Kingdom TrailsKingdom Trails Kingdom Trails is a 15,000 ha privately owned nature reserve, one of the largest in and . This pristine nature area is about 120 km north-east of Pretoria and Johannesburg. Hidden within a natural amphitheatre of the Gorge, it encompasses the confluence of the Olifants and Wilge rivers in the escarpment break above Loskop Dam. It is an area of outstanding natural and scenic beauty that includes grasslands, red granite cliffs with seasonal springs, bushveld woodlands and dense riverine vegetation.

Activities at Kingdom Trails include hiking trails of differing durations and challenges, bird watching, game viewing, and fiKingdom Trails is under two hours by road from Pretoria or Johannesburg. shing on 32 km of unspoilt river frontage. Accommodation facilities include four choices. One of these, a rustic base camp on the From Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport banks of the , offers accommodation for up to 30 hikers in several separate huts.Take the N12 from the Johannesburg area to Witbank. Exit the N4 highway at Witbank and continue through Witbank on the R544 for ±30 km towards Verena. The Kingdom Trails signboard is on the right and the entrance is through a double game-proof gate. From the gate drive another ±7 km on the farm road to Numerous indigenous wildlife species occur on the Kingdom Trails property, including kudu, impala, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, Kingdom Camp. The turnoff to Kingdom Camp is signposted. leopard, wildebeest and zebra. Alternatively the R42 (Delmas/Bronkhorstpruit road) off the N12 can be used to reach Kingdom Trails via Bronkhortspruit and Vaalplaas on the R25 Verena Road (please see "From Pretoria" below for more detail).

Only 1.5 hours from O.R. Tambo International Airport and Pretoria via the N4, Kingdom Trails is easily accessed by rRoute through Witbank: N12 to Witbank, turn off the highway at the second turn-off (Presidentoad. The last Mandela 10 km, however, are on farm tracks which sometimes require 4WD during the rainy season or after rain showers.Avenue) and left into Witbank. Turn right into Swartbos Avenue at the traffic light opposite the KFC on the left. Continue with Swartbos Avenue until a T-junction reached. Turn left at this junction and continue over the railway line, then turn right at the second traffic light. At the first road, turn right again. Cross the double railway Kingdom Trails is a malaria-free area. line and follow the signs for the R544 towards Verena for ±30 km.

From Pretoria • Part of the idyllic nature of Kingdom trails is that there is Take the N4 from Pretoria no cell phone receptionto Bronkhorstpruit. Exit the N4 highwayand no electricity at the R25 (Bronkhorstpruit. East) turnoff. Drive to Verena on the R25 (±50 km), and then turn right onto the R544 towards Witbank. The Kingdom • In order to enjoy your stay we strongly advise that Trails signboard andyou plan your trip game-proof double gate to the farm carefully and have a clear is ±15 km further on the left. understanding of where you want to hike and take your maps with you. From Middelburg • The manager of the farm is very hard to reach because of the lContinue for ±8 km in a westerly directionack of cell phone reception so please on the Bankplaas gravel road to the DIBplan your visit well sign board stay on main in advance and pay attention to detailroad. (left hand split), pass a Telkom tower (±6 km further). Turn left ±2 km after tower down smaller gravel road (follow sighs to Slaghoek and Rich Ranch). -+ 1km futher you will find two gates. Slaghoekand Klip/Stone Camp gate is the right hand gate of the two. From the gate Slagthoek House is ±6 km and Klip/Stone Camp another ±3 km. Sign boards are visible. General • The use of any firearms is strictly forbiddenPlease Note : A 4x4 is required to reach Klip/Stone Camp but Slagthoek House is accessible with a 2x4.

• No vehicles may drive between camps, roads only to be used to access camps www.kingdomtrails.co.za • No quadbikes or motorbikes allowed under any circumstances • Mountain bikes can be ridden by special arrangement • Fishing possible by arrangement • Walking, hiking, swimming all at own risk

The Green Code • Whatever your bring in with you, must leave with you. Please take your rubbish WITH YOU • Fires only to be made in designated areas. Please ensure they are completely dead when unattended. • Leave only footprints, take only memories • Do not damage the natural environment • This is a conservation area, no pets allowed

Animals There are wild animals at Kingdom Trails • Beware of crocodiles and hippo’s in the rivers • Beware of free roaming leopards and buffalos (They have walked across from the Loskop Dam Nature reserve) • During the summer months please be careful when it comes to snakes, they are everywhere! • Please do not feed the monkeys or leave rubbish around that the baboons can find. We have never had a serious incident with any of the above-mentioned animals. Please be vigilant and careful

2013 RATES: ALL CAMPS: R120.00 per adult and R90.00 per child u/12 per night. 2 x days 1 x night bookings: 1 Night + day rate of R80.00 = R200.00 per person. 3 x days 2 x night bookings: 2 Nights + day rate = R320.00 per person. Travelling to Kingdom Trails

Please note: there are 2 access points to the trails. Please ensure you know which one to use. You cannot travel across the farm if you make a mistake.

It is advisable to travel to the trails in daylight as the roads can be tricky and then you can also enjoy the spectacular views.

Kingdom Camp (Entrance A): • Access is from the Witbank/Emalahleni to Verena Road (R544) • Access is only via 4X4 vehicles • You will need a code to open the gate. Please ensure you obtain it days before your visit • You will drive through various cattle gates. Please leave them as you find them. They do not have locks on them Kingdom Trails

Kingdom Trails is under two hours by road from Pretoria or Johannesburg. Slaghoek House (Entrance B): From Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport • Access is from the N11 north from Take the N12 from the Johannesburg areaMiddelburg to Witbank. Exit. Please ensure you take the the N4 highway at Witbank andfirst continueBankplaas gravel through road off the N11 Witbank on the R544coming from Middelburg for ±30 km towards Verena.(see road map). The Kingdom TrailsTake note signboard: when you reach the farm is on the right and the entrance is through a double game-proof gate. From the gate drive another ±7 km on the farm road to access our gate is a smaKingdom Camp. The turnoff ller gate on the right hand side of a larger sliding gate. Our access is the to Kingdom Camp is signposted. smaller double hinged gate Alternatively the R42 (Delmas/Bronkhorstpruit road) off the N12 can be used to reach Kingdom Trails via • This is the only camp that you can reach with a normal vehicleBronkhortspruit and Vaalplaas on the R25 Verena Road (please see "From Pretoria" below for more detail). • You will need a code to open the gate please ensure you obtain it days before your visit Route through Witbank: N12 to Witbank, turn off the highway at the second turn-off (President Mandela Avenue) and left into Witbank. Turn right into Swartbos Avenue at the traffic light opposite the KFC on the left. Klip KampContinue (Entrance with Swartbos B): Avenue until a T-junction reached. Turn left at this junction and continue over the railway line, then turn right at the second traffic light. At the first road, turn right again. Cross the double railway • Access is from the line and follow the signsN11 north from for the R544 towardsMiddelburg Verena for .±30 Please ensure you take the km. first Bankplaas gravel road off the N11 coming from Middelburg (see road map). Take note: when you reach the farm access our gate is a smallFrom Pretoria er gate on the right hand side of a larger sliding gate. Our access is the Take the N4 from Pretoria to Bronkhorstpruit. Exit the N4 highway at the R25 (Bronkhorstpruit East) turnoff. smaller double hinged gate.Drive to Verena on the R25 (±50 km), and then turn right onto the R544 towards Witbank. The Kingdom • Access is only via Trails signboard and 4X4 game-proofvehicles double gate is ±15 km further on the left.

• You will need a From Middelburgcode to open the gate please ensure you obtain it days before your visit • On route to the camp you will drive past Slaghoek house (see trail map)Continue for ±8 km in a westerly direction on the Bankplaas gravel road to the DIB sign board stay on main road (left hand split), pass a Telkom tower (±6 km further). Turn left ±2 km after tower down smaller gravel road (follow sighs to Slaghoek and Rich Ranch). -+ 1km futher you will find two gates. Slaghoekand GrootdraaiKlip/Stone Hut Camp gate is the right hand gate of the two. From the gate Slagthoek House is ±6 km and Klip/Stone Camp another ±3 km. Sign boards are visible. • Can only be accessed on foot Please Note: A 4x4 is required to reach Klip/Stone Camp but Slagthoek House is accessible with a 2x4.

www.kingdomtrails.co.za Hiking Trails

• There are various routes you can use between camps. Ensure you are clear as to which route you are using. • You must take your hiking trail map with you. To help you find your way we have numbered various trail intersections so that you can easily orientate yourself using your map. River Crossings • There is only one place to cross the river when it is in flood. It is a low level car bridge • During the rainy season if this low level crossing is also under water there is NO other safe river crossing. • We advise some form of water proofing for your bag when you cross the river at any time of year

Kingdom Camp Base Camp Hikes

12km, difficult Vistas of the Wilge River Valley and Kingdom Camp (Kingdom Camp from main parking, head east Kingdom Camp, a valley with a Paradors Loop down jeep track, left up the mountain, A3, A2, beautiful fresh water stream and Kingdom Camp) huge trees and a variety of animals. Vistas of the Olifants River gorge, 13km, difficult Kingdom Camp Snaaksekrans mountain and a (Kingdom Camp, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, A2, Kingdom Snaaksekrans Loop variety of animals. Camp) Caution: Hippo and Crocodile (at 1)

Slaghoek House Base Camp Hikes

Cycad forest, rock pools to swim in and a Slaghoek House 11km, difficult (Slaghoek House, B9, B8, B7, B6, beautiful lookout over the Olifants river gorge Cycad Loop Slaghoek House) and a variety of animals. Beautiful vistas of the Olifants River gorge, Slaghoek House 12km, difficult fresh water stream with big trees. God’s Window (Slaghoek House, 12,Slaghoek house) Caution: Save some energy for the ascent from 12! Kingdom Camp overnight hikes

Starting camp Overnight camp Distance, difficulty and route What you may see Day 1: 12km, difficult Great vistas of the Olifants River (Kingdom Camp, 1, 2, 3, 4, gorge, a bamboo forest at a small Grootdraai hut) Grootdraai 0 river perennial spring on day 2 and a

hut crossings variety of animals. Day 2: 8km, moderate (Grootdraai hut, A7, 8, A3, A2, Caution: Hippo and crocodile (at Kingdom camp) 1). A riverine forest and a waterfall Kingdom 2 river Day 1: 10km, moderate in the Olifants River gorge. Camp crossings (Kingdom camp, 1, 9, 11, Klip Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans Kamp) and the Olifants River gorge from This route Klip Kamp cannot be used the ridge of the mountain and a

when the river is Day 2: 13km, difficult (Klip variety of animals. high. Kamp, 10, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, Caution: When the river is low Kingdom Camp) you will still get your feet wet (at 9). Hippo and crocodile (at 1).

1 river

crossing (across the low Day 1: 14km, difficult Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans level bridge.) v (Kingdom camp, 1, 2,3,5,6,10, and the Olifants River gorge from Klip Kamp) This route is to the ridge of the mountain and a Klip Kamp be used when variety of animals. Access only the river is high, Day 2: 13km, difficult (Klip sections of the Caution: Hippo and crocodile (at by 4X4 Kamp, 10, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, hike will be Kingdom Camp) 1). Vehicle covered on both access days entrance A A riverine forest and a waterfall in the Olifants River gorge. Steep

Day 1: 14km, difficult ascent through a beautiful forest 2 river (Kingdom Camp, 1, 9, 11, 12, past a substantial perennial corssings Slaghoek House) stream. A beautiful stream will lead you to a cycad forest. Vistas Slaghoek This route cannot be used Day 2: 20km, very of the Olifants river gorge and House when the river is difficult surrounding mountains. high. (Slaghoek House, B9, B8, B7, Caution: When the river is low B6, B5, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, you will still get your feet wet (at Kingdom Camp) 9). Hippo and crocodile (at 1). Save some energy for the last ascent on day 1! 1 river crossing Day 1: 16km, difficult Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans (across the low (Kingdom camp, 1, 2,3,5,6,10, and the Olifants River gorge from vIf the river is level bridge.) v 11,12, Slaghoek house) the ridge of the mountain, the knee deep Slaghoek This route is to even over the be used when cycad forest and a variety of House Day 2: 20km, difficult low level the river is high, animals. (Slaghoek House, A9, A8, A7, bridge, please some sections of A6, A5, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, Caution: Hippo and crocodile (at do not the hike will be Kingdom Camp) 1). attempt the covered on both crossing. days

Slaghoek Overnight Hikes

Starting camp Overnight camp Distance, difficulty and route What you may see Day 1: 13km, via Cycad Loop. Moderate (Slaghoek House, B9, B8, B7, B6, B5, 6, 10, Klip Beautiful Cycad forest, vistas of the Olifants River gorge and Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, 0 river Kamp) Klip Kamp rock pools to swim in and a variety of game. crossings Day 2: 12km, via Caution: Buffalo’s seen on the God’s Window God’s Window loop. loop Moderate (Klip Kamp, 11, 12, God’s window loop, Slaghoek house) Day 1: 13km, Slaghoek 2 river moderate (Slaghoek Walk through the Cycad Forest, rock pools to House corssings House, B9, B8, B7, B6, B5, This route B4, River corssing, swim in, beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans and Grootdraai cannot be Grootdraai hut) the Olifants River gorge from the ridge of the used when mountain and a variety of animals. hut the river is Day 2: 10km, difficult Caution: When the river is low you will still high. (Grootdraai hut, get your feet wet (at B4). 4,3,5,6,10,11,12, Slaghoek House) 1 river Access by crossing Day 1: 14km, difficult 2x4 (across the (Slaghoek House, B9, B8, B7, B6, B5, 6,5,3,4 Walk through the Cycad Forest, rock pools to Vehicle low level v Grootdraai hut) swim in, beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans and Grootdraai bridge.) access This route is to the Olifants River gorge from the ridge of the hut entrance B be used when Day 2: 10km, difficult mountain and a variety of animals. the river is high, (Grootdraai hut, sections of the hike will be 4,3,5,6,10,11,12, Slaghoek covered on House) both days A riverine forest and a waterfall in the Day 1: 20km, very Olifants River gorge. Steep ascent through a 2 difficult vIf the river beautiful forest past a substantial perennial This route (Slaghoek House, B9, B8, is knee deep stream. A beautiful stream will lead you to a cannot be B7, B6, B5, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, even over Kingdom cycad forest. Vistas of the Olifants river used when Kingdom Camp) the low level gorge and surrounding mountains. Camp the river is bridge, Caution: When the river is low you will still high. Day 2: 14km, difficult please do get your feet wet (at 9). Hippo and crocodile not attempt (Kingdom Camp, 1, 9, 11, 12, Slaghoek House) (at 1). Save some energy for the last ascent the crossing. on day 2! 1 river Day 1: 20km, difficult crossing (Slaghoek House, A9, A8, (across the A7, A6, A5, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans and the low level Kingdom Camp) v Olifants River gorge from the ridge of the Kingdom bridge.) mountain, the cycad forest and a variety of This route is to Camp be used when Day 2: 16km, difficult animals. the river is high, (Kingdom camp, 1, Caution: Hippo and crocodile (at 1). Save some sections 2,3,5,6,10, 11,12, Slaghoek some energy for the last ascent on day 2! of the hike will house) be covered on days 1 and 2

Klip Kamp Overnight Hikes

Day 1: 12km, via God’s Beautiful Cycad forest, vistas of Window loop. Moderate the Olifants River gorge and (Klip Kamp, 11, 12, God’s Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, rock Slaghoek window loop, Slaghoek house) 0 river crossings pools to swim in and a variety of Day 2: 13km, via Cycad house game. Loop. Moderate (Slaghoek House, B9, B8, B7, Caution: Buffalo’s seen on the B6, B5, 6, 10, Klip Kamp) God’s Window loop A riverine forest and a waterfall Day 1: 13km, difficult (Klip in the Olifants River gorge. Klip Kamp Kamp, 10, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, 2 river crossings Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans Kingdom Camp) and the Olifants River gorge from Kingdom This route cannot be used when the the ridge of the mountain and a Access only Camp river is high. Day 2: 10km, moderate (Kingdom camp, 1, 9, 11, Klip variety of animals. by 4X4 Kamp) Caution: When the river is low Vehicle you will still get your feet wet (at access 9). Hippo and crocodile (at 1). entrance B Day 1: 13km, difficult (Klip 1 river crossing (across the low Kamp, 10, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, A2, Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans v Kingdom Camp) level bridge.) and the Olifants River gorge from

Kingdom This route is to be the ridge of the mountain and a used when the river Day 2: 14km, difficult Camp variety of animals. is high, some (Kingdom camp, 1, 2,3,5,6,10, Caution: Hippo and crocodile (at sections of the hike Klip Kamp) v 1). If the river is will be covered on knee deep both days even over the Day 1: 6km, easy. Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans low level and the Olifants River gorge from bridge, please 2 river crossings (Klip Kamp, 10,6,B5,B4, Grootdraai hut) the ridge of the mountain and a do not Grootdra This route cannot be used when the variety of animals. attempt the ai hut crossing. river is high. Day 2: 7km, moderate. Caution: When the river is low (Grootdraai hut, 4,3,5,6,10, you will still get your feet wet (at Klip Kamp) B4). 1 river crossing Day 1: 7km, moderate. (across the low (Klip Kamp, 10, 6, 5, 3,4 Beautiful vistas of Snaaksekrans v level bridge.) Grootdraai hut) and the Olifants River gorge from Grootdra This route is to be the ridge of the mountain and a ai hut used when the river is high, day 1 and 2 Day 2: 7km, moderate. variety of animals. follow the same (Grootdraai hut, 4,3,5,6,10, routes. Klip Kamp)

Detailed Camp Information

Kingdom Slaghoek Grootdraai Klip Kamp camp House Hut Road Access 4X4 only Any vehicle 4X4 only By foot Point A (See Point B (See Point B (See Access from By foot hiking map) hiking map) hiking map)

Thatch roof Rooms cut huts Large old into the rock, One large hut Accommodation (you will be farmhouse some have with 3 walls assigned rooms on your permits) thatch roofs Beds with 30 20 20 15 mattresses ‘donkey’ ‘donkey’ ‘donkey’ Hotwater make the fire make the fire make the fire No shower showers yourself yourself (wood yourself facility (wood provided) provided) (wood provided) Flush toilets Flush toilets Flush toilets EnviroLoo Ablutions (Bring your own toilet (Bring your own toilet (Bring your own toilet (Bring your own toilet paper) paper) paper) paper) Provided in Drinking water From the tap From the tap From the tap 20l plastic drums

Braai area Cooking area Braai Boma Braai boma Open braai outside house Braai grid Yes Yes Yes Yes Kettle Yes Yes Yes Yes 3 legged pot Yes Yes Yes Yes Flat bottomed Yes Yes Yes Yes potjie pot

Gas stove Yes, bring your Yes, bring your No No own gas own gas Gas fridge Yes, bring your Yes, bring your No No own gas own gas

Don’t forget to bring • Torches or some form of lighting (No electricity available) • Sleeping bags or bedding • Cutlery and crockery • Hiking maps and directions (Cell phone reception limited to the top of the mountains) • Wood to cook at your base camp (wood can be ordered for the camp you are hiking to, orders must be made at least 3 days in advance)

RISK AND INDEMNITY:

Persons undertaking the trail should understand that anyone who enters the property to partake in the trail, and/ or make use of any facilities do so at own risk and neither the owners of Olifants Gorge/ SLAGTHOEK Hiking Trails nor the booking agent : ANVIE VENTURES will be held responsible for any death, injury or illness sustained or suffered by any person or loss or damage to any property, occurring directly or indirectly from a visit to the property from any cause whatsoever.

Furthermore, neither the owners of the property, nor the booking agent : ANVIE VENTURES accept responsibility for any consequential loss sustained or suffered by the accommodation / trail not being available through Vis Major or for any other reason whatsoever.