Blue Wildebeest Hiking Trail

About Blue Wildebeest Hiking Trail

Start: base camp, 10 km from Badplaas
Finish: base camp
Duration: 1 – 2 days
Fitness: average to difficult
Our tip: suitable for families

A relatively new trail just three hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, both versions of the hike begin and end at the 12-bed stone cottage at base camp. You can book through the Johannesburg Hiking Club.

The trail is divided into two day trails (9.5km and 6.5km respectively) that take you through beautiful scenery – grasslands, mountain ridges, gorges, along the side of streams, waterfalls and a series of natural rock pools (take along swimming gear) and even ancient ruins.

During the day there is every chance of sighting blue wildebeest (hence the trail's name) and various antelope. Nights are spent under flawless, star-filled skies, peppered by the calls of owls and jackals.

The route is well marked and navigable by both young and old, provided you are relatively fit. It follows the stream most of the way on both days. Base camp is particularly enjoyable. Though basic, the stone cottage is new, there is warm water (a caretaker is on hand to make sure the donkey is stoked), electricity, toilets, a fireplace, gas stove and small gas fridge, although most of the cooking takes place in the lapa for which fire wood is provided. All you need bring is food, linen and lighting.