Trailinfo | Rooikrans Hiking Trail

The Rooikrans Hiking trail is a two-day trail near Witbank/Groblersdal; 2 to 3 hours drive from Gauteng. It has recently received a merit award from the Magaliesberg Hiking Club as the best short trail. The trail is situated on a cattle farm with game. The vegetation is typical Bushveld with grass dominating the vistas but with ample indigenous trees such as Boekenhout, Aloes, etc.

The accommodation is on the farm yard. Both hiking days overnight at the same camp which has very good facilities and is classified by the Green Flag Trails as being in the “standard” group. The facilities are kept in excellent condition. The two circular routes make it ideal for families and novice hikers who thus need not carry heavy backpacks.

The trail runs on both days over the grassy plains onto the escarpment from where views towards the Loskop Dam is beautiful. Day 1 (15km) is fairly difficult (scoring 7.5 out of 10 on the Green Flag Difficulty Rating scale and Day 2 (11km) scores a moderate 5.4). Hikers do have the option of taking a short cut on Day 1 which reduces the trail to a mere 8km but it includes the most beautiful little gorge of Witpenskloof. During summer there is a pool or two for swimming and the Rooikrans waterfall is impressive. Many bridges, steps and chain assistance are characteristic of the trail which eases the hike for the less adventurous hikers.