Activities & Experiences
Fly Fishing
Verlorenkloof Estate offers exceptional fly fishing for wild rainbow and brown trout on approximately 8km of the upper Crocodile River. Known for its pristine water quality and abundant food sources for trout and with limited human activity in the upstream areas, the river offers a unique and well-managed fishing experience in spectacular surroundings.
Additionally, there are 7 well-stocked dams and ponds on the estate, offering fly fishing of varying levels of difficulty. Fishing is carefully monitored and managed for sustainability and enjoyment, with catch and release practices in place.
Fly Fishing Clinics
Our resident guides, Lucas, Joseph and William are available to help and guide you for a more enjoyable flyfishing experience. Click here for more.
Horse Riding
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.
The estate houses Nooitgedacht ponies, an indigenous breed which combines the sure-footedness and wonderful temperament of the Basotho pony with the fine breeding of the Boerperd.
Advance bookings at Reception
- Out Ride: R140.00 p/p (+/- 1 hour) at 09h30 and 15h30 daily
- Leads: R80.00 per child (+/- 30 minutes) at 08h30 and 14h30 daily
Bookings must be made an hour prior to schedule starting times. Weather &
availability of horses permitting. Come and enjoy a leisurely outride along the foothills of the Steenkampsberg, or along the banks of the Crocodile river.
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.
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 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.
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 Programme
We run a much loved holiday programme 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.
Our holiday programme 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!
