WOODBUSH GRANITE GRASSLAND (WGG)
WOODBUSH GRANITE GRASSLAND (WGG)
WOODBUSH GRANITE GRASSLAND (WGG)
DONATE
As an non-profit organization (209-267 NPO), FroHG depends mainly on its membership fees and donations to carry out it's mission.
With less than 10% of the original Woodbush Granite Grassland vegetation type still existing, a lot more remains to be done to ensure the survival of this unique natural heritage landscape for future generations.
LOUIS CHANGUION HIKING TRAIL
WGG is the only critically endangered vegetation type in all of Limpopo Province.
Explore the grassland on foot
If you would like to get up close and personal with the grassland, this hiking trail is for you! Historian and local resident Prof. Louis Changuion laid out the original trail in 1993. The trail meanders through the Haenertsburg Nature Reserve where the largest remaining portion of afromontane Woodbush Granite Grassland (WGG) is situated. This is one of the few surviving remnants of this magnificent vegetation type as most of the land has been converted to commercial forestry or agriculture. WGG is the only critically endangered vegetation type in all of Limpopo Province. Hikers are treated to many rare flora and fauna, patches of indigenous forest, small streams and scenic views.
Maintenance of the trail is presently carried out by FroHG. As a registered NPO, FroHG is entirely dependent on donations. For this reason, we kindly request a minimum donation of R30 per person. All proceeds are used to clear the hiking trail, remove alien invasive plants and to raise awareness of the grassland. FroHG donation boxes are in Haenertsburg village at Foodzone and at The Tin Roof (tourist information centre); both located in the first building on your right as you enter the village from the hiking trail exit side. If you pay a guide, please ensure that the guide is making a donation towards FroHG for the commercial use of the trail.
For more information on how to donate or get involved:
Map with points of interest
Know before you go
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There are no toilets along the trail! Please collect your waste and dispose of it at a suitable facility after the hike.
- Ensure that you take drinking water along.
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Keep to the path to prevent erosion and to avoid getting lost.
- Don’t damage or remove any plant, wild animal or artifact such as rocks, others would like to enjoy the flower that you picked! You are entering a Provincial Nature Reserve!
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Carry out all your litter and assist us by collecting any litter thoughtlessly left by others.
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Please be warned that grassland fires can be disastrous and therefore smoking and the lighting of fires are strictly prohibited.
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Take care as portions of this route become slippery when wet.
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There are wild bees in one of the forest patches at J's walk. The trail has been rerouted to go around them, simply follow the signage and stick to the trail.
Cemetery View Point
Offers a panoramic view over the Woodbush Plateau, originally covered with grassland (up to 100 years ago), but now used to grow various crops. To the south, the Iron Crown towers from amongst the Wolkberg Mountain range. At 2126 m above sea level, it’s the highest point in the area.
Vodacom Tower View Point
To the east is Deney’s Nose (1812 masl) and beyond it Stylkop (1900 masl). There is a good view of the Ebenezer Dam.
Patrick Point
A beautiful view of the headwaters of the Ebenezer Dam as well as the Haenertsburg Primary School and the upper section of the village.
Jan’s Knoll View Point
Close by is the shortcut to The Tryst.
Sally's Slope
After emerging from some indigenous forest patches, this is a potentially slippery decent towards Bubbling Brook.
Bubbling Brook
This is a favourite haunt of bushpig, porcupine and other forest animals.
The Tryst
A beautiful and secret meeting place in an indigenous forest. It is a special place for lovers but look out for other hikers!
Rhino Rubbing Rock
One of several such rocks in the grassland rubbed smooth during a bygone era, presumably by white rhinos with a persistent itch.
Nipper’s Nook
A spot with a great view of the rolling grassland.
Old Paperbark Thorn Tree
This Paperbark Thorn Tree (Vachellia sieberiana, formerly Acacia sieberiana) has provided a convenient perch for a Strangler Fig. A monkey or bird probably deposited the fig seed.
Where does the trail start?
The circular trail starts and ends in Rissik Street of Haenertsburg village near the Village Hall at the sign “Hiking Trail Start” where parking is available. The clearly marked trail containes two routes, a shorter route (± 5 km, follow white footprint signs) and a longer route (± 10 km, follow yellow footprint signs). The longer route takes around 4-5 hours to complete.
Use of the trail is entirely at your own risk. FroHG accepts no responsibility for any loss or injury that may be incurred.