Sporekrans Hiking Trail

Beauty: 4/5
Difficulty: 6/10 (Many ascents and descents)
Technical Rating: The trail runs near edges over heights, with several unprotected bridges and ladders. Chains are used for support in some sections.

Sporekrans is about 45 km from Bethlehem and roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg. The trail is located within the Bergdeel Private Nature Reserve, nestled in the heart of the Witteberg Mountains. Hikers can expect to encounter up to 17 game species and a variety of birdlife.

We arrived late in the afternoon, the day before our hike, at an awe-inspiring venue. It’s highly recommended to arrive the night before for an early start. A very friendly Abram greeted us and showed us around.

Sporekrans base camp

Accommodation

The base camp has electricity and can accommodate up to 26 hikers. Facilities include a communal kitchen with a fridge, hot plate, pots, pan, microwave oven, and electric kettle. There’s also a lapa with braai facilities, as well as dorms with hot showers, a bath, and flush toilets.

The first and second nights can be spent at base camp, or the more adventurous can stay overnight in the cave. The cave features rustic log beds with mattresses, water supply, and a braai area. The long-drop toilet even offers a remarkable view over the reserve plains.

Day 1

After a hearty breakfast, we set out around 8 am. The trail and views are spectacular from the start. We climbed a gorge and crossed sandstone flats known as “Angel Heights.” The view from “God’s View,” overlooking “God’s Finger,” is simply breathtaking. We saw the natural “bushmen baths,” still brimming with water from the previous night’s rain. Numerous ascents and descents followed — we lost count — but the scenery remained incredible in every direction.

Views from Angel Heights

Bushmen baths filled from recent rain

We paused at the tranquil “berg water” point around midday — exhausted but quickly revived after a rest and snack.

Spectacular gorge view along the trail

Around the 7 km mark we faced our first ladder at Bamboeskloof — approximately 9 metres high and certainly not for the faint-hearted. With some nervous laughter and a few prayers, we began our descent. More bridges and ladders followed as we made our way into a magnificent gorge.

Ladders at Bamboeskloof

Despite brief hail, we pressed on. Trail markers became sparse and confusing, causing us to veer off track occasionally — but that’s how we stumbled upon the mermaid pools. Sadly, darkening skies prevented a swim.

Bridges and pools along the trail

The final stretch before the cave crossed easy sandstone flats, a brief reprieve before the last 200 m climb — a near-vertical ascent aided by chains fixed into the rock. Exhausted but elated, we reached the Bushmen’s Cave around 4 pm after 12 km and roughly eight hours of hiking.

Chains assist on the steep final ascent

The cave, a massive sandstone overhang carved by millennia of erosion, provided welcome shelter. After a rest, we built a campfire and enjoyed a hearty braai. Sleeping in the open cave was unforgettable — nature’s night sounds filled the air.

Bushmen’s Cave overnight stop

View from Bushmen’s Cave

Day 2

A beautiful sunrise woke us just after 5 am. After a quick breakfast, we were back on the trail by 6 am. Abram kindly transported our overnight gear to and from the cave — a service well worth the extra cost!

Sunrise over the Witteberg Mountains

Morning yoga at Bushmen’s Cave

The return trail should be 4–6 km, but we again lost the markers and improvised a route back to base. Our path crossed a small stream and sandstone flats, refreshed by the crisp morning air.

Early morning walk back to base camp

Our route turned out to be about 2 km in total, which suited us fine after the previous day’s strenuous effort. Base camp was a welcome sight, and long hot baths felt like a reward well earned.

Back at base camp

This hike was worth every effort — it exceeded all expectations, and no photo can truly capture the scale or splendour of Sporekrans.

A Word of Warning

This trail is not suitable for young children. Numerous ladders, bridges, and exposed sections make it hazardous. Those with acrophobia should also avoid it — even confident hikers will feel their pulse quicken along the heights.

Contact Details

Bookings through Fagala Voet:
Email: bookings@fagalavoet.co.za
Website: fagalavoet.co.za
Tel: Nadia van Straaten – 082 776 5540 / Wayne van Straaten – 081 894 9802

Alternatively, contact Tshele Vincent Montsitsi (Manager) at 078 365 0662.