Taaibos
Our base is in the heart of the Waterberg just outside the small town Vaalwater, in the Limpopo province. We are only three hours from Johannesburg (MAP) (GPS coordinates: S 24° 11”59’ E027° 51”888’) This is all in a malaria and bilharzia free area. Nestled in the Waterberg Mountains, next to the Taaibos River, this is a venue like no other.The breathtaking scenery compliments our breathtaking array of activities.
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This is bushveld world, with thorn trees making up most of the scenery, until we saw the cliff! Man, I love cliffs, solid rock drop-offs or risers that just beg to climbed.
There’s a nice stream that originates a few kilometers up in the mountain. This then joins the Mokolo river on the farm; the crystal clear water is cool, but much better tasting than the city’s.
The hike itself isn’t very difficult. We crossed the stream a few times, and those of us hiking with sandals (Rocky’s) made full use of it by walking in the water instead of jumping for dry rocks.
Except for the beautiful scenery there’s a number of interesting things we found along this route: There is an ant heap that was built under a massive half ton boulder, which the non-stopping workers simply lifted up into the air with them.
Towards the end of the hike there is a bushman painting cave. The paintings are still visible. Please preserve them for the next generation. The view across the valley is spectacular.
The best thing about this hike was the dam at the end of the route. Built by Italian prisoners of war. And of course the massive rope swing from the about 20m high cliff, that you reach with a ladder, and the 80m foofie slide across the dam.
Facilities:
Mountain biking, Swimming, quad bike route, 4x4 Trails, hiking, foefie slide
The 4x4 Trails (5 hours & 7 hours trails) Extremely difficult & require technical knowledge & experience.
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Lapa Kitchen, Serving Top, Sliding Door Fridge, 4 Plate Gas Cooker, Wash Basin |
Braai top for Tjops & Wors |
The Accommodation
Camp Site. A picturesque camp site next to the river with ablution block (I have hosted 80 people here before. See Photos here) If you are looking for a camp facilitor
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Hikers' Hut. Dorms for hiking groups that can take 30 people.
Bush Camp. Bring your own bedding. Guides are available on request. Backpacking. Self Catering.
On Site Activities:
A bush camp that can accomodate 10 people. with a Lapa Area with communal kitchen with Fridge and a gas stove.
The accommodation at base camp is quite adequate. Hot showers and flush toilets are provided along with plenty of good firewood.
The trail
Day one starts of with a steady climb to a vantage point overlooking the river gorge below. The views a quite spectacular especially when the river is flowing well.
The trail passes an interesting demonstration of the power of ants in being able to lift a heavy The vegetation is lush and there is water even in the dry season (these pictures were taken in the dry season
The rocks along the trail are very spectacular and are one of the features of the trail
Water and the dry river courses are some of the most beautiful to be found in the Waterberg
Rocks and trees are fascinating! To see the way the roots of figs and other indigenous trees entwine themselves together is amazing
Plenty of water is passed even in the dry season.
The trail can be taken at a leisurely pace
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Conclusion
This is a lovely venue for family or group camps. The hiking trail is suitable for beginners and families as well as the seasoned hiker. The scenery is spectacular and the trail should be taken at an easy pace.
Contact
Christo & Charmaine
Tel/Fax: +27 (0)14 754 4462
Cell: +27 (0)82 670 0792
Vaalwater Limpopo
South Africa
