St Fort Farm, the home of the Mushroom Rock, is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The Clarens Sandstone Formation creates a landscape littered with overhang caves, ravines, nooks and crannies, and hidden valleys begging to be discovered.
Remnants of the Basotho culture as well as artifacts from the Boer War are occasionally discovered. San paintings grace the walls of overhang caves.
St Fort Farm offers 3 expertly laid out day hiking trails that can be enjoyed by young and old, experienced and adventurous hikers.
The trails take you through differing landscapes, from breathtaking mountain views and overhang caves, to river walks with numerous picnic spots, forest ambles, and boulder hopping in and along go.
You can buy your St Fort hiking badge at the office.
Day Hikes:
1. Mushroom Rock Trail: 2-hour walk
A favourite for all ages. Walk along the river before starting the gradual climb up St Fort Mountain to the base of Mushroom Rock. For the last stretch, there are 2 route options. One includes a steep yet gentle scenic route for all ages. Alternately, a steep and slippery route which entails a fun trek up steep ladders and climbing through caves with an enchanting view of the river down below.
2. Batwing Falls Trail: 2.5hr walk of 5.9km
A moderate hike which starts from St Fort Country House. An initial climb is rewarded with breath taking views of St Fort and the valley. Once on the plateau, the path follows a contour which takes you to Batwing Falls, aptly named as they resemble the wings of a bat. Enjoy a restful break at the base of falls, before you climb out of the valley. Follow the trail which leads you home to St Fort Country House.
The 2-Night & Day Mount Perazim Hiking Trail
The well known Cannibal Trail is now called Mount Perazim Hiking Trail, meaning ‘Place of Breakthrough’.
The circular route takes you through differing landscapes, from impressive mountain views to river walks, and forest ambles to boulder hopping in and along gorges.
Night 1: Either at Base Camp for weekdays, or at the St Fort Guesthouse. on weekends.
Day 1: approximately 11 km. The trail passes overhang caves with rock ‘kraals’, one of which has San Rock Art.
Night 2: You overnight in a substantial overhang cave.
Day 2: 7 km. Breath-taking views of the Malutis including Horeb, Woodhouse, Generaalskop, Visierskerf, and George’s Pimple.
Weekends: Night 3 is spent at the St Fort Guesthouse as weekends have a 2 night minimum guesthouse stay.
This is a hikers hike, well-marked, and provides all amenities with numerous picnic spots, a swimming hole, interesting scenery, and a level of hiking that fits the serious hikers but is not too strenuous for others.
The Base Camp consists of 2 dormitories, namely the Old School House and Melkstal, in lovely old sandstone sheds overlooking the Mushroom Rock.
- Each has bunk beds with mattresses, its own ablution block with hot water showers, fridge and braai facilities
- The Old School House boasts a large veranda with a reed-enclosed Lapa and fire pit
- Wood is provided to start a fire, thereafter, wood is sold per bag
The Cave has a basic ablution block with 2 bathrooms (toilet, shower, and basin) and the kitchen unit with a sink and a large kettle and pot for the fire
- Mattresses and groundsheets provided
- Braai facilities
- Wood is provided for the fire pit in the cave. Extra wood can be bought
Slackpacking is available on request for 3 bags or more at a fee.
Click on photo to book.
Some Nearby Listings
St Fort Farm Guestho..
R711 Old Fouriesburg road, Cla...
Louise Hansen-Artist..
13a Le Roux Street, Clarens, S...
Clarens Art Retreat-..
167 Main Street, Clarens, Sout...
