Moolmanshoek: The Sphinx & Waterkloof Hiking Trails

The Waterkloof & Sphinx trails are situated in the Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve in the majestic Witteberg Mountains, Eastern Free State between Ficksburg and Rosendal.

It is 340km from Gauteng, 230km from Bloemfontein and 35km from Ficksburg.

ACCOMMODATION

Hikers/ groups can be accommodated in our:

  • “Skeerhokke” for groups up to 100 persons in two large dormitories, this is ideal for bigger school/youth/adventure groups, scouts, Voortrekkers etc.

  • Additional 9 double rooms, two of them with their own bathrooms. 

  • There are two lapa kitchens for self-catering hiker’s groups.

  • These kkitchens have electricity, pots, pans, stove and a fridge.

  • Basic cutlery and crockery are supplied.

  • Accommodation at Base Camp may have to be shared with all other trail users in The Moolmanshoek Game Reserve.

The Base Camp at Langesnek (Hikers Camp):

  • Here are 3 rooms accommodating 6-8hikers each, plus space in dormitory.

  • There are bunker beds with fitted sheets only.

  • Ablutions facilities consist out of 2 toilets, 2 showers, basins and one bath.

  • Next to the hut is a lapa with a fireplace/braai area. Part of the lapa is covered and enclosed. Limited wood is provided. Basic kitchen facilities are provided.

  • There is a swimming pool (not fenced).

Barolong Overhang Cave:

Here are very little/ basic facilities: Hikers must supply their own groundsheets and mattresses. There are 3 rooms/ shelters or sleep near fire/under overhang.  A braai grids, large kettle, one cast iron pot are provided.Some water available in containers Please use it sparingly. If you need more water or want to wash yourself, follow the marked route down into the ravine below to the spring. It is about 450 meters from the overhang. There are only 2 x pit toilets.NB: No Rubbish is collected at the Barolong Cave.

Sphinx Mountain Hut:

Here are 22 Beds (bunker) and mattresses, two flush toilets, showers (gas geyser for hot water in showers), braai grid, two kettles, cast iron potjie. Wash up zink.  Limited supplied of wood. Hikers must provide own lighting, all cutlery and crockery.

HIKING TRAILS:

NB: Both Trails are only open: 1 October – 31 May. No hiking is allowed from June until the end of September.

Sphinx Trail: 2 day/ night trail (25km).

  • Day 1: 15km.  Day 2: 7 or 10km

Waterkloof Trail: 3 day/night trail. (37km).

  • Day 1: 16km.   Day 2:  14km.  Day 3: 7km

  • The trail follows the slopes of the two most famous mountains in this area, namely Visierskerf and Sikonyella’s Hat.

  • The base camp is located at the Langesnek Leadership Centre, from where hikers will commence these hikes.

  • All trails and crossings/ intersections are clearly marked and easy to follow.

  • A clear, good hiking trail map with all details is available.

  • On the 3 Day Waterkloof Trail, hikers overnight in the Baralong caves the 2nd night.

  • If you have day or 2 extra you can also do extra day hikes from and back to base camp

FAUNA & FLORA

  • Game that may be seen in the Reserve include big herds of zebra, black wildebeest, springbok, eland, gemsbok (sable antelope), hartebeest and blesbuck, while solitary duiker, mountain reedbuck, rhebuck and steenbok might also be seen.

  • Trees include ouhout, olienhout, ghwarrie, Cape holly, wild peach and sugar bush protea, with a wide variety of flowers and ferns.

  • There are more than 230 bird species, and black eagles nest against the high cliffs of Visierskerf.

RATES

Trail Duration Price per Person Additional Fee
3 DAY TRAIL (1 – 3 days/nights included) R785.00 Compulsory Reserve Conservation fee: R75.00 (once off)
2 DAY TRAIL (1 – 2 days/nights included) R565.00 Compulsory Reserve Conservation fee: R75.00 (once off)