by Chris on December 26, 2008 in Attractions, Environment, Hiking, Places Of Interest

Local Attractions

From time to time we receive enquiries from our customers, but also in general, about outdoor activities other than flyfishing at Treeferns Trout Lodge and elsewhere. Therefore we think it appropriate to publish some info in this regard on our web site for the convenience of visitors to our web. We trust it will be of some value. Of course the list will not be complete by any means, and will be added on as information become available. Anybody who wants to contribute, will be more than welcome. We are also prepared to exchange links ( See “Links” ). Our web averages just about 100  hits per day for the past 6 months.

The main activities in our immediate surroundings we are aware of are hiking, horse riding, game viewing and hunting, birds of prey demonstrations, and 4×4 trails.

Hiking.

A number of hiking trails are available in the area of which those in the Steenkamps Mountains are best known. Treeferns Trout Lodge also has a new trail in the beginning stage of development. See “Hiking” on this web site.

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Horse riding.

Horse riding in South Africa with its fine weather and beautiful scenery is a very popular outdoor sport.  The Eastern Highveld and Trout Triangle are no exception and offers fabulous riding. Many horse trails and horse riding opportunities are within easy reach of Treeferns Trout Lodge, and references are available.

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Game

A few neighbouring farms also stock various types of game either for viewing and/or shooting, viz. eland, blesbuck, zebra, wildebeest, etc.

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Flying Displays (birds of prey)

Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre offers flying displays  with informative and educational talks on the habits and behaviour of birds of prey.

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4×4 Trails

Mpumalanga and particularly the Eastern Escarpment boasts some spectacular scenery for four wheel driving. There are numerous fantastic 4×4 routes in this beautiful mountainous region. Vlakfontein farm, home base of Treeferns Trout Lodge, with its uneven rough terrain, is ideally suitable for 4-wheel driving offering breathtaking views.

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Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is also very popular, and beautiful scenery can be explored with many exciting and rocky routes.

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Photography

The area and Treeferns Trout Lodge alike also attract the keen photographer who wants to capture the most beautiful scenes, sun rises, sun sets, flowers, birds, game, rock formations.

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More information.

Contact details of  venues are available at Mpumalanga Tourism, 086 010 4069, web address www.mpumalangatourism.info and Dullstroom Reservations, (013)254-0254, www.dullstroom.biz

♣♣♣

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by Chris on November 25, 2008 in Hiking

Nick van Zyl Hiking Trail

Vlakfontein Farm, also hosting Treeferns Trout Lodge, now officially has its hiking trail, the Nick van Zyl hiking trail, named after the former Manager of  Vlakfontein.

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Elsa planting the name plate at the start.

Map of the 5 – 6 km route

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The hiking trail was officially opened by Elsa, widow of the late Nicolaas Johannes van Zyl on 23 November 2008, his birthday. Nick was born on 23 November 1959, and he died on 3 February 2008, after a short illness.

Nick and Elsa were dedicated hikers, and few hiking trails escaped their endurance. After settling on Vlakfontein and discovering the hiking potential of the farm, they committed themselves to the development of a hiking trail. Sadly Nick did not live to see the dream realizes. However, Elsa lived his and her dream, and designed and laid out a handsome, easy, though not all the way, half day trail along green slopes, a gorge-like ravine with cascades, rapids, pools, waterfals, steep cliffs, fossil rocks, ups and downs, with lots of spectacular sights making one reach for the camera, everything a hiker could dream of.

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A route map was drawn up, and sign posts planted on strategic spots. An alternative loop is an option for the more energetic. A beautiful site sheltered by high cliffs is the picnic spot and half-way stop. Even swimming in the cool clear pools is very enticing.

Self-catering accommodation is available in four chalets fully equipped, and camping can be arranged. Group rates apply.

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On 23 November 2008 the “Nick van Zyl staproete/ hiking trail” name plate was ceremonially planted by Elsa at the starting point in the presence of 15 friends and co-hikers after challenging the route the previous day. They enthusiastically supported her all the time, and she would like to thank them all very sincerely.

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A lot of work is still needed, but the hiking trail is a reality, a dream fulfilled. We all salute you, Nick, for carving open this little paradise.

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by Cor on June 3, 2008 in Hiking

Hiking At Treeferns Trout Lodge

Various hiking routes are available in the area.

A trail down the ravine with cliffs, running water, waterfalls, rapids and cascades,  pools and indigenous vegetation offers a moderately difficult but invigorating half-day walk. Several stone ruins can be seen.
There are several rapids and cascades in the ravine through which the stream runs, creating spectacular views.

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