Cycad / Broodboom Hiking Trail

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1 remark — Share your experience or tips with fellow hikers.

1. David on December 31, 2009

   I live in Sandton, and drive everyday to work in Centurion. I needed a break! My friends suggested to get out of the city and embark on a hike. I have Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. So, where to go? Someone suggested The Cycad hiking trail, and a good choice it was indeed!

   Friday afternoon we set off to Middelburg, and navigated the extra +/- 14km to the Broodboom Hiking Trail farm house with some moderate “difficulty”. (Just watch out not to the miss the turn-off from the main road, N11, onto the dirt road, and the dirt road could be tricky in wet weather.)

   The family/owners, who maintain and run the Cycad Trail, are super friendly. They gave us all the maps and info we needed and offered to drop us off at Arendsnes camp site (since it was already dark outside when we
   arrived).

   The Arendsnes camp site is simply amazing! Probably the best hiking camp site I’ve ever seen. Built right on top of the Elephants River Gorge, you have a wide 270 degree view over the valley, perfect braai area which is fully kitted out with luxuries like running water and basin, firewood, oil lamps, toilets (no electricity which A OK by me) and shower with a view. We spent the entire night braai-ing and planning the next day’s activities.

   On Saturday morning we set off towards the other campsite (close to the farmhouse), which is a relatively easy 4 hour walk. Although the sun was shining down in full force, carrying a cool-box with beer was not making it any easier. The trail was well marked and we saw some monkeys and interesting rock formations along the way.
   We set up camp and after a little lunch break, we taclked the broodboom route to see some cycads. Free from any heavy backpacks and equipment, we managed to cruise along swiftly. In our urgency we managed to get a bit lost and didn’t see the much of the cycad population. Next time we’ll take along a GPS!

   The camp-site next to the farmhouse is not as epic as the Arendsnes, but it does the job well. We decided to sleep outside under the stars, and the next morning we were off back to good old Jo’burg.

   The Broodboom Trail is a winner if you looking to get out of the city for the weekend and have a “relaxed” hike in the bush. The Arendsnes camp site won’t disappoint.