What to do in Magoebaskloof

Magoebaskloof Pass is a beautiful area to spend a relaxing long weekend and there are endless options for what to do in Magoebaskloof. The drive is just under 4 hours from Joburg making it a perfect long-weekend getaway.

The lodgings and food options make this an exceptionally wonderful stay. Though the longer hikes require overnight camping in Woodbush Forest Reserve, there are smaller hikes that you can find around restaurants and cafes that make the trip relaxing. (If you’d rather huff and puff on a hike in the mountains look up Woodbush instead).

Magoebaskloof Pass is part of the larger Tzaneen area, which also has plenty to do. However, for less driving on the mountain roads and to make the most of your time, plan to spend the night in Magoebaskloof Pass rather than in Tzaneen.

How to get to Magoebaskloof

Drive the 4 hours from Joburg. There were no notable buses or taxis in Magoebaskloof that I saw and you’ll want to be in control of your own time while you’re there.

Some lodgings and restaurants in the area recommend driving an SUV or 4×4 to reach them. The main highway roads are all paved, even though there are occasional potholes. You may want an SUV to ease your mind. If you’re expecting rain, definitely get an SUV because some of the dirt roads will be affected.

I rented a small SUV for this adventure. The Ford EcoSport and Volkswagen T-Roc would do fine here.

Give yourself enough time to drive in daylight. I don’t recommend driving around the country in the dark mostly because it is SO dark due to little to no street lights and the abundance of potholes.

Hiking in Magoebaskloof

The Waterfall Hike

This hike can be as long as you want as you can always double back. However, you can also extend it to be around 2 hours. You’ll cross through fields of avo trees and some cute houses. On the trail, you’ll go over small bridges, dunk under the spinybacked orbweaver spider, and see some huge butterflies.

Directions

Park and have breakfast at the Farmstall Cafe. Cross the street toward Boma restaurant. This small dirt road is car accessible but it’s better to leave your car at the cafe. After about 15 minutes, you’ll reach a sign on your left heading into the forest titled “River Waterfall.”

Take this trail to the waterfall. You can continue on past the waterfall the loop back to the road you turned off of when you first saw the waterfall sign (at the beginning of your walk).

Or you can go above the waterfall and continue on the trail. Eventually, you’ll loop back onto the dirt road near the Forest Bird Lodge. (Either this lodge or Magoebaskloof Birders’ Cottages manages the trail.)

From here you can decide to head back the way you came or take the alternate dirt road to the main road. You will walk on the highway for about 10 minutes so be careful.

The Swartbos Hiking Trail

The Swartbos Hiking Trail starts near the Magoebaskloof Hotel. Park here and pick up a map and refill your water bottle.

Exit the hotel on foot and take a right. The trail starts about 500 meters ahead. The trail will take you on a winding route through the forest to see strangler vines, an old sawpit, and a “cathedral” tree. The cathedral tree is the remnants of a large tree covered by strangler vines—though the tree is now dead so you can see straight through the vines to the other side.  

There is a small braai pit if you bring your own coals and grill.

The area is known to be a good place to go birding (though I didn’t see anything).

Haenertsburg grasslands hike

The Haenertsburg grasslands hike is also known as The Louis Changuion Hiking Trail. There are 2 trail options available. The shorter 5km trail meanders through the grasslands (and a cemetery) and two patches of trees with streams (which the map called “forests”).  Your main trail companions will be butterflies and grasshoppers. 

Start in Haenertsburg and park along any road. Trail signs start in town. You’ll follow the yellow/white footprint signs, eventually climbing into the grasslands.

Where to eat

There are so many fun spots for nibs around Magoebaskloof Pass.

Breakfast/Lunch

The Farmstall Café has filling breakfasts and great coffee in a garden-style setting.

Blueberry Heights Farm/ Mountain Cafe: This organic farm produces some of the finest organic blueberries and golden kiwis in South Africa.  The cafe serves breakfast and lunch and—most importantly—blueberry drinks and cheesecake. There is also a blueberry festive each year usually in Jan/Feb.

The Eatery: great breakfast and lunch option. You can also pick up bread, pastries, baked goods, and knickknacks here. Closed on Tuesdays.

Lunch/Dinner

Pancake House: This can obvi also be breakfast. Many different pancake options (Indian curry style, Greek-style, berries)… It has something for everyone.

Next door is Stella’s. This cafe also has a farmstall with veggies, meat, coals, and gifts for sale.

You can also visit Wegraakbosch Dairy’s cheese stand next to both Pankcake House and Stella’s.

Caffe Villa Trattoria: great service, pizzas, and pastas (and generous wine pours).

The Red Plate: Not that many veg options for hungry hikers. There is a wrap and a butternut soup.

Cheerio Gardens: this little restaurant is right on a small dam and has great pizzas.

Zwakala Brewery: Zwakala means “come closer.” Though it only opened in 2016, the brewery sells its beers throughout South Africa and their lager was voted the best light beer in SA in 2019! The vibe is just as good as the beer. Open on the weekends and long holidays. They also serve veggie, chicken, and beef burgers.

Groceries

The best shop in the area is Foodzone in Haenertsburg. It has a surprisingly large selection of fruits, veggies, pasta, beans… Of course, there are people who actually live in Haenertsburg so it had a little bit of everything.  

Tips

Bring your braai equipment and plan to make some of your own dinners so you are not driving in the dark. You won’t need to bring all your groceries from Joburg with you if you plan to stop in Haenertsburg and visit the grocery store there.

Things to see and do in Magoebaskloof

Wegraakbosch Dairy: you can take a tour of the dairy, buy cheese, and get a cheese platter.

Kuhestan Organic Farm: Check out the farm shop and gardens. Don’t forget to look out for the Samango monkeys that inhabit a tree across from the farm shop

Where to stay in Magoebaskloof

There are SO many cute cottages, guesthouses, camping grounds, and Airbnbs in the area. A light google search will pull up all the options. These are some options we were looking at that would be perfect for a weekend away. Many book up quickly, especially for long weekends, so plan in advance. Most abode options are self-accommodation but many also have restaurants available on site.

Zwakala River Retreat is on the grounds of the brewery. There are several cottages (most without electricity) and a campground.

Kuhestan Organic Farm: Guest Cottages: These cottages located on the berry farm have excellent gardens to wander. The Samango monkeys love a tree by the farm shop too.

Sequoia Garden Retreat looks like a perfect garden getaway.

Cheerio Trout Fishing and Holiday Resort has a small dam, beautiful gardens, and a restaurant on site. You can also just come for lunch.

Magoebaskloof Birders’ Cottages and Forest Bird Lodge: These serene cottages are right off the River Waterfall hikes.

My friends and I stayed in this large and beautiful Airbnb as a group of 8. The space is incredible and I highly recommend it for group or family trips. The garden has a lovely view of the surrounding mountains and has 2 living rooms, a fireplace, braai, and a kitchen with excellent amenities.

Olivia’s Secret and the Herb Cottage are hidden in beautiful gardens.