalies Voetslaan Federasie, which gives you a good idea of the standard and the popularity of the hike.

The trail wends its way through the Wathaba wilderness area in the Skurweberg Mountains boasting beautiful scenery and plenty of waterfalls. Hikers speak of flowers, mushrooms and lichens and the peacefulness of the surrounds. The views down the valley to the Komati River below are excellent.

And Wathaba wilderness lies just three hours from Johannesburg.

Whataba farm has designed two loops. One is 10 km and the other 4 km. At their heart lie two streams. You can do one or the other loop, or both, with an overnight in the farm's accommodation – choose from two camps, both of which are on the Schoonspruit Stream (no electricity but very comfortable).

The 10 km Lynx Loop takes in five waterfalls and a series of pools that make for wonderful swims. The trail is well marked, indigenous trees are signposted and a series of steps, ladders and bridges soften the scrambles.

The 4 km Bosbok Route is fairly easy and takes o ne along the Schoonspruit River, passing the Wathaba Rainbow Falls along the way. This is a particularly scenic trail and can take the day if you incorporate stopping at falls and swimming in crystal clear pools.