Hiking in Nature Reserves Close to Lydenburg, Mpumalanga

Hiking in the nature reserves close to Stonecutters is a wonderful experience.

The Gustav Klingbiel and Sterkspruit Reserves are close to Lydenburg These reserves lie adjacent to the Long Tom Pass which from its summit drops 1100m over 8kms in dramatic curves – this sets the scenery hikers, walkers, mountain bikers and birdwatches can expect on walks and trails within these reserves. Thornveld and bushveld on the low-lying areas, montane grassland on hills and plateaus and little pockets of mountain forest in the ravines ensure scintillating birding.

There are a few routes to follow the shortest being the Pedi-Route (5km long) and the longest being the Ribbok trail (20km). The Crane route is 9km and the Protea Route is 12kms. 

The Klipgatspruit carves a deep valley through the mountains.  Game are plentiful and include Eland, Zebra, Kudu, Impala, Blue Wilderbeest, Oribi, Grey Rheebuck, reedbuck, Blesbuck, and Bushbuck. For the bird-watching enthusiast there are more than 200 birds in the area. The parks are very scenic and it is really worthwhile to pack a camera.

Archaeological ruins that date back to the iron age and remnants of Anglo-Boer forts lie in this park.