Where is it?
How to get there
General Information
Main Attractions
History
Trail Options
The Prospector's Hiking Trail is situated in the Pilgrim's Rest area in Mpumalanga.
Take the N4 to Mpumalanga and turn off on the R539. Drive for 8 km and then turn right onto the R539. After driving for 24 km turn left at the T-junction onto the R37 and continue for 26 km. Reach another T-junction and turn right onto the R37 (Longtom Pass) to Sabie. Drive through Sabie and follow the R532 to Pilgrim's Rest. Drive past Pilgrim's Rest and follow the Robbers Pass.
To reach the Morgenzon Plantation, take the R533 for 8 km on the Robbers Pass Road. Turn at the Prospector's Hiking Trail signpost at Morgenzon. The Pilgrim's Rest Hut is situated 1 km from Pilgrim's Rest on the road to Graskop/Sabie. Follow the signposts to the hut.
The trail has two different starting points, namely the Morgenzon Plantation or the Pilgrim's Rest Hut.
There are four huts on this route:
- Pilgrim's Rest
- Morgenzon
- Black Hill
- Excelsior
Each of these huts has 16 bunk beds, two showers, two toilets, firewood and a braai area and grid. Only the Pilgrim's Rest Hut has hot water and electricity.
Parking
Parking for the Morgenzon Plantation is available at the office. Cars can be parked at own risk at the Pilgrim's Rest Hut or at the Pilgrim’s Rest police station. Make transport arrangements back to the starting point if you are doing the four- or five-night trail.
Please note: The nearest doctor and emergency services are at Sabie.
- Birding. Along the cliffs, black eagle, buzzard, pigeon, little swift, lesser striped swallow and redwinged starling occur. Along the grassy fields the following birds may be seen: Swainson's francolin, guinea fowl, brownhooded kingfisher and whitenecked raven. In the plantation there are hadeda ibis, diederik cuckoo and rameron pigeon. Along the indigenous forests and gorges the following birds may be seen: Knysna lourie, redchested cuckoo, paradise flycatcher and malachite sunbird. Along and near streams there are blue crane, rock martin, Cape wagtail and southern masked weaver.
- Mammals. Along the grasslands near Excelsior, the following animals may occur: oribi, mountain reedbuck, klipspringer. Along the plantations, there may be bush buck and duiker. Wild animals that occur here but are rarely seen include leopard, serval, civet, blackbacked jackal, otter, porcupine, Cape polecat and badger. Hyrax is often seen on the cliffs, while bush pig can be seen on the plantation floor, looking for larvae. The herd of wild horses that usually occur near the Excelsior Hut has been here for a number of years. It is believed that these horses are descendants of horses that found shelter in the mountains during the pioneer era.
- Butterflies and moths. There is a variety of butterfly life. The brightly coloured red and green larvae of the emperor moth can be seen on the pine needles.
On 22 September 1873, Pilgrim's Rest was declared a goldfield but people already lived here long before the discovery of gold. Black tribes first inhabited this area where they were safe from attacks by the Swazis, Zulus and Matabeles.
The first pioneers arrived in the area when Andries Hendrik Potgieter left Potchefstroom in 1840 to search for a new route to Delagoa Bay. He travelled up the mountains to Graskop and descended into the lowveld via Kowyns Pass.
A German teacher, Karl Gottlieb Mauch, first predicted that gold was present in the valleys of Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest. In 1869, his prediction came true when gold was discovered in the Spekboom River, and in 1873 the gold rush began. Many Australians, Americans, French, British and South Africans passed on their colourful names to the streams and valleys.
By the end of 1873, about 1500 diggers were working 4000 claims in and around the area. Pilgrim’s Rest was the social centre of the diggings consisting of the upper, middle and lower camps.
In 1881, a London financier, David Benjamin, obtained the mining rights concession of the farms Ponieskrantz (on which Pilgrim’s Rest is located), Ledovine, Waterhouboom, Driekop and Grootfontein, and established the Transvaal Gold Exploration and Land Company. In 1895, various smaller companies merged with Benjamin's company and in 1896 the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates (TGME) was formed. The mining operation continued until 1972 when TGME closed down the Beta mine. Since 1974 the provincial administration has managed Pilgrim's Rest as a living museum. There are a few new mines active in and around the Pilgrim's Rest area, but the main attraction seems to be the many tourism activities in the area.
Peach Tree Creek two-night trail
Pilgrim’s Rest to Morgenzon
After leaving the beautiful town of Pilgrim’s Rest, the trail takes you to the 'diggings', where you get an idea of what life was like for the diggers. Climb to the coco pan tracks that served the Chi Mine. Continue on these tracks until they connect to the coco pan tracks that served the Theta Mine. Now descend to the Blyde River. Cross the Blyde River and follow the historical railway line. Go down a concrete channel and continue deeper into the creek. One of the early paths, which was used by the diggers, takes you up the side of the creek to a mine that was abandoned in the late 1960s.
After departing from the mine, walk through grassland and enter a large patch of wattle trees. Continue walking until you reach an old bridle-path that slowly ascends to a large patch of protea (Protea caffra). The trail now leads to an indigenous forest. As you leave the forest, slowly climb to the Morgenzon Hut. Click here to Book Now!
Morgenzon to Pilgrim’s Rest
This short trail gives you enough time to explore the beautifully conserved town of Pilgrim’s Rest. Depart from the Morgenzon Hut through a path along the plantation edge and grassland before hiking down to a mountain stream. As you walk through the indigenous forest, pass a stand of protea before joining the furrow known as the Columbia race. Now walk down to Columbia Hill. At one point you can see the lower portion of Pilgrim’s Rest. Follow the small stream. As you cross the Blyde River to enter Pilgrim’s Rest, take a moment to examine the design of the Joubert Bridge.
In Pilgrim’s Rest, visit the various shops in the lower end of town before following the trail up to the old hospital and through District Six to the cemetery. Try to find the 'robbers grave' at the cemetery. Legend has it that this man was caught and convicted of robbing tents at Pilgrim’s Rest. He was banned from the town and told never to return. A few days later he was seen at Cemetery Hill where he was shot dead and buried where he fell. His grave faces north-south to brand him forever a thief. From the cemetery the trail takes you to the main part of the town where you can visit the well-known Royal Hotel. Click here to Book Now!
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How to get there:
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The Pilgrim's Rest Hut is 1 km from Pilgrim's Rest on the road to Graskop/Sabie. Follow the signs to the hut.
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Parking:
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Park at the Pilgrim's Rest Hut.
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Distances:
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- Pilgrim's Rest Hut to Morgenzon Hut – 12.6 km.
- Morgenzon Hut to Pilgrim's Rest Hut – 8.3 km.
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Hut facilities:
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Each of these huts has 16 bunk beds, two showers, two toilets, firewood and a braai area with a grid. Only the Pilgrim's Rest Hut has hot water and electricity.
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Difficulty:
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Easy
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Black Hill three-night trail
Morgenzon to Black Hill
Start this trail from the Morgenzon Hut or the forest station. Descend into a gully, which forms the upper reaches of the Clewer stream. After crossing the stream, hike through the pine trees and follow the old Robbers Pass for a short distance. Before reaching the new Robbers Pass Road, the trail deviates through pine trees, dropping to the level of the Clewer Falls.
Make use of the old wagon path to climb up a ridge opposite the Clewer Falls. Walk along the edge of the cliff until you enter the indigenous forest. Continue along the stream until you reach a historical wagon path in the forest. Deeper into the forest the trail proceeds to a small waterfall before leading onto a forestry road. Follow the road as it drops into the next valley, with a beautiful indigenous forest.
Follow the stream through steep cliffs, crossing a small forestry road, and continue along the path. Owing to the increase in the amount of sunlight and the decrease in the amount of water, the vegetation changes from indigenous forest to mountain fynbos. Rocky ledges that form natural steps lead to the Black Hill Lookout Trail Camp. Click here to Book Now!
Black Hill to Excelsior
From Black Hill, follow a path that twists through the sandstone outcrops and slowly climbs to the viewpoint at Black Hill. If there is no fog in the area, the Black Hill viewpoint gives a 270° view of the surrounding area. The trail continues along the escarpment edge and then descends down into a small gully and a stand of pine trees. After walking through the pine trees and crossing a forestry road, enter grassland interspersed with a rocky outcrop. A small number of historical kraal walls are still visible among the rocks. Now ascend to a high point that overlooks the Themeda Hills and Crystal Springs farms.
Enter another stand of pine trees that descend into a valley of fynbos. Follow this valley until the trail enters a grassland area and continue until you reach the large streams, waterfalls and pools on this trail. Along the rocky area you will come across several pools. Continue along the rocky area until the trail leaves the stream and winds up some rocky ledges to a viewpoint that overlooks the Ohrigstad valley. A short walk over the grassy plain brings you to a rocky outcrop before crossing the final stream and ending at Excelsior Hut. Click here to Book Now!
Excelsior to Morgenzon
This trail is moderately difficult but if you start early, you will have enough time to enjoy its beautiful views. Walk across a grassy plain, then climb to a viewpoint and continue hiking through the rocky outcrops before entering a pine plantation. The viewpoint is on Themeda Hill. Follow the edge of the ridge before slowly moving up along a historical wagon path and crossing a rocky outcrop. Ascend to another pine plantation before descending to a cliff edge. Follow the cliff edge, then cross a small valley and continue along the edge. Climb through pine trees onto a rocky ledge. Now move down to Clivia Bush, so called because of the profusion of clivias.
Leave Clivia Bush and descend into a valley abundant in aloe species. Descend to a small stream where you can find a historical wagon path that once led to Ohrigstad. Hike along the edge of the cliff until you arrive at the Jock of the Bushveld and the Robbers Pass plaques. Among the rock at Robbers Pass you will see an outspan that was once the meeting place of the wagon paths leading to Lydenburg, Ohrigstad, Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie.
Now you are on your way to Klipspringer Randjie. Follow the stream until you reach a maze of large rocks with magnificent views. At this point, descend into a small valley, which brings you to a patch of indigenous forest. Follow the stream that cuts through a cliff and leads to the Morgenzon Hut. If you are completing your hike, continue to the forest station. Follow the foot print signs along the forestry road that leads to your vehicle. Click here to Book Now!
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How to get there:
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To get to the Morgenzon Plantation, take the R533 for 8 km on the Robbers Pass Road. Turn off right at the Prospector's Hiking Trail sign at Morgenzon.
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Parking:
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Park at Morgenzon Plantation.
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Distances:
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- Morgenzon Hut to Black Hill Hut– 15.6 km.
- Black Hill Hut to Excelsior Hut – 10 km.
- Excelsior Hut to Morgenzon Hut – 15.7 km.
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Hut facilities:
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All of these huts have 16 bunk beds, two showers, two toilets, firewood and a braai area. Only the Pilgrim's Rest Hut has hot water and electricity.
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Difficulty:
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Moderate to very difficult
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Morgenzon three-night trail
Park at the Morgenzon Plantation and walk approximately 3 km to the Morgenzon Hut. As you walk, note how the vegetation changes from indigenous forest to mountain fynbos as the amount of water decreases and the sunlight increases. The exquisite Clivia Bush is one of the most spectacular sights on this trail. The Black Hill Lookout Trail Camp at the end of this route has the best sunrise and sunset views. Click here to Book Now!
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How to get there:
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To get to the Morgenzon Plantation, take the R533 for 8 km, on the Robbers Pass Road. Turn off right at the Prospector's Hiking Trail sign at Morgenzon.
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Parking:
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Park at Morgenzon Plantation.
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Distances:
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- Morgenzon Hut to Black Hill Hut – 15.6 km.
- Black Hill Hut to Excelsior Hut – 10 km.
- Excelsior Hut to Morgenzon Hut – 15.7 km.
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Hut facilities:
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All of these huts have 16 bunk beds, two showers, two toilets, firewood and a braai area. Only the Pilgrim's Rest Hut has hot water and electricity.
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Difficulty:
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Moderate to very difficult
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Prospector's / Morgenzon four-night trail
Cars can be parked at the Pilgrim's Rest Hut where you will spend the first night. On this trail, hikers can see cocopan paths, historical railways and mines, which give an idea of what life was like in the gold mining era. Click here to Book Now!
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How to get there:
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The Pilgrim's Rest Hut is 1 km from Pilgrim's Rest on the road to Graskop/Sabie. Follow the signs to the hut.
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Parking:
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Park at the Pilgrim's Rest Hut.
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Distances:
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- Pilgrim's Rest Hut to Morgenzon Hut – 12.6 km.
- Morgenzon Hut to Black Hill Hut – 15.6 km.
- Black Hill Hut to Excelsior Hut – 10 km.
- Excelsior Hut to Morgenzon Hut –15.7 km.
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Hut facilities:
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All of these huts have 16 bunk beds, two showers, two toilets, firewood and a braai area. Only the Pilgrim's Rest Hut has hot water and electricity.
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Difficulty:
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Moderate to very difficult
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Prospector's five-night trail
Cars can be parked at the Pilgrim's Rest Hut where you will spend your first night. On this trail there is a variety of habitat zones, such as an indigenous forest, grasslands, fynbos and rocky outcrops. Various points of cultural interest can be seen while walking along the historical wagon routes and original Robbers Pass, and hikers get a sense of what life was like for the diggers living in that era. Click here to Book Now!
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How to get there:
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The Pilgrim's Rest Hut is 1 km from Pilgrim's Rest on the road to Graskop/Sabie. Follow the signs to the hut.
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Parking:
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Park at the Pilgrim's Rest Hut.
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Distances:
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- Pilgrim's Rest Hut to Morgenzon Hut – 12.6 km.
- Morgenzon Hut to Black Hill Hut – 15.6 km.
- Black Hill Hut to Excelsior Hut – 10 km.
- Excelsior Hut to Morgenzon Hut – 16 km.
- Morgenzon Hut to Pilgrim's Rest Hut – 8.3 km.
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Hut facilities:
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Each of these huts has 16 bunk beds, two showers, two toilets, firewood and a braai area. Only the Pilgrim's Rest Hut has hot water and electricity.
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Difficulty:
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Very difficult
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Rates
R105.00 per person per night