We at Moolmanshoek are deeply committed to the renaissance of the Eastern Free State, her wildlife and all her people. We believe that the Eastern Free State heritage of sandstone mountain areas, wild animals and plant life should be recognised as one of South Africa’s precious natural resources, because the rewards of wildlife and nature conservation can be enjoyed in a sustainable way through multi-use tourism, benefiting not only travellers, but also the country and the rural communities.
As stewards of this beautiful land, we commit ourselves to sound management of both the natural and cultural resources, as well as the creation of enjoyable and enlightening experiences for our guests. Recognising the important role that we as conservation oriented reserve owners have to play in redressing past imbalances, we also commit ourselves to meaningful development and empowerment projects within our surrounding community.
Our guests play a significant part in our dream to create a model of integrated land management, incorporating international and local travellers and rural people, demonstrating that eco-tourism can be used on a sustainable basis to the mutual benefit of all. We invite you to come to Moolmanshoek, experience its magic and be part of its future.
Game Drives – Accompanied by guides, guests are likely to encounter the following wildlife at close range in our mini Serengeti. Black Wildebeest, Zebra, Springbuck, Bless Buck, Mountain Reedbuck, Steen Buck, Duiker, Fellow Deer, Red Hartebeest, Eland, Oryx, and Ostrich.
Night Game Drive – Under the beautiful Free State night sky you can experience the nightlife on the reserve such as Porcupine, Hare, Spring hare and Jackal etc. (Min of 4 people, 1-2 hours)
4×4 Trails:
‘Drive out’ magazine Roll of honour – Top 10 winner (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006). Enjoy the Reserve in a 4×4 accompanied by a qualified driver or a guide on horseback. Minimum of 4 people. There are 4 routes namely: Langesnek Route, Visierskerf / Kloof, Kiepersol Garden, Suikerhoek. These route can comfortably be done over a weekend, showing a different aspect of the reserve. Experience the sandstone splendour at its best. Recommended time of year, all year around. Minimum of 3 vehicles, maximum of 15 except for Lodge guests.
Visierskerf / Kloof: 20 km, 4-5 hour: Passing under the Witteberg sandstone overhang, the track enters an area that was first explored in 1992. After viewing the greater valley area, with its sugarbush proteas and indigenous bush, the track crosses the Nature Reserve. Black Wildebeest, Zebra, Blesbuck, Ostrich, Steenbok, Duiker, Springbok, Eland, Red Hartebeest and Mountain Rhebuck can be seen. Further along the route, remnants of the old wagon trail, Fouriesburg is still visible. The return route offers some interesting kloofs before returning to base-camp. This trail is a bird watcher’s paradise.
Langesnek Route – 10 km, 2-3 hours: The Langesnek trail starts off by traversing a wetland area, over rock plates and then a short, steep, rough climb to the plateau, where panoramic views of the surrounding mountains can be seen. Alternating grasslands and rock plates lead through an almost lunar landscape, where drivers can pit their skills against the solid rock in preparation for the extremely steep decent, leading back to the flatter areas.
Kiepersol Garden – 8 km, 2-3 hours: Tracks over sandstone plates lead to the ‘Kiepersol Garden’, on a route that is arduous for both vehicle and driver. The reward is a view of the southern side of the range and the ‘Kiepersol Garden’, from which the route derived its name.
Suikerhoek – 2 hours 7 km: For organised groups only – route dangerous at places.
