Quagga's pad (trail) hiking trail is situated on the farm Rusfontein in the district of Grootvlei and Balfour, Mpumalanga. The farm belongs to the Van Jaarsveld family for nearly 100 years now. Rusfontein is mainly a sheep and cattle farm with crops such as maize, sunflower and soybean. A camp with a variety of game is a special feature on Rusfontein. The farmhouse served as a hospital before World War 1. The 'Kruisekrans' with its unique history can be explored along the route. Quagga's pad serves hikers with unspoilt nature and true tranquility.
ACCOMODATION
Accomodation consists of three rooms with eight beds (plus mattresses) in each. Additional room is available in the museum room with a unique collection of stone tools dating from the early to late Stone Age. There are four flushing toilets, showers with hot water from what's called a 'donkie' (a huge kettle), washing basins and a cooking screen.
ACTIVITIES
Day one on the trail consists 12km of climbing into the 'koppies' (small hills), viewing beautiful indigenous trees and a couple of historical sites. On a clear day, visibility of 80km is possible from the highest lookouts. The 'Kruisekrans' (cliffs) and 'boerekrale' (old farmer's cattle pens) is something to be seen on this route. Day two is more relaxed with only 'Adoonskop' to climb, where after the route takes you through the game camp where one can watch eight different species of game over a stretch of 7km.
"You need special shoes for hiking - and a bit of a special soul as well" - Emme Woodhull-Bache