Rhenosterpoort Bush Camps and Hiking Trail
Our motto: Hike more, worry less…
About
Where is it:
Rhenosterpoort Bush Camp is situated on a private game farm near Alma/ Nylstroom (Modimolle) in the beautiful Waterberg Mountains. Situated close to the hamlet of Rankins Pass on the sandroad that leads west from Modimolle/Vaalwater road through Alma to Thabazimbi. It is approximately 3 hours drive from Jhb. / Pta
The last portion is dirt road and a vehicle with a high clearance is recommended.
Entrance Gate - S24 30.486 E27 52.429
All visitors must report to the farm and then be guided to their camp.
Fitness Level: Moderate and in places Difficult
8km and 10km trails that includes technical rugged terrain. Both trails ascend approximately 250m in altitude. The trails can be regarded as of moderate difficulty with some more difficult sections. This is especially true when backpacking.
Other Activities:
- Game viewing on appointment
- Mountain biking – bring own
- Excellent Bird watching – bird list available
- Tree identification – tree list available
Trails
Two Day Trails
Hikers can do 8 km and 10 km day trails from each camp, or do the trails as part of an overnight route to include both camps.
Both trails follow natural streams in ravines for part of the way, making this an ideal summertime hike. During the latter part of the rain season the many natural springs on the farm mean that you rarely need to carry drinking water with you. The veld changes from thickly wooded ravines, with great waterberries and yellow woods, to a mixed bushveld, with sickle bush and acacia, and then to sourveld with, beech trees and sugarbush proteas. This variety of veld types in a relatively small area make for a varied and interesting hike.
Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the 200 plus species that have been identified on the property and in the area.
The waterfall that inspired the idea of hiking trails is a must see and is a joy to swim in, and the water is usually cold and refreshing, even on the hottest days.
Overnight trail
Hikers can start and finish from each camp.
The overnight trail can accommodate 10 hikers.
B - D: From Bosbok Camp to Dassie Camp is approximately 10km and starts by following the Rhenosterspruit. After about 2km the trail takes the hiker through a portion of what we call the donker kloof, so named because the narrow ravine and enormous trees ensure that very little direct sunlight reaches the ground. You then leave the kloof to ascend to one of the highest lookouts on the farm, with a spectacular view of the Waterberg Mountains and the Alma Valley. After crossing the sourveld on the plateau, you enter a ravine upstream of the same Rhenosterpruit that you started hiked along earlier. Following this “kloof” brings you to the Dassie camp.
D - B: This trail is approximately 8km from Dassie camp back to Bosbok camp. The trails starts by following the stream further downriver to the Waterfall, and is a “must swim”, the plunge pool has been measured as 5 m deep in places, this and the high surrounding cliffs that block all but the midday sun, mean a very cold and refreshing plunge. Soon thereafter the trail follows a smaller tributary stream up river through a smaller, though no less attractive kloof. After a while this ravine narrows until the stream fills the space, you can then choose the following options; 1) Follow the marked trail out and then along the top of the ravine, or 2) Take the adventurous option of wading through the at times waist deep water and follow the stream until the two trail meet at the top of the ravine. The trails then crosses a ridge to descend to a wide valley in a veld ideal for kudu, impala, and many other game species. The trail follows the valley for a relatively easy walk the Bosbok camp.
Accommodation
There are two Bush camps – linked with an overnight back pack trail and each camp has its own day circular trails. The overnight/ back pack trail can be started from either side.
Dassie Camp (20 PAX)
- This thatched bush camp is situated in a thickly wooded kloof, 200m from the river and 20 minutes’ walk from a waterfall with a swing and a big refreshing rock pool.
- It accommodates 20 hikers and consists of four bedrooms with bunk beds and mattresses.
- Outside: a (not reed) boma for camp fires and outside braai.
- No electricity. No lanterns – candles only. Bring own lanterns / gas lamps.
- Ablution- Gas geysers. Two flush toilets & 2 showers
- Lapa, braai facilities, kitchen with 2 plate gas stove no cooking utensils.
- “Ice box” with frozen 2l bottles.
- BRING OWN Cooler boxes and ice. No fridge
- Minimum group booking of 12 persons.
Bosbok Camp (10 PAX)
- This private secluded thatched bush camp is also situated in a wooded kloof, 200m from the river and walking distance from the waterfall.
- It accommodates 10 persons.
- Two separate bedrooms with 3 single beds in each room.
- Two extra bunk beds in the social area (4 single beds).
- No Extra Tents welcome.
- No electricity. Candles provided. Bring own lanterns/ gas lamps.
- Ablutions: 1 flush toilets & 1 showers. Gas geyser for hot water.
- Lapa, braai facilities, kitchen with 2 plate gas stove no cooking utensils.
- “Ice box” with frozen 2l bottles
- BRING OWN Cooler boxes and ice. No fridge.
- Minimum group booking of 4 persons.
Enjoy Bush Veld Hospitaly At Its Best!
Stone Chalet Camp
The Stone Chalet overlooks a farm dam on the Rhenoster stream, nestled against the Waterberg Mountains. Although relatively small this is a permanent water source and creates a lovely relaxed atmosphere for relaxing. The chalet is a single room with a double-bed and a double-bunk, and a kitchenette. There is an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The chalet has electricity and bedding and bath-towels are provided. The kitchenette is equipped with the basics.
There is some fishing available in the dam, although you need to bring your own equipment. The start of the marked hikes is within an easy distance and one can either start walking from the chalet, or drive to the starting point and leave your vehicle there. Mountain bicycles are also welcome, please bring your own.
Rhenosterpoort Bush Camps
Dassie Camp Inventory
Accommodates 20 hikers (minimum of 12) and consists of four bedrooms with bunk beds and mattresses. There is a big enclosed Lapa with kitchen & braai facilities. Please bring own chairs.
No electricity. No lanterns – candles only. Bring own lights.
Bring own cooler boxes and ice – no fridge.
Ablutions: Gas geysers. Two flush toilets & 2 showers.
Bedrooms:
- 10 X Double-bunks
- 20 X Mattresses (please do not remove from the room)
- 1 X large table
Kitchen:
- 3 X Iron cast pots (potjiekos) No. 1, 2½ and 6
- 2 X Kettles
- 3 X Braai grids
- 1 X 2-plate gas stove
- Bring own cooler boxes and ice – no fridge.
- 2 X Trestle Tables
- Broom, dust bin, spade
- ONE wood bundle is provided. Wood is available for sale from the owners.
Bosbok Camp Inventory
Accommodates 10 persons. Minimum 4 persons. Two bedrooms with 3 single beds in each room and a social area with 2 bunk beds. Kitchen lapa and boma with braai facilities. Please bring own chairs.
No electricity. No lanterns – candles only. Bring own lights.
Bring own cooler boxes and ice – no fridge.
Ablutions: Gas geyser. One flush toilet & 2 showers (one is an outside cold shower).
Bedrooms:
- 2 X Double-bunks
- 6 X Beds
- 10 X Mattresses (please do not remove from the room)
- 1 X Table with 6 chairs
Kitchen:
- 1 X Frying pan to be used on fire
- 1 X Kettle
- 3 X Iron cast pots (potjiekos) No ¾, 2, and 3
- 2 X braai grids
- 1 X Trestle table
- 1 X 2-plate gas stove
- Broom, dust bin, spade
- ONE wood bundle is provided. Wood is available for sale from the owners.
Stone Chalet Inventory
It accommodates 4 guests and consists of a single room with bunk beds and mattresses. There is a big enclosed Lapa with braai facilities.
- 1 fridge
- 1 2-plate mini-stove
- 1 microwave
- 1 kettle
- 1 toaster
- 1 oval roasting pan
- 4 highball glasses
- 4 wine glasses
- 4 water glasses
- 4 coffee mugs
- 4 dinner plates
- 4 side plates
- 4 bowls
- 3 X Braai grids
- Broom, dust bin,
- Wood bundle is Additional wood is available for sale from the owners.
- 1 gas 2-plate burner with gas bottle
Pertinent Information
- Minimum group booking required for overnight backpack trails - 6 people
- Minimum group booking required for Bosbok camp - 4 people
- Minimum group booking required for Dassie camp - 12 people
- Minimum of two-night stay over weekend
