Kloofing in Middelburg: Explore the Wild Hels River
For a real off-the-beaten-track adventure, head north of Middelburg into the rugged landscape around the Hels River. Kloofing here takes you away from ordinary hiking trails and into a world of rocky riverbeds, steep kloofs, natural pools, cliffs and untouched bushveld.
The Hels River area lies between Middelburg and Loskop Dam and is known for its dramatic network of kloofs carved through the surrounding hills. The route follows the river through remote terrain, with much of the adventure involving crossing the water, hopping between rocks and negotiating uneven sections of the river. In wet weather, river levels can rise quickly, making conditions more challenging.
This is hiking with a twist. Instead of simply following a marked path, you become part of the landscape, scrambling over rocks, wading through sections of river and making your way through narrow kloofs. Some routes can be tackled as a demanding day adventure, while longer experiences include an overnight camp beside the river.
The scenery is just as much a part of the experience as the physical challenge. The surrounding kloofs are home to unusual plant life, including the rare Middelburgensis and Lanatus cycads, which are endemic to this part of Mpumalanga. Some of the cycads in the area are believed to be hundreds of years old.
For adventurous hikers, the wider Loskop area also offers challenging routes involving steep descents, rock scrambling and sections through kloofs. The Kranskloof route, for example, includes a scramble down cliffs before entering the kloof and following a rocky section alongside a clear stream.
Kloofing in Middelburg is ideal for anyone looking for something more adventurous than a conventional hike. Come prepared to get wet, get dirty and work your way through one of Mpumalanga’s more rugged and fascinating landscapes.
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