Treks in the place of the rising sun
If you’re looking for a beautiful trail that will also connect you to the history of South Africa, the Fanie Botha trail in Mpumalanga is one for you.
This trail is one of the most beautiful in South Africa and also among the most historic. It was among the earliest multi-day trails to be formed in South Africa and it holds a special place in the hearts of those who love the great outdoors.
With a variety of different views, great waterfalls, swimming holes, and a lot of wildlife, this is a trek to be experienced once in your lifetime. The Fanie Botha trail was originally designed to be part of a longer trail that was planned to stretch from Soutpansberg to the Cape.
As it stands now, the trail can also be completed in separate sections for day hikes. The trek is challenging and it is best completed in the spring or autumn, away from the warmer times of the year when it is difficult to complete due to the extreme weather.
There are six different accommodation huts on the Fanie Botha trail, and each hut is equipped with 24 bunk beds. Each hut has its own braai area and a toilet, and most of the huts have a shower.
Among the natural attractions on this beautiful trail are the Mac Mac Pools, Lone Creek Falls, and Mount Moodie.
These are the big draws on the trail but of course there are other views and vistas, and natural features, which you will discover as you hike the trail. Among the bird and animal life you may be lucky enough to spot black eagles, swallows, brownhooded kingfisher, ibis, bushduck, otter, badger, mongoose, and even leopards. On the trail you will also find a large number of butterflies and moths, and a wide range of reptiles and amphibians.
If you are interested in completing this trail or another multi-day hike in South Africa it is a good idea to get prepared and organised for a safe trip. Buy good quality travel insurance from travel insurance consultants, make sure you are in good physical shape, do your homework regarding how many kilometres you will be walking every day and what route you will be taking, and make sure that you bring enough water.
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