Sporekrans Hiking Trail

Co-Ordinates: 

28.4905° S, 28.0526° E

AREA: Between Bethlehem and Fouriesburg, Eastern Free State, approx. 310km from Johannesburg, 280km from Bloemfontein and 45km from Bethlehem

Type of Trail: Two day backpack or slackpack trail.

Slackpack option is available but luggage is left at the bottom of the cave. You have to carry up your own luggage, approximately 150m climb to the cave. Pack light.

R60  PER ITEM TO TAKE TO THE CAVE AND R60 BACK

ACCOMMODATION:

Base Camp:

• Accommodates 26 hikers
• Room 1 – 10 beds
• Room 2 – 16 beds

Kitchen:

• Fridge
• Hot plate
• Pots & pans
• Microwave oven
• Electric kettle
• Lapa with braai facilities

• Hot showers
• Bath
• Flush toilets

En-Suite Room:

• Double bed with linen
• Four single beds with linen
• Bathroom equipped with a bathtub.
• Use of braai facilities.
• Use of guest kitchen.

Self-catering Cottage:

• Double bed with linen
• Two single beds with linen
• Bathroom equipped with a shower.
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Mini bar fridge
• Front porch
• Use of braai facilities.
• Use of kitchen

Camping:

• Use of guest’s bathrooms.
• Use of braai facilities.
• Use of guest’s kitchen.
• Use of electricity

• Water is supplied in cans.
• Braai facilities.
• Long drop toilet with a spectacular view.
• No shower facilities.
• Pot to boil water
• Bring own cutlery and crockery/pots and pans
• 3 Bags of wood is provided. If more wood is require, R50 per bag. To be ordered in advance
• The cave offers beautiful views and star gazing at its best

TRAIL:

The area is known for its spectacular sandstone formations, caves and overhangs, rock pools, gorges and fabulous views.

The trail is rated as moderate but those scared of heights, climbing up and down long ladders and crossing bridges must take care

Day 1:

Day 1 is a 12km hike through the Bergdeel Private Nature Reserve. Be prepared for climbing up and down long ladders and crossing steel and wood bridges as part of the Sporekrans adventure.

Be on the lookout for game, birds and if you lucky you may spot the ever elusive and rare Bald Ibis. The hike is known for its famous and fabulous sandstone formations, caves, gorges, rock pools and stunning views. Hikers will have the pleasure of hiking through the ‘Marriage Corner’ and up to ‘Caracal’s Ladder’ to the well- known sandstone formations ‘Guardian Angels’s Post” and ‘God’s Little Finger’ to the ‘Bushmen’s Baths’. In good weather and warmer climate, have a picnic/lunch and swim at the ‘Mermaid’s Pools’ before going up the Bushman’s Cave where you will spend the night. It’s is a stiff climb of approx. 150 meters to get to the cave.

Day 2:

A much shorter route of 6km back to basecamp