Boschberg Hiking Trail
The Boschberg Hiking Trail is 15 kilometers, 1 or 2 days, circular.
To book the Boschberg Hiking Trail if overnighting - Phone Blue Crane Route Municipality, 042 243 1333 and ask for Bestershoek.
Facilities - overnight hut with mattresses, table, benches, fireplaces, water and toilets.
Set against the southern slopes of the Boschberg Mountain, the Boschberg Nature Reserve is renowned for its well preserved Döhne sourveld vegetation, which occurs at higher elevations. The vegetation of the plains is characterised by Karoo like shrubs and grasslands, while patches of indigenous forests, with species such as wild olive, white stinkwood, Outeniqua yellow wood and wild peach occur in the sheltered kloofs.
Animals which may be seen include bushbuck, bushpig, steenbok, baboon, vervet monkey and rock dassie. 325 bird species have been counted on the Boschberg.
The first days hike on the Boschberg Hiking Trail (5km; 3hours) begins with a steep climb, but after the 2 km mark the trail gradient eases slightly. Between the 2 km and 3 km markers the trail winds through a fine patch of forest. Slagbos, with its massive dolerite rocks and shady trees, makes for a welcome rest stop. At the 3,5 km mark the overnight trail swings west, but for day hikers there is a circular loop back to the start. Some 700 m is gained in altitude to the overnight hut, but the views are great; on a clear day one can see up to 120 km southwwards.
The second day's hike on the Boschberg Hiking Trail (10 km; 4 hours) initially traverses the plateau area and along the way there are breathtaking views of the Bestershoek Valley. From Bloukop, at 1 620 meters the highest point in the reserve, the trail descends steeply before levelling out, with the final section leading through the old game camp.
The trail is overgrown on the second day's section. It would be wise to enquire of Besterhoek staff about the condition of this part of the trail when booking.
