Thabaphaswa Hiking Trail

Mokopane (Potgietersrus) Limpopo

About

Thabaphaswa is a farm in the Limpopo bushveld that provides the complete adventure experience on a working Nguni cattle stud farm. Thabaphaswa offers hiking, mountain biking, 4×4, rock climbing, abseiling, birding, tree spotting, swimming, and fishing as well as farm holidays within 3 hours drive from OR Tambo airport.
Located in the fork of the two main national routes the N1 and the N11 – 18 km North of Mokopane in the Limpopo Province. Thabaphaswa is therefore the ideal stopover for tourists to or from the North, such as the Kruger Park and Mapungubwe, as well as countries such as Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. We are 2 hours’ drive from the Martinsdrift/Groblersbrug border gate with Botswana and 2h30 drive from Beitbridge.

Thabaphaswa means “the black and white mountain”. It got its name from the local people when they saw that the rock face of the mountain appeared black and white stained or spotted, when the sun shone on it at a certain time of day. The Nguni is an indigenous African cattle breed with a unique spotted or stained hide. Our farm offers a true African bush experience with few of the amenities found in the city. You don’t have to suffer the brightness of electric lights – the farm has no electricity. Our overnight camps are camouflaged between the big boulders on the farm and blend into the mountain landscape.

The network of hiking, mountain biking, 4 x 4 trails, and rock climbing offers the ideal opportunity for nature lovers to discover the variety of game, bird, and plant life of the area. The beautiful scenery is complemented by the design of the overnight camps, which are camouflaged among the big boulders on the farm, which blend into the mountain landscape.

Thabaphaswa is a special destination for the true nature lover. Experience the most amazing sunrises when the sun grazes the mountain tops. Gaze at the stars on clear evenings from your bed in our uniquely designed shelters. Enjoy a fresh outdoor hot shower and prepare breakfast under a canopy of trees.
You will not be bothered by ringing mobile phones – mobile reception is only available in non-defined spots

Basecamp accommodation
No pets allowed, as there is plenty of game on the farm

Hiking Trails

The network of hiking trails offers hikers various route options that vary in distance, time and skill required to complete them. The trails are signposted, each marked with a different coloured boot print. The farm is situated in a natural basin high up in the mountains, and therefore it is difficult to get lost. The map will be handed to you when you book in at reception. One can also download the trail map at www.thabaphaswa.co.za. Combining certain trails can give one distances of up to 15 kilometres.

Note: Do not underestimate these trails since the landscape is rugged. The following hikes are available to hikers wanting to do longer hikes:

The Black Eagle/ Tshesane Loop – 15km
The Lookout Point – 14km

Shorter trails: Refer to map

Thabaphaswa Summit Trail
Mahlare
Klipspringer
Bobbejaan

Accommodation

Each Unit In Dome Rock Is Named After The Tree Next To Which It Was Built:

Huilboerboon at Dome Rock

Sleeps 6 persons
Double room and bed
One room with two bunk beds

Rooi Ivoor at Dome Rock

Sleeps seven persons
One double room with a double bed
One room with one bunk bed
One room sleeping three in bunk beds

Maroela at Dome Rock

Sleeps six people
Double room and bed
One room with two bunk beds

Kiepersol at Dome Rock

Sleeps six people
Double room with double bed
1 x Double Bed
One room with two bunk beds

General

The four units are hidden amongst large rocks at the foot of the Mahlare mountain.
There are several dams in the mountain stream that flows by. They are lovely to swim in, and there are also two foefie slides/zip lines to glide into the water.
Sleeping is only allowed inside the units
There is no electricity, gas stove, or fridge.
There are items for rent such as a one plate gas stove @ R20 & a gas bottle @ R80 payable prior to arrival.
Bring own bedding
All accommodation units have a separate braai and washing-up area.
Bring your own cutlery, crockery, pots, pans, including braai tongs.
In keeping with the rest of the camp, the ablutions are unique (3 toilets and 3 showers). The separate showers are heated by an old-fashioned wood-fired “donkey” and are surrounded by reeds, but open to the sky. The flush toilets are affectionately referred to as “loos with views”. The entire camp is linked by winding concrete walkways.
Wood is provided