Wakkerstroom Wonder

Home to some of the best birding in South Africa, the highveld village of Wakkerstroom, boasts several fine restaurants, charming Anglo Boer architecture, and an intriguing heritage. Each hike day unveils the unique fauna, flora, and history of the area, with different guides offering their own perspective.

Being just a 3.5hr drive from Joburg, and 5.5hr from Durban, this cultural slackpack provides the ideal weekend getaway for city dwellers seeking refuge in nature with old world charms.

  • Trip Duration3 Hike Days / 3 Nights
  • Daily DistancesDay 1: 10kmDay 2: 14kmDay 3: 7 - 12km
  • Trail Grading2-3/ 5 for Fitness.2/ 5 for Technicality The wetland trail can be muddier at certain times of year.
  • Trail TerrainThe terrain varies between well maintained hiking paths, wetland and river paths, and some steeper / rockier mountain trails.
  • AccommodationFarm Cottages
  • Logistic SupportA fully guided and catered hiking tour based out of the same farm stay for all 3 nights.
  • Group SizeMin of 4 persons and max 12 persons per group.
  • PricingOn a group of 6 -7 persons: R6 800/pp/sharing
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At a Glance

Daily distances and pace are very manageable, making this an excellent option for the novice to intermediate hiker who is as interested in learning about the towns colourful history, or stopping at the sight of one of the special bird's-of-feather.

You will overnight in tranquil farm cottages just outside the village, with full catering including some restaurant lunch and dinners, all transfers and logistics taken care of.

  1. Day 1Arrival Day

    Self-drive to the trail head in Wakkerstroom (3hr from JHB)

    Overnight: Wakkerstroom Country Cottages (dinner)

  2. Day 2Hike Day 1: The Ossewa Kop (10 km / 4hr hike time)

    Enjoy a hearty homecooked breakfast before meeting your guide in town.

    Hike past the 1901 "North Staffordshire Emblem" through forested gullies to the grassy, orchid-rich summit - affording fantastic views across the wetlands and Zaaihoek Lake.

    The return is via a steep but contoured rocky descent through the glorious florescence of Wakkerstroom Aloes; or you can opt for a gentler route to a nearby waterfall.

    Overnight: Wakkerstroom Country Cottages (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)

  3. Day 3Hike Day 2: Birds and Bogs (14 km / 6hr hike time)

    Begin with an early morning birding session at a hide overlooking one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest wetlands.

    Walk through the wetland, tracing the old railway line to a scenic koppie for a snack break.

    Descend into town via a river path, with an opportunity to visit some more excellent bird hides.

    Overnight: Wakkerstroom Country Cottages (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  4. Day 4Hike Day 3: Historical Walk & Talk (7-12 km)

    Enjoy a light breakfast at the Village Bakery before meeting your local guide.

    Take a historical walk through town, exploring national heritage sites.

    Visit the Old Court House, Victorian homes, churches, and an art gallery in the old bank.

The Rufous-naped lark or singing bush lark with its melodious warble, is a frequent sighting in amongst the grasslands of Wakkerstroom.

The Rufous-naped lark or singing bush lark with its melodious warble, is a frequent sighting in amongst the grasslands of Wakkerstroom.

Wakkerstroom's wetlands provide a vital sanctuary for special birds, from the elusive pipits to the Grey Crowned and Blue crane, which thrive in this rich ecosystem.

Wakkerstroom's wetlands provide a vital sanctuary for special birds, from the elusive pipits to the Grey Crowned and Blue crane, which thrive in this rich ecosystem.

Homely farmstay cottages. All but 2 rooms are ensuite. Breakfasts and most dinners will be served at your overnight lodgings, combined with some restaurant meals.

The tranquil setting of your overnight farm cottages - just 3kms outside Wakkerstroom village.
The tranquil setting of your overnight farm cottages - just 3kms outside Wakkerstroom village.
  1. Do we carry our own backpacks?

    No, you unpack once and settle in to your accommodation. You just need to walk with a small day pack to carry your water, packed lunch and supplies for the day.

  2. What type of footwear is appropriate?

    Worn in hiking boots or a more rugged hiking shoe with a decent rubber sole.

  3. What is the best time of year for this trail?

    Any time outside of peak school and public holiday periods.

  • The Southern Bald Ibis in flight above a Wakkerstroom vlei. Image - Chanan.Weiss
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  • As the sun sets over wintery grasslands - Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga
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  • The blue crane (Grus paradisea), is a year-round resident in the Wakkerstroom wetlands and surrounding grasslands. Often in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season (spring and summer) and in larger flocks in winter when they gather in communal roosts.
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  • Cosmos flowers bloom beautifully in and around Wakkerstroom during late summer to early autumn (February–April), transforming the grasslands and roadside verges into a sea of pink, white, and magenta.
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  • The Wakkerstroom Wetlands cover approximately 1,000 hectares, making them one of South Africa’s largest natural high-altitude wetlands. This expansive ecosystem supports a rich diversity of waterbirds, rare grassland species, and vital wetland flora.
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  • The beautiful spire of the NG Kerk's (Dutch Reformed Church) historic sandstone building provides an iconic landmark for Wakkerstroom village.
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  • The Wakkerstroom Wetlands are one of South Africa’s most important avian biodiversity hotspots, home to three of the country’s rarest larks—Rudd’s Lark, Botha’s Lark, and the Yellow-breasted Pipit. These highly localized and threatened grassland species make Wakkerstroom a bucket-list destination for birders worldwide!
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  • Echoes of the past – Wakkerstroom’s old railway bridge stands as a reminder of a bygone era, where steam and steel once connected this charming village to the world.
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  • Sweet, creamy, and dusted with cinnamon – melktert is a taste of home for many South Africans
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  • The vibrant Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia), thrive in the region’s grasslands and wetlands, adding a burst of color to the landscape.
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  • With its distinctive black cap and secretive nature, the Bush Blackcap is a lovely bird to see.
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  • The descent off Ossewa Kop, is fairly rocky and steep, but the glorious florescence of Wakkerstroom Aloes will make it all the worthwhile.
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  • Flowering cosmos adds a seasonal charm, especially along country roads and open fields, making for scenic drives and colourful photo opportunities.
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  • Cattle farming in Wakkerstroom is often practiced alongside eco-tourism and conservation efforts, with farmers working to maintain the balance between sustainable agriculture and the protection of the unique biodiversity of the region, including its wetlands and grasslands.
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  • The Bush Blackcap (Sylvia nigricapilla) has a distinctive, melodic call that is often described as a soft, repeated “chink-chink” or “chip-chip” sound.
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Standard 3 Night Trail

Group SizePrice (PP) 
4-5 Persons
R7 100/pp
6-7 Persons
R6 800/pp
8-12 Persons
R6 600/pp
Whats included in this tour
  • 3 Nights Accommodation - based on a double or twin sharing basis
  • Full Catering: 1 packed lunch, 1 sit-down restaurant lunch, 2 in-house dinners, 1 restaurant dinner. 2 breakfasts at the accommodation & 1 breakfast at the Bakery
  • Professional Hiking Guides for all days
  • Hiking Permits and land permissions and guides for the 3 hike days
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