There are numerous trails to enjoy on the reserve varying in difficulty and ranging from 3 to 5 hours. A hiking map is available for guests in the tents. The number one rule is NEVER HIKE ALONE, no matter how experienced you are. Please be sure to let someone know which trail you intend to take before you set off. Please check the weather before hiking. This is Africa, so please prepare by packing sunscreen, sensible shoes, hats, insect repellent, and common sense.

1. Middelrug Trail

Middelrug is a circular route that goes north, then turns around, and goes back down south. The trail starts at the swimming dam on Bergendal farm. Climb up onto the dam wall and walk along its length to the far left-hand side corner. Look for the start of the trail a few metres on, it winds and goes up the ridge of the mountain. This trail goes up along the ridge of the spur and promises spectacular views and sunshine in the morning.

It is quite steep but not difficult to walk. Take plenty of water in summer as you only enter the streambed halfway on your way back. If you know your fynbos you may be able to find an endangered Protea variety which is only found on our farm (Vexatorella Latebrosa). Middelrug trail is perfect if you start out in the morning and climb the ridge in the cool air, then by afternoon, as the day is warming up you return in the shaded Kloof.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours

2. Hermit’s Ridge Trail

This circular route goes west, then north, and links up with Karin’s trail. Named after the legend of an old hermit who used to live in the Langeberg Mountains. Apparently, he hoarded a fortune in Kruger Rands and the secret of this treasure was lost when he died. Over the decades the exact position of his mountain home was lost, along with his treasure. In the 1980s when we cleared the dense vegetation to make our hiking trails, we found several exotic lemon trees in the middle of the fynbos forest at the foot of Hermit’s Ridge trail. Apparently, no human had been there in decades! We can only assume that this was the source of the Hermit’s vitamin C.

Hermit’s Ridge Trail starts at the gate near Oak Cottage on Bergendal. As you go through the gate, turn left, and go through the second gate onto the wedding meadow. Now walk across the length of the wedding meadow to the far side where the Poplar Forest is. Facing the forest, on the far-right side is a thick patch of long grass, the trail starts in this grass. Walk along the path, through the Poplar Forest, across the stream, and up along the old boundary fence. Here the trail winds steeply up the side of the ridge, it is slow going and steep, take your time, once on top the views are spectacular and the going is easier. Follow the top of the ridge travelling north and to the right of Tafelberg. Once behind Tafelberg (so between Tafelberg and the Langeberg Mountains) you will link up with Karin trail which turns right and zigzags steeply down the side of the mountain to the wooded kloof and stream below. It might be difficult to find the trail as this side of the mountain is quite sparse with only tufts of grass, but it is directly behind Tafelberg going down steeply from the very top of the valley.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours

3. Karin Trail

Karin’s Trail either continues from the top of Hermit’s Ridge Trail or can be hiked there and back separately. Named after Karin Busch (Pat Busch’s wife), this trail is both beautiful and rewarding and it is one of our most popular trails. It follows the mountain streams along shaded and steep wooded valleys. Tree ferns, indigenous trees, boulders, and the gurgling stream are your companions. We recommend this delightfully cool hike during the summer months.

If you are hiking this trail from the bottom, it starts on Bergendal behind the big dam. Follow the road through the gate right to the back. Here the road ends and the trails start. Take the left fork of the trail through the fynbos up the valley and keep left. This is Karin’s Trail, and it takes you up to behind Tafelberg. At the end of Karin’s Trail, once you’ve navigated along the stream over boulders and under branches, you can zigzag up the left side of the mountain to join Hermit’s Ridge Trail which winds back south along the ridge back to the cottages.

Alternatively, if you took Hermit’s Ridge Trail first then you will join Karin’s Trail from the top of the valley and meander back down along the kloof. This trail is quite rocky and steep in places, it can be slippery and some scrambling over boulders and under trees is required once you enter the river.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours

We offer a saltwater swimming pool surrounded by rolling lawns for those who would like to relax in the sun, and a farm dam perfect for cooling down during the warm summer months.

The dam is a quick two-minute walk from the tents. There are two rowboats and two kayaks available for guests to use at no charge. Be sure to secure the boats/kayaks after use.

Oar rental available at reception: R75 per day + R200 refundable deposit. Oars and life jackets can be collected and returned at reception.

Do not forget your fishing gear! The dam is stocked with Bass and Tilapia and is operated on a strict catch-and-release policy. Kindly do not leave any fishing line or sharp hooks at the dam.

Fishing rod hire: R350 (Full day) | R250 (Half day)
Box of lures hire: R150

Kids will enjoy cycling on the dirt roads on the property, and for more serious mountain biking enthusiasts, there are a number of MTB trails surrounding the property and by exploring the Klaasvoogds Meander. A route map is available on-site. One option is to cycle to Kranskop Wine Estate and enjoy a tasting & cheese platter. Bike rental is available on the property, subject to availability.

Mountain bikes (along with helmets) are available for rent.

Costs: R325 per bike for half-day rental | R450 per bike for full-day rental

Kids can enjoy hours of fun playing on the jungle gym across the swimming pool.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes that can get a little muddy.

Take a windbreaker or some wind/waterproof clothing along in the case of rain or changes in weather.

Take drinking water and power food along on your hike. Bananas, chocolates, or mixed nuts and seeds will give you that boost of extra energy.

Avoid hiking alone! No matter how experienced you are, tell someone which trail you are taking, and your planned route as well as departure and arrival times.

Please do not pick any flowers, damage any plants or change the natural environment in any way.

Please do not leave any litter anywhere on the farm. Animals eating plastic and litter could be seriously injured or even fatally harmed. Bottle tops, beer and cool drink bottles, and cigarette butts have nothing to offer the earth. Please do not leave them behind.

Be safe. Take a cell phone with you.

No smoking is allowed on the trails.

Guests can enjoy stand-up paddling on the dam. We have one SUP board available, which is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked.

Oar rental available at reception: R75 per day + R200 refundable deposit

All 10 tents offer the exclusive use of their own outdoor wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up the beautiful surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire, or take a dip to cool down during the hot Robertson summers.

Set within a 2,000-hectare private nature reserve in the Langeberg Mountains, AfriCamps at Pat Busch is home to more than 100 bird species across mountain fynbos, wooded streams and tranquil dams. Explore the hiking trails in search of fynbos endemics, listen for the call of the African Fish Eagle, and watch weavers nesting along the reed-lined waterways.

View our bird list here: Pat Busch Bird List