Sphinx Hiking Trail
The Sphinx Hiking Trail is a two day hike around ‘the Sphinx’ sandstone formation near Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State, and incorporates part of the Waterkloof Trail route.
Base camp is located on the Moolmanshoek farm – the same start as the Waterkloof Trail. Day One of the trail heads across farmland, where you can see herds of horses, then through the reserve where you can see herds of antelope including Eland, Bontebok and Hartebees. The trail then goes on to explore the sandstone ridges, gorges and swimming holes around the Sphinx Sandstone Mountain. As you move up the mountain, you are rewarded with beautiful views of the Moolmanshoek Valley, surrounding farmlands, countryside and mountains.
The overnight is in a mountain hut with basic amenities and a ‘natural swimming pool’.
The best time of year to do this trail is summer. Though summer is the ‘rainy’ season, the surroundings become lush and green and the streams and rock pools that make this trail special are at their strongest and best. Drought has been known to dry them out completely.
Getting there: The Sphinx Trail is situated on the Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve. From Fickbsurg take the R26 north, turning left on to the R70. Follow the R70 for 34km and turn right at the sign for Moolmanshoek.
| More on the quaint town of Ficksburg | More on the Eastern Free State area |
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