Ribbokkloof Experience (Part Three)

Next off it was time for some “serious exploring” (the diplomatic term for not knowing “where the hell you’re going”). I was all over the place, sometimes twice, sometimes three times. It was not until I decided to go to the moutanous side of the farm when things started to be fun again.

First it was off to the hiking and 4x4 camping site and obstacle course. This was, although not nearly as challenging and limited as one would hope, quite fun. It was situated next to the dam (which was the third stop).

The obstacle area had a little stream running from the vlei area through to the dam. The obstacles ran over the stream, some places deep, others more like a little puddle.

See the part four for the dam stop…

Ribbokkloof Experience (Part Two)

 Late the next morning after some breakfast and coffee it was off to hit the trail. This time I hooked up an extra tank of petrol for in case I run out.

The trail was situated on both sides of the kloof, so there were some very mountainous areas to tackle. As mentioned before, there were unfortunately no clear guidelines on where the trails go and where you should be, but the farm wasn’t that big for me to get lost easily.

First off it was down to the lower mountain side of the kloof, which very soon (about 20 minutes) ended up back to the kloof again. I had to turn back to what I thought was an early pit stop, the so-called “vlei” area situated in the kloof on the far side of the farm.



As it was middle winter there was actually no “vlei” to speak off, but still made for a relaxing spot.

Ribbokkloof Experience (Part One)

Upon arriving at the farm we were taken straight to the reception area for all the arrangements. Upon booking in we received a map (very unclear in my opinion) of the farm and the trail routes. From this we could see that the trails were not as organised as you wished them to be and that it was very much trial and error (as I experienced hands on later on!).

The roads to the kloof and the charlets were nice and smooth and easy to get to even with my Sonata and the tailer. As mentioned earlier, the charlets are all situated in the so-called kloof, from where all the activities could take place. The charlets were very cosy and fully equipped. We had warm water for showering and a gas stove for cooking. The electricity for the lights were supplied from outside via the car battery.

After setting up we went for a walk between the cattle to explore the immediate surroundings, visiting the pool and taking photos of the beautiful landscapes. There was still a lot of repairs and upgrading going on with some of the charlets and the swimming pool and braai areas.

Later that evening we made a nice camp fire on the designated fire area and had a nice, dark, relaxing evening.

Ribbokkloof Vakansie Plaas – Preview

Official Website – http://www.ribbokklooflodge.co.za/

GPS – S25 35'21.9'' E29 49'023''

Date Middle Winter

The next trail is at the Ribbokkloof vakansie plaas, situated between Middelburg and Witbank in Mpumalanga Province, about 2 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The farm forms part of a series of cattle farms which is also the home of the Gelykwater Bonsmara stud.

Ribbokkloof claim a unique and unforgettable experience in a close to nature environment. The farm offers various self catering charlets (executive or basic), including a 4x4 camping site and 4x4 trails at affordable prices. It also contains a swimming pool and playground for the kiddies.

The sharlets are situated in a kloof next to a mountain stream and rock pools. The Executive charlets are cosier for a romantic 2-person experience, where the basic charlets can cater for the whole family or a group of people. All charlets are fully equipped kitchens with cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, a gas stove, fridge with freezer and its own private braai area. The camping site is more for the “natury at heart” without any electricity. Wood is available to buy on site.

They offer a variety of activities including 4x4 trails where quad bikes are welcome, swimming, fishing (bass), mountain biking, bird watching and hiking.

Serendipity Summery

Serendipity was truly worthy of being a great quad trail, probably of the highest standards, surely worthy of being the milestone to compare other quad trails and experiences with.

The trail itself was awesome, with some easy relaxing areas and some challenging parts. The bushveldt scenery was spectacular. The housing fitted the scene and was very comfortable. Overall very worth the effort! Will I go back there?

Hell yes!

If you had any experience with Serendipity or want to ask questions about the farm, please send us a comment.