St FORT GUEST FARM & HIKING TRAILS: 

INCLUDING THE MOUNT PERAZIM BACK PACK TRAIL

St Fort Farm is only 30 km from Golden Gate Highlands National Park, 5km from the town Clarens and 280km from JHB & PTA, the home of the Mushroom Rock, is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains that hug the Lesotho border.

The Clarens Sandstone Formation creates a landscape littered with overhang caves, ravines, nooks and crannies, and hidden valleys begging to be discovered.

  • The Mount Perazim Hiking Trail (Previously the Cannibal Hiking Trail) The widely known and well-loved Cannibal Trail has undergone a name change to Mount Perazim Hiking Trail.

The word ‘Perazim’ originates from the Hebrew language and means ‘Place of Breakthrough’. Over the years, many who have walked the trail have resonated with the journey that unfolds as one engages with God’s creation which is so evident while walking on St Fort Farm. We believe that this Name-change to Mount Perazim Hiking Trail captures the true essence of the St Fort Farm hiking experience.

ACCOMMODATION

The Base Camp:

  • The Base Camp consists of 2 dormitories, namely the Old School House(16 hikers) and Melkstal (sleeps 30 hikers), in lovely old sandstone sheds overlooking the Mushroom Rock. 

  • The facilities each have bunk beds with mattresses

  • Each facility has its own ablution block with running hot water and showers

  • Electricity

  • The facilities each have a fridge, two plate stove, an urn and 2 large pots and braai facilities

  • The Old School House boasts a large veranda with a reed-enclosed Lapa and fire pit.

  • Wood is provided to start a fire, thereafter, wood is sold per bag @ R40 per bag

The Cave:

The following amenities are available at the Cave:

  • A basic ablution block is divided into 3 sections: 2 bathrooms each with a toilet, shower, and basin,

  • The kitchen unit that contains a kitchen sink and a large kettle and pot for the fire, braai grid

  • Mattresses and groundsheets are provided and are stored in the kitchen unit

  • 40 hikers can be accommodated in the cave

  • Braai facilities can be found in the cave

  • Wood is provided for the fire pit in the cave. 

  • Extra wood can be bought at the reception @ R40 per bag ±8kg

THE DAY CIRCULAR TRAILS:

  • St Fort Farm offers fun and scenic day hikes for guests staying on the farm.

  • From climbing up rock formations, and walking on the land, to waterfalls and birds-eye views, the day hikes are an activity enjoyed by all.

  • There are 3 expertly laid out hiking trails that can be enjoyed by young and old, experienced and adventurous hikers, and by those who are just learning to discover the joys of hiking.

  • All these trails take you through differing landscapes, from breath-taking mountain views and overhang caves, to river walks with numerous picnic spots, forest ambles, and boulder hopping in and along gorges.

  • Mushroom Rock Trail: Duration: +- 2 hrs. Distance: 3 km. Markings: Yellow Arrows

  • Batwing Falls Trail: Duration: 2.5hr. Distance: 5.9km. Markings: White Arrows

  • Kloof Trail: Duration: 1.5hr. Distance: 3.9km. Markings: Green Arrows

THE MOUNT PERAZIM TRAIL:

Although it is named because of a period in time during the early 1800s when there were a series of wars in the area. Among indigenous tribes that saw a fair number of them seeking refuge in the caves in the mountains. And at the same time, there was a widespread drought, rumour has it that cannibalism was reinstated as a result. 

But back to the hike that’s situated in the Rooiberge and Witteberg Mountains.

It has a trail that’s a circular 16 km route and it’s considered to be one of the moderate to easy hikes for several reasons. 

Mount Perazim Trail Description:

The Mount Perazim Trail is a circular 2-day back pack route with day 1 being approximately 9 km and day 2 is 7 km.

The route takes you through differing landscapes, from impressive mountain views to river walks, and forest ambles to boulder hopping in and along gorges.

  • DAY ONE: the trail passes overhang caves with rock ‘kraals’, one of which has Bushman Paintings. You overnight in a substantial overhang cave.  You get to enjoy and experience an overnight in the cave. Where you’re given your own mattress and a groundsheet, tables, and benches to sit on, and even cold water showers and flush toilets. It’s the closest you’ll get to luxury in a cave. This overnight stay in the cave is relevant as you’re in one of the very caves known as Mike’s Cave, where indigenous tribes sought refuge from the war. And a bonus the hike ends with enough time to still explore Clarens. 

  • DAY TWO: offers breath-taking views of the Malutis including Horeb, Woodhouse, Generaalskop, Visierskerf, and George’s Pimple. This is a “hiker’s hike”, well-marked, and provides all the amenities that a hiker demands, with numerous picnic spots, a swimming hole, interesting scenery, and a level of hiking that fits the serious hikers but is not too strenuous for the beginner hiker.

Slack packing

  • We do offer slack packing where we take your bags to the cave and bring them back. A total of R80 per item is charged to take your slackpack items to the cave and bring it back the next day. 

  • A minimum of 3 items is charged (R80 x 3 = v).

  • Even if it is 1 x pillow or a six pack = it counts as an item.

  • The amount due for slackpacking is settled on the morning the packs are taken to the cave. This allows for adjustments in the amount of luggage. 

  • We find that the easiest way to settle this is with cash, and we therefore would appreciate it if you could please bring with you the correct amount of cash.

Rates

Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

HIKING BASE CAMP CAVE
Rates per Person Old School House Melkstal
Base Camp R300 R300 R240
Hiking Trails R120 (Also for day visitors)
Back Pack Trail (P/person) R660 Base Camp, Cave & hike included
Camping / Person R225
* Kids under 12 half price
* Kids under 12 half price