Slagthoek Hiking Trail

About Slagthoek Hiking Trail

Start: Slagthoek base camp, Olifants River Gorge, Mpumalanga
Finish: Slagthoek base camp
Duration: 23 km, 2 day trail
Fitness: moderate to difficult
Our tip: take your camera – this is a photographer's kingdom

Slagthoek trail is one of two hikes available in the Oifants River Gorge on the 15 000 hectare private farm known as Kingdom Trails. The farm rests in a natural amphitheatre of the Olifants River Gorge, where the Wilge and Olifants rivers meet, not far from Loskop dam.

Slagthoek combines the Cycad and God's Window loops for a good two-day hike.

The natural beauty of the area is difficult to put into words. It is a spectacular hike, scenically.

The basecamp at Slagthoek is thatched farmhouse with hot water, a kitchen with fridge and stove, a lounge and paraffin lamps. They supply wood if you request it.

Day one:
God's Window loop is 12 km and is not difficult. It follows the edge of the escarpment with views out over the Olifants River Gorge; the path of the river below is impressive. The descent is through a woodland and a narrow wooded kloof, where you will do a bit of boulder hopping. At this stage of the hike you can loiter as it is not far to base camp.

Day two:
Cycad Route is 11 km, a second loop from base camp (in the opposite direction) that is a walk along an old farm road and on to Boschkloof farm, following the course of a natural stream as it becomes waterfalls and pools on its way to the Olifants River. The latter part of the walk is via a cycad garden to a series of valleys. Continue back to base camp with a couple of wonderful views of Snaaksekrans and the distant hills.

It is inadvisable to cross the river during summer as there are crocodiles.