Hanglip Hiking Trail, Louis Trichardt, Soutpansberg, Limpopo
The 2 day 2 night Hanglip Hiking Trail just outside of Louis Trichardt, will show you some of the best mountain forest scenery in the beautiful Soutpansberg.
The circular trail covers a total distance of just over 20km and moves through the Hanglip Forest Reserve with its beautiful old tangled indigenous forest and surrounding Forestry owned pine plantations.
The Trail starts at the Soutpansberg Hut in the Hanglip Plantation from which it goes directly into indigenous forest. The first day is quite taxing as it involves steep climbs and wooden pole stairs through old forest, and the area covered is around 13km. As steep as this first day is however, it’s even lovelier. The forest is real ‘old-growth’ mix of tropical and fairy forest with lots of tangled roots, branches, mosses, lichens, fungi and birds, and the climb takes you to a vantage point with amazing views over the Soutpansberg before you reach the overnight hut – Hanglip Hut under the ‘Hanglip’ rock overhang that gives the reserve its name.
The second day is easier and moves through varied terrains – from grassland, fynbos, pine plantation and indigenous forest.
Birding is spectacular. Highlights on the hike are over 200 species of sub-tropical birds including Narina Trogon, purple-crested Loeries and Grey-headed parrots, 540 species of indigenous trees and a great mountain stream on day 1 for a swim and some leisurely birding. This is a self-guided backpacking trail run by Komati Eco-Tourism.
For more on the Hanglip Hiking Trail and to book
Getting there: Take Forestry Rd north out of Louis Trichardt.
More on the quaint town of Louis Trichardt | More on the Soutpansberg area |
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