As the season transitions and the autumn leaves paint the landscape in a palette of fiery hues, Magoebaskloof is transformed into an enchanting destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The allure of this area during autumn is not only in its colourful foliage but also in the mild weather which makes the wide array of outdoor activities offerings even more enjoyable than in the summer or winter months.
Magoebaskloof beckons visitors to embrace the beauty of autumn in all its splendour at places like Sequoia Garden Retreat and Cheerio Gardens where the magic of the season is celebrated in a vibrant kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow. Take a walk through one of these vibrant nature spaces or book out an e-bike at Cheerio Gardens to explore further afield to Wegraakbosch Dairy, Otterholt Farm, Zwakala Brewery or the Long Tom picnic site. If you prefer to zoom rather than meander, you can bring along your mountain-bike and cycle the network of trails through picturesque farms, past dams or try a more technical option on single-track routes through the mountains and forests of Magoebaskloof.
For adrenaline junkies, you can fly through the air on 11 ziplines through the Letaba River gorge over waterfalls at the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour or abseil down the rock face with Magoebaskloof Adventures. And, just out of Haenertsburg, Noko Resort offers hiking, quad-biking and outdoor fitness days. On a sun-shiney Autumn day, the sky’s the limit for outdoor activities - with its rugged terrain, beautiful forests and stunning vistas adorned in the season’s splendour, Magoebaskloof is a hiker's paradise. There are many trails to choose from, ranging from easy meanders to a route through the Haenertsburg Grassland wearing its autumnal colours or more challenging treks through the Wolkberg Mountain Reserve.
If you want a more serene option, you can cast your fishing line into tranquil waters, where the reflections of autumnal hues dance upon the surface, or team up with South Africa’s top local Bird Guides, David Letsoalo and Paul Nkhumane to go birding in Woodbush, the second-largest indigenous forest in South Africa. How about a Full Moon outride or a host of other equine activities In the Company of Horses? You could also visit an Arabian Horse Stud Farm at Silver Mist or explore around Haenertsburg on horseback with Manely Equine? Pack a picnic and head for the hills where the air is infused with the scent of fallen leaves, spread out a picnic blanket and savour the flavours of the season amidst nature's vibrant canvas. Hike to the mountain tops… the forests or waterfalls. Cycle, fish and picnic at one of the scenic spots or head to the Sunset Queen for a cruise on the Ebenezer Dam while the sun sets in a blaze of colour on another glorious Magoebaskloof day.
Meander through Haenertsburg village with its quaint shops, markets and restaurants or join a Pottery or Art class. Go mushroom foraging, beer-tasting or take part in the Farm to table cooking experiences - a culinary adventure that embodies the essence of the season in colour and flavour. For those wanting a retreat from the world, book a rejuvenating treatment at Noka River Spa or a journey of relaxation with the ‘foot fairy’, Colleen Ballenden at her tranquil centre at Stanford Lake Lodge.
You are sure to have a memorable holiday whether you are here to relax or are one of the outdoors and adventurous types who enjoy the multitude of activities on offer. Whatever you do, make the most of autumn in Magoebaskloof amongst the dramatic visual spectacle of sun-dappled canopy and fiery hues.
MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS
AUTUMN ACTIVITIES
SHORT WALKS & GARDENS
- Cheerio Gardens (071 771 5152)
Walk the paths of these world-famous gardens in Autumn. (L road)
- Sequoia Garden Retreat (sequoiastay@gmail.com)
Book your day walks & picnics in this Autumn wonderland. (Prior arrangement only) (L road)
- Otterholt Farm (079 195 9368 | 076 418 1238)
3km Meander walking or meditation trail; Mushroom tours & Essential Oils tours. (L road)
- Growth Centre (072 277 4809)
Guided stroll for kids through an indigenous forest. (R71) By appointment.
- Waterwheel Country Retreat (081 048 4841)
Walk / cycle on marked trails in beautiful forests & along the river. (GV road)
ADVENTURE
- Magoebaskloof Adventures & Canopy Tours (083 866 1546)
Canopy Tour, tubing, kloofing, abseiling and a tree hop. (R528 / GV road)
- Noko Resort (086 380 7593)
Hiking trail, outdoor fitness days, mountain biking & quad-biking. (R71)
BIRDING
Woodbush Forest Drive is world-renowned for spectacular forest birding.
Bird Guides: David Letsoalo (083 568 4678) or Paul Nkhumane (084 354 9710)
HORSE RIDING
- In the Company of Horses (076 577 1936) Various horseback experiences. (Q road)
- Silver Mist Resort (015 295 9901) Al-Miqdad Arabian horses. (R71)
- Manely Equine (064 122 5895) Enjoy Haenertsburg on horseback.
- Erika Hagens (083 977 6656) Shetland pony ride around Haenertsburg.
BIKING
- Magoebaskloof Mountain Biking (083 453 1514) From family circular rides to adrenaline-filled single track routes. www.magoebasklooftourism.co.za
- Cheerio Gardens (071 771 5152) E-bikes available. (L road)
- Waterwheel Country Retreat (081 048 4841) Bikes for hire (GV road)
FLY FISHING
- Mountain Fly Fishing For Guests (083 255 7817) N road
- Cheerio Trout Fishing & Holiday Resort For Guests (072 650 2366) L road
- Stanford Lake Lodge For Guests (079 519 9211) R71
- Waterwheel Country Resort (074 024 6519) R528 GV road
- Silver Mist Resort (015 295 9901| 063 117 2629) near Haenertsburg.
HIKES & WALKING TRAILS
- Swartbos Trail. The Picturesque 3.8 km route starts at Magoebaskloof Hotel through the indigenous forests of the Magoebaskloof gorge. (1 hour 45 mins).
- Makgeng Hiking Trail (makgengtrail@gmail.com) 12km, 9km or 3.3km Abundant fauna, flora & great views from the mountain top. (R71)
- Schultz Trails (076 968 0483) Hiking / running trails on a working coffee farm. (R71)
- Louis Changuion Trail Through the Haenertsburg Grassland Nature Reserve and indigenous forest. (10km route / 3 to 4 hours)
- Debengeni Waterfall At the bottom of Woodbush Forest (R71). Small entrance fee for scenic short walks around the falls. (no braais or swimming)
- Magoebaskloof Adventures (083 866 1546) 1 to 2 hour trails past waterfalls & rapids in the Letaba Gorge (R528 / GV road).
INSPIRING ACTIVITIES
- Ebenezer Dam Cruises (083 284 5163 | 072 178 1602) Cruises for 10-27 people.
- Nōka River Retreat and Spa (065 513 6006) A space of healing & relaxation. (L road)
- The Growth Centre (072 277 4809) Foot Massage, Reiki & Reading of Feet. (R71)
- Zwakala Brewery (073 874 8651) Beer-tasting of award-winning beers. (L road)
- Krabbefontein Café (076 968 0483) Coffee, Beer & Gin tasting. (R71)
- Wegraakbosch Organic Farm (072 370 1886 l 072 361 0664) Book Dairy tours.
- Ga-Malahlela Village Experience (084 354 9710) A unique cultural experience.
- Earth Creations Studio (083 259 8427) Pottery, painting and mosaic classes.
RETAIL THERAPY
- Blackburn Leather (079 096 5303) Handcrafted, genuine leather products.
- Lavender House (084 556 2760) Decor, art, ceramics, clothing, crafts, collectables.
- Pennefather Complex (078 417 9088) Antiques, bookshop, gifts, clothing, sweets.
- The Glass Art Studio (082 335 6803) Exclusive glass creations. (R71)
