Holhoek Hiking Trail

Our motto: Hike more, worry less…

About

At Holhoek Hiking Trail come and enjoy the peace and serenity of Holhoek Guest Farm which is situated some 18km near the picturesque small Eastern Free State town of Paul Roux. It is approximately 310km from Johannesburg and 230km from Bloemfontein. The town is situated next to the N5 (the National Road between Durban and Bloemfontein – the Capital of the Free State), approximately 30 km from Senekal and 40 km from Bethlehem.

All accommodation is self-catering with excellent facilities at your disposal. The farm offers self-catering thatch-roofed accommodation with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and a duck pond, housing 60 people at any given time. The kitchen and braai area must rank among the best to be found on any hiking trail, and the ablutions would do credit to any self-catering establishment which houses clean neat bathrooms with 24 hour warm showers.

Make this your base, and explore their San rock art, game and also the beautiful town of Clarens which is only 60km away.

Trails

The beauty of the Eastern Free State comes to life as you walk our trail. The farm has a very rich archaeological heritage and is therefore very special and unique. The two day figure of eight trail traverses a variety of terrains including mountain tops, sandstone krans, kloofs and valleys.

One of the trails are 13km long and the second trail is 7km. The trail can be graded as moderate and suitable for all ages. Caution must just be taken on all bridges and ladders.

The trail was designed and constructed by Tiaan Strydom of Discovery Trails. There are several ladders and bridges to cross along the way and the paths have been cut back to enable ease of walking. Those scared of heights needs to take caution.

Trees in all shades of green or touching autumn colours, mountain streams and ducks on the pond, will speak a language that no one else will understand. One of the 5 caves that are visited on the route is located near a stream and is rich in Bushman rock paintings. The second cave were inhabited at some stage by Iron Age farmers, probably Sotho-speaking people. There are two huts, built against the back wall under the low overhang of the roof, which are close on 200 years old. The next cave is close to the above and is semi-circular with a spectacular waterfall and pool at its center. On the second day the cave where the mother of old president PW Botha took shelter during the war is visited. The ruins of several rectangular houses are still visible above the farmhouse, on the route of the hiking trail and probably date to the first white settlement of the farm. Safe bridges built over mountain streams, breath-taking trails through the valleys and ladders up the mountains will not only be an unforgettable memory but an urgent call to come back to Holhoek Hiking Trail.

Accommodation

The base camp consists of 2 gorgeous cosy thatch-roof huts and a double story house overlooking our dam. The double story house is ideal for school camps, corporate team building or a jolly good bunch of friends and family. Each small hut consists of 6 single bunker beds which can take up to 12 people. In the double story house there is enough room 16 people on each floor.

They are equipped with single bunk beds in the two huts, and normal single beds and mattresses. On the bottom floor of the double storied house, each bed has a curtain in between that you can draw. Please provide your own bedding and cutlery as well as toilet paper. The ablution facilities houses flush toilets and showers with hot water.

The Lapa houses 4 braai facilities and a built in boma fire. The kitchen contains of a fridge, gas hot plates, pots, pans and kettle. Firewood is also sold.

Please note due to the vast amounts of rain that they receive throughout the year, they do recommend that you make use of a 4 x 2, bakkie or 4 x 4 vehicle. The dirt road can become really muddy. You can travel with a normal vehicle as well, but will be at your own risk.

Price Available On Request

Contact 082 663 6168 or 064 523 1807
Email info@ecotrail.co.za

Disclaimer

All information adapted with permission of owner

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