so much to do
ACTIVITIES
The Estate offers many layers of outdoor activities and experience, all in a landscape of extraordinary beauty and rich biodiversity in which you can engage at your own pace.
Trout Fishing
Read our feature article in the July Issue of The Complete Fly Fisherman here
FLY FISHING
The estate offers trout fishing on a 8 km stretch of the upper Crocodile River, arguably the best river trout fishing in Mpumalanga. This is due to the fact that the upstream catchment area produces a perennial flow of neutral to alkaline, clear and well-oxygenated water. This builds up the food chain for trout, which breed naturally in the river. There is very little riparian agronomy upstream of Verlorenkloof, limited urban use and no industry whatsoever, making Verlorenkloof a trout fishing gem.
There are also 7 still water dams and ponds on the Estate, offering trout fishing in varying grades of difficulty. Dams are monitored and stocked with care during the hot summer months and more regularly from March to October, catches are duly recorded and the fishing is actively managed for sustainability and enjoyment. Catch and release principles may be instituted in hot and dry periods.
TROUT FISHING CLINICS
Joseph and William, our resident guides are available to help and guide. Click here for more.
Horse Riding
The estate breeds Nooitgedacht ponies, an indigenous breed which combines the sure-footedness and wonderful temperament of the Basotho pony with the fine breeding of the Boerperd. Take to the foothills on horseback and look out over the valley with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Trails are guided and have been developed in such a way to ensure that even beginners can enjoy a relaxing ride.
Please book at reception before or on arrival to avoid disappointment.
Hiking
With Verlorenkloof’s unspoilt landscape and surroundings, rambling and hiking is a favourite activity. The 1600 ha property boasts a 42km network of professionally laid out trails that passes through 5 eco-zones. The well-marked trails offer everything from short scenic rambles to strenuous walks and overnight hikes. Please enquire at reception.
Mountain Biking
Explore Verlorenkloof and Welgedacht Farm on our newly completed mountain bike trail. Please enquire at reception about possible mountain routes and guided trails on offer. The roads of Verlorenkloof and Welgedacht Farm are free for use at own risk. They are also long and vast – be sure to carry your cellphone and a map on you at all time.
Birding
Verlorenkloof Estate is an exciting and highly regarded birding destination in Mpumalanga. Due to its wonderful array of habitats – montane, forest, wetland, riverine and bush – birds are both diverse and numerous. Over 300 species can be found on the estate, six of which are endemic to the area, while an additional 11 species are endemic to Southern Africa. Three species are listed in the South African Red Data Book – Peregrine Falcon, Southern Bald Ibis and the Broad-tailed Warbler – all of which are seen regularly.
- Read more about our Birding here
- Birding Day Weekend Program
- Frans Krige’s reports on Birding Big Day 2011 – 2012 – 2013 – 2014 – 2016 – 2018
- Verlorenkloof Bird List
- Escarpment Bird Club
- Birding Big Day 26 – 29 November 2021
Botany
The vegetation at Verlorenkloof contains many of the ‘escarpment specials’ that make this region so unique. Some of these species may be found elsewhere, but the accumulation of all the species at Verlorenkloof is certainly worth mentioning. To date 452 plant species have been identified at Verlorenkloof of which 140 are tree species. A list of these species is available at the estate. Invader plants and trees are removed on a continuous basis to protect and preserve the vegetation of the estate.
Archaeology
Verlorenkloof Estate is home to a rich stone-walled heritage legacy and lies at the epicentre of an extensive complex of late Iron Age (1500-1830 AD) archaeology stretching along the escarpment from Carolina to Ohrigstad. Many stonewalled homesteads with cattle tracks and terraces mark its sloping hills. The estate has in excess of 120 recorded sites and has been actively involved over the past 10 years in developing this resource in association with leading South African and international archaeologists and historians.
The recent launch of the book, Forgotten World, co-authored by Peter Delius (historian) and Tim Maggs and Alex Schoeman (archaeologists) is the result of this research. It tells the story of Bokoni, the area named after the country of the Koni people, through rigorous historical and archaeological research, and lavishly illustrates it with stunning photographic images. Or read the Mail and Guardian article – The Bokoni story unearthed arts and culture books.
- Archaeology and birding weekend Program
- Verlorenkloof Stone Walls in the news
Other Scenic Sites
Cool off in fountain-fed rock pools, enjoy the picnic sites at the river, cycle on a wide ranging network of quiet and safe gravel roads, visit the well-known escarpment and Lowveld attractions, drive to Dullstroom for lunch, or as many visitors end up doing, just sit on the verandah and contemplate the mountains.
The Holiday Program
We run a much loved holiday program during the school holidays to give you a chance to relax and put your feet up while we entertain your kids. Come and join us for coffee and cake in the Lodge while the youngsters play klei-lat, decorate cupcakes, walk to the waterfall and ride the ponies.
Holiday program runs from Monday to Thursday during the school holidays and is an opportunity for children to learn more about the ecology (food chain, biomes, ecosystems, energy and nutrients), the farm as well as the history of the area, and all of this while having stacks of fun and meeting all the other kids visiting the property!
Most of the daily activities can be enjoyed by parents too and input and requests are most welcome!
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