Hiking the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve & The Quaggaspad
Secunda and surrounding Cosmos Country offers some fantastic hiking getaways. We’ve highlighted the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and the The Quaggaspad Trail. Be sure to share your favourite hiking spots and tips with us at secunda@showme.co.za. We’d also love to see your photos!
These two picturesque location give you the feeling that you have just gone into a different world away from the bustling of the daily “rat race”.
The Loskop Dam Reserve
The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve covers 22850 ha which includes the Loskop Dam which stretches 30km long. The dam holds an abundance of water throughout the year which is a major draw to game and birdlife which makes for exceptional photographic opportunities. The topography of the reserve is very hilly and it has deeply carved drainage lines leading to the valley at the bottom.
Game & Birdlife
Principal game species include white rhino, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, and fine herds antelope species.
Birdlife is both varied and abundant due to the transitional nature of the Highveld and Sourveld habitats.
Family Friendly
Children are welcome on all the trails but it would advisable to check with guides for difficulty of the trails first.
- Things to do at the Loskop Dam Reserve include a horseback trail, guided hiking trails, mountain biking and 4×4 trails.
- Guided boat rides & cruises are offered by Aventura.
Accommodation: There are 4 different camps, each of which has their own amenities and hiking routes. Buffalo Gorge, Cycad, Idwala and Korongo are all fully equipped with ablution, cooking and braaing facilities. You have the option of bringing you own food and drinks or make use of the small store at the camps.
Directions: Drive towards Trichardt and follow the N17 towards Bethal. From Bethal, drive to Middelburg. Once you reach Middleburg, the route is clearly marked to Loskop Dam Nature Reserve. The distance is approximately 174 km.
Booking: Jacana Collection
Tel:0861 522262
Fax: 012 803 4144
Email: bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Website: http://www.jacanacollection.co.za/
The Quaggaspad Trail
The Quagga Pad Trail is situated on the farm Rusfontein, close to the small town of Balfour. During World War I, the beautiful old farmhouse was used as a hospital and there are many other historical sites in the area for visitors to enjoy, including old farmstead remains and old graveyards.
Game & Birdlife
The hiking trail follows a farm road through an old graveyard before it passes through ruins of an old homestead. From there the trail ascends to a ridge that offers you views of the surrounding area and the Vaal Dam. The trail continues through a valley and then along a beautiful stretch of the Ernest’s Dam. The area is perfect for birdwatching and offers 20 species of game so keep the cameras at hand.
Family Friendly
Children are welcome on all the trails but it would be advisable to check with guides for difficulty of the trails first.
Accommodation: There is ample room for up to 20 hikers in separate rooms with bunk beds and mattresses. There is a kitchen plus ablution facilities. There is no electricity but gas lamps and stoves are supplied. Hot water for the showers are supplied by a “Donkey” which looks like a large kettle that you would make a fire under. No Fridge. Please bring your own bedding and food and water as there is no store on site. Additional room is available in the museum room with a unique collection of stone tools dating from the early to late Stone Age.
Directions: Take the N17 towards Springs. Take the exit to Balfour/Devon and continue on the road towards Balfour. After 29.1km take a left onto the R51 road from Balfour. Follow the signposts by staying on Federick Street while you head out of town. Your destination will be on the left. Distance is approximately 90km.
Booking: Anvie Ventures
Tel: Office Hours: +27(0)44 696 6585 / +27 (0)60 812 2809
+27 (0)72 892 2908 SMS & What ap.
FAX 2 MAIL RSA Only: 086 548 2348
website: www.anvieventures.co.za
Very important for both options is to always pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.
Let’s hope you’ll find the willpower to return to life as you know it after experiencing this beautiful tranquil environment.
The Rooikrans Hiking Trail – Loskopdam, is under our management/ booking office, too.
Book your accommodation right here on ShowMe.
You can find the top hotels, lodges and Airbnb establishments conveniently placed on the map below. All you need to do is click on the place that’s conveniently located and within your budget and then make a booking. What could be easier?
If the map is not where you want to be, click on the ShowMe Pin and then enter the exact name of the location and the map will adjust accordingly.