Thaba 'Nchu Trail

About Thaba 'Nchu Trail

This fun and relatively easy trail is only 9 kilometres long and is suitable for children.

Thaba ‘Nchu means Black Mountain in Tswana and is a free standing peak not far from the town of Thaba 'Nchu near Bloemfontein. The trail is clearly marked and starts at the back of a farmer’s house near Maseru Road. Follow the painted boulders across the farmland and up the mountain to the saddle after which you will follow a very clear path.

From there the climb is gradual and not too taxing on the calves. This is a fantastic area to search, with lots to discover and outstanding views to admire. This mountain was previously a lookout spot during the Anglo Boer war for the British soldiers and at this vantage point you can still see some of the old stone walls built, which were believed to have been used to keep cattle in rather than for protective purposes.

This fascinating area is brimming with life from rare flora and fauna to fairy shrimp found in rainwater pools in the rocks and an unusual type of clawed toad endemic to the area. Upon your descent you will find great places to stop for lunch if you veer of the path a little. Make sure you collect a permit at the Glamorgan Farm before embarking on the trail.

PS: Look out for the cave on the South side of the mountain which is popular with trailer runners and climbers alike.