Rhenosterpoort Hiking Trail

About Rhenosterpoort Hiking Trail

Start: private game farm at the base of the Jan Trichards Pass in the Waterberg Mountains
Finish: base camp
Duration: 2 days
Fitness: moderately fit
Our tip: these trails are manageable by first time hikers, but book in advance as they are popular

Just north of Bela Bela, the Rhenosterpoort Hiking Trail is on a private game farm close to the village of Alma. There are three trails – 12 km, 8 km and an extra 2 km trail that is aimed at tree and bird lovers.

If you want to have time left over at the end simply to spend in the rock pools (perfect if you have children along) then combine the circular 12 km day walk that starts and ends at the camp, with the shorter hour long trail for the second day.

The two trails are very popular.

Highlights include the presence of water, waterfalls, great views, a diversity of flora and landscape, a magnificent gorge, ravines and rich indigenous forest.

A hike on a game farm has its advantages and there are regular sightings of wild life, including a wealth of birds.

Two camp sites – Dassie camp (sleeps 20) and Bosbok (sleeps 10) - are both within walking distance of the river, where the series of rock pools are to be found. Both camps have gas stoves, flush toilets, gas geysers and a fridge. You will need to pack your torches and gas lamps though, but the lack of electricity just makes the bush experience more memorable.