Ezemvelo Nature Reserve Hiking & Mountain Bike Trails

eZemvelo Nature Reserve is situated outside Bronkhorstspruit, 1 hour from PTA. This 10 000 ha+ reserve is naturally divided into a 4000 ha preserved grasslands and associated rocky outcrops and wetlands. The velar water of the Wilge river cuts through the reserve forming beautiful gorges and valleys of the colorful river sandstones.

Legaes

(Sotho word for Chalets)

  • There are eight separate loose standing, comfortable chalets which are at the foothills of a ridge.  

  • All the chalets are open plan and accommodate 2 – 3 persons each

  • Fully equipped with bedding included.

  • Chalets 1 – 4: 3 single beds (1 bed up stairs in the loft)

  • Chalets 5+6: 1 Double bed + 1 single bed in the loft.

  • Chalets 7+8: Only 1 double bed each.

  • A small kitchenette has all the necessities (cooking utensils, cutlery, crockery, 2 plate stove, fridge) Ideal for a relaxing and comfortable stay. 

  • Bath rooms with showers, hand basins and toilets.

  • Own braai facilities outside, (bring own camping chairs).

Caravan & Camping Sites:

  • There are 50 stands with electricity, clean ablution facilities and hot water showers.

  • The camp site is close to the reception/ shop and the large dam.

  • The camp is not fenced and the beautiful game often wander into the camp and graze amongst the tents and caravans.  It is walking distance away from the big dam which is ideal for fishing, bird watching and canoeing.

The Meru Camp:

  • Ideal for hikers, nature lovers and bigger groups.

  • The camp is not fenced and the beautiful game often wander into the camp and graze amongst the tents and caravans.  It is walking distance away from the big dam which is ideal for fishing, bird watching and canoeing.

  • This newly upgraded camp sleeps up to a 120 persons.

  • Minimum group booking: 20 pax.

  • There are 10 X permanent safari canvas tents with single beds and mattresses, good covers over the mattresses.

  • Groups must bring their own bedding/linen: sleeping bags and pillows.

  • There are separate ladies and gents bath rooms: hot and cold water showers, flush toilets and hand basins.

  • Undercover bush kitchen lapa available: 4 plate gas stove, Fridge/Freezer, table & chairs

  • Groups must bring own cooking utensils: pots, pan, kettle and all own cutlery & crockery.

  • There is electricity in the kitchen if you want bring an electric kettle etc.

Family Mountain Huts:

(THIS IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS AT THE MOMENT)

  • There are 3x rustic family huts snuggled into the rocks overlooking the Grootspruit Valley. It is 8km away from the main camp and reception area.

  • These huts, “Intshe, Impisi and Itshe lengwe”, are for the true nature lover and for 2-4 persons each. Bring own linen, sleeping bags & pillows.

  • There are Basic kitchen facilities, gas stove, fridge and braai facilities, wood for sale at reception or bring own. Bring own cutlery & crockery.

  • Bathrooms: hot & cold water showers, flushing toilets and hand basins. Bring own towels.

The River Camp: Hikers Overnight Camp:

  • The RIVER CAMP is situated next to river, IT IS +- 10km from the main camp.

  • Hikers must bring their own tents for overnight accommodation.

  • Transport can be arranged at extra cost for groups 10 and more.

  • There is a bush kitchen: a 2 plate gas stove, small fridge and a table and chairs are provided. (Self-catering.)

  • Bring own: bedding, cutlery and crockery and cooking utensils.

  • Ensure that you are equipped with some form of light e.g. flash light, gas lamp etc.

  • Hikers and mountain bikers will have access to all trails from and back to this camp.

Activities

  • Excellent Hiking: 3 x day trails and a back pack overnight trail from the main camp to the River Camp.

  • Mountain biking: 4 x clearly marked trails from 12 – 40 km for all levels of riders.

  • Self / or guided Game drives.

  • Guided walks, guided bird watching trails.

  • Fishing and canoeing. Visitors need to bring own canoes and fishing gear.

  • Big Swimming pool and putt putt,

Hiking Trails

Various hiking trails crisscross the expanse of land. The trails range from day trips to a two day bac packing trail. On the trails you’ll experience nature at its best, with large herds of game, over 250 species of bird and numerous indigenous plants. All the trails start from the reception. (Day visitors can also park their cars here.)

There are 3 x day circular trails to choose from:

  • The Ochna Trail is an easy 5km walk through grassland and a small koppie which will take +- 1h30 minutes. Ideal for bird watching.

  • The Protea Trail is an easy but longer 14.6km trail which traverses along rocky areas, grassland, the koppie and savannah plains.

  • This is a very popular and highly recommended trail for all levels of hikers. You will see a lot of game and this trail will take +- 3h30 – 4h00 to complete.

  • The Burkea Trail is a long moderate trail of 21km. It is highly recommended for the fit and serious hiker. This trail takes hikers to the Northern part of the reserve through grassland, savannah plains, rocky koppies, past the Grootspruit and back to the reception area. It will take +- 5-5h30 to complete.

The Back Pack Trail: (Very Popular)

The overnight back packers can easily plan which links to follow as all trails are clearly marked and sign posted.

Day One:

The first day hikers hike from the main camp/reception area, following the first part of the Ochna trail.  It then links up with the Protea trail and the last part following the Burkea trail that takes hikers to the overnight camp next to the Grootspruit. (OWN TENTS) This is a moderate trail of +- 12.5km which will take +- 4 – 5 hours to complete.

Day Two:

Hikers now follow the Burkea Trail until it links up with the Protea trail which takes them back to the main camp/ reception area. This day is a bit less strenuous again to give hikers the opportunity to fully enjoy nature and still finish in time for a last swim or braai before departing back home.

Mountain Bike Trails:

There are not a few things more wonderful than biking around a game reserve on a combination of single track and jeep track. With some technical challenges on the rocky hills of Ezemvelo, no cyclist will go home disappointed. For the amateur rider there is a short easy route, but for the more advanced there is a tricky 46km route that covers most of the reserve.

  • Recommended gear: helmet, water

  • Recommended bike: for the easy 11km, any bike will do, but for the longer routes a new age mountain bike, hard or soft tail, is recommended.

The Trails:

  • 12km – Easy – Difficulty, Mix between single and jeep track with very limited technical sections.

  • 20km – Moderate Difficulty, This trail speaks to the adventurer. The trail winds its way through the Bohlokwa Private section, an area where the only access is by foot or mountain bike.

  • An unmarked jeep track takes you through the spectacular scenery of this section, with one steep long climb to add to everything.

  • 22km – Moderate Difficulty, Mix between single and jeep track with some rocky sections that could prove difficult.

  • 40km – Tough Difficulty, A long hard ride with decent elevation. Some rocky sections in the hills could prove difficult.

School/ Church/ Youth Adventure Camps:

  • eZemvelo is an ideal location for school groups of up to 100-120 people. There are several activities for the children to enjoy and specialized tailor made packages can be arranged prior to bookings. Facilitators are also available on request at extra costs. Groups can be accommodated in the Meru Camp and the chalets are ideal for staff/ facilitators.

Rates

Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Category Details Rates (ZAR)
ENTRANCE: PARKS FEES:
Day Visitors Only: Per Day Per Adult R 85.00
Per Child u/16 R 65.00
Pensioner R 65.00
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION:
Chalets: 2-3 Bed Chalets Low Season & Mid Week / Single Supplement R850.00 P/Night
High/Peak Season School Holidays / Single Supplement R990.00 P/Night
2 Persons Sharing (Low Season) R420.00 P/P/P/Night
2 Persons Sharing (High Season) R495.00 P/P/P/Night
Extra Adult Added On (Low Season) R350.00 P/P/P/Night
Extra Adult Added On (High Season) R400.00 P/P/P/Night
Extra Child Added On (Low Season) R180.00 P/P/P/Night
Extra Child Added On (High Season) R200.00 P/P/P/Night
Pensioners 1-2 Sharing (High season) R850.00 P/Night
Camping Sites: Adults Low Season R120.00 P/P/P/Night
High Season R165.00 P/P/P/Night
Camping Sites: Children (4-16y) Low Season R80.00 P/C/P/Night
High Season R120.00 P/C/P/Night
Camping Sites: Pensioners Low Season R80.00 P/P/P/Night
High Season R120.00 P/P/P/Night
Mountain Huts: 3 x Huts Sleep 4 Persons Midweek Rate R950.00 P/Night
Low Season R1250.00 P/Night
High Season R1550.00 P/Night
The River Camp (Overnight Camp) Sleeps MAX 20, Bring own tents R250.00 P/Adult P/Night
R150.00 P/Child P/Night
Meru Safari Camp Permanent Safari tents From R250.00 P/P/P/Night
ACTIVITIES: TO BE BOOKED AT RECEPTION OFFICE:
Game Drives Adults R180.00
Child u/12 R125.00
Pensioner R125.00
Putt Putt Per Person R50.00
Fishing Per Person Per Weekend R150.00

Mountain Biking: Free of charge with accommodation or included with day visit rate. Day Hikers Welcome: Included in day visitors rate. Braai facilities and ablutions available.