As winter sets in, Magoebaskloof undergoes a transformation. The area is renowned for its azaleas and cherry blossoms during Spring and the wonderful colourful hues of Autumn, but winter presents a completely different landscape. After a crisp, clear day out and about exploring all the attractions ‘The Mountain’ has to offer, it’s wonderful to come back to your cosy venue, pour a glass of red wine and enjoy the warmth of a log fireplace with an eye on the spectacular winter star-spangled skies outside.
Explore the quaint shops, markets and restaurants of Haenertsburg village or immerse yourself in a pottery or art class. Go mushroom foraging, choose one of the fun experiences at Wegraakbosch organic farm or book for coffee-tasting at Krabbefontein, the largest high-altitude coffee farm in the country. For a retreat from the world, choose one of the wellness packages at Noka River Spa or embark on a journey of relaxation with Colleen Ballenden, the ‘foot fairy’, at her tranquil center at Stanford Lake Lodge.
Magoebaskloof invites visitors to enjoy the beauty of winter along the network of Mountain Bike trails winding through picturesque farms, past tranquil dams, or opt for a more challenging ride through the mountains and forests of Magoebaskloof. For the adrenaline junkies, soar through the air on 11 ziplines over the Letaba River gorge or abseil down rocky faces with Magoebaskloof Adventures. Just outside Haenertsburg, Noko Resort offers hiking, quad-biking and fitness days. On a sunny winter's day, Magoebaskloof offers endless outdoor adventures – with its rugged landscapes, lush forests and breathtaking vistas, it's a paradise for hikers. Choose from leisurely strolls through the Haenertsburg Grassland to challenging trails up to the Iron Crown peak in the Wolkberg Mountain Reserve.
For a more tranquil experience, try your hand at fishing in serene waters reflecting the winter hues, or join South Africa’s top local bird guides for birding in Woodbush, the second-largest indigenous forest in the country. 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.
Whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure, a holiday in Magoebaskloof promises unforgettable moments amidst the captivating spectacle of winter's tranquility and subtle beauty. Whatever you do, make the most of winter in the magical Magoebaskloof.
MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS
WINTER ACTIVITIES
INSPIRING ACTIVITIES
- 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 brews. (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.
- Ebenezer Dam Cruises (083 284 5163 | 072 178 1602) Cruises for 10-27 people.
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)
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)
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)
BIRDING
Woodbush Forest Drive is world-renowned for spectacular forest birding.
Bird Guides: David Letsoalo (083 568 4678) or Paul Nkhumane (084 354 9710)
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.
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.
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).
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