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Syferfontein Safaris and Abattoir
Syferfontein Safaris - situated in the Zeerust / Groot Marico district in the North West province in South Africa.
Zeerust on the N4 route to Lobatse, Botswana, this archetypal bushveld town is a centre for mixed farming and mineral mining activities. Zeerust has a small museum with relics of its earlier days, and the Church of St John the Baptist, a Provincial Heritage Site (National Monument), was the third Anglican Church to be built north of the Vaal River. 50km north of the town is Marula Kop, an Iron-Age settlement.
Part of the Marico district and fed by the Groot Marico River, the area supports some 430 species of birds and 200 species of indigenous trees. The varied bushveld lends itself to hiking, biking, 4x4 trails and lovely sightseeing trips; visit the scenic Wilgeboomspruit Waterfalls, the Marico Eye (renowned for scuba-diving), the Kaditshwene Ruins, the Mmadikwena Crocodile Farm and Doornkraal Nature Reserve. Groot Marico lies north-west of Johannesburg, past Swartruggens and Koster, three hours by car from
Groot Marico is named after the Groot Marico River, one of the few perennial rivers in this area, the town is well-known for its beautiful African bushveld surroundings, hospitality of its people and through the books of well-known author Herman Charles Bosman. The name is derived from the Tswana name for the river,
Groot Marico also offers the Marico Hiking trail that leads through highveld and bushveld vegetation along the Groot Marico River, before going through the mountains. This is a 27 km circular trail, taking 2 days to complete. Shorter walks are available. The base camp consists of a restored farmhouse with electricity, kitchen and lapa and then there is an overnight hut with accommodation for 20 hikers - toilet and showers but no electricity. Attractions include mountain scenery, game and
The Marico Hiking Trail, situated on the Omega Game Farm, 12 km south of Groot Marico in the North West province, leads through typical highveld and bushveld vegetation along the Groot Marico River and through the mountains before reaching the overnight hut, a distance of approximately 15 km. The second day is 12 km in length. Along the way hikers may spot some of the many antelope species, including gemsbok, living on the farm, and the 103 bird species present ensure some interesting sightings.
The route requires moderate exertion and should appeal to the reasonably fit as well as beginner hikers. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant hiking conditions for this clearly marked trail; summers are hot and an early start is advised. Hikers can cool off in one of the many enticing pools in the river.
Ticks are prevalent. There is a limit of 20 hikers for this trail. The
Shorter trails, varying from 30 minutes to two hours, run along the river bank. The province offers some heavyweight tourist attractions and activities, and a great variety of accommodation options to suit all pockets - from camping in a game reserve to living it up in five-star luxury at the Palace of the Lost City. The
One of
Then there is Sun City, the remarkable resort with its luxurious Lost City Hotel, one of the wonders of Africa, with its entertaining Valley of the Waves and
DIRECTIONS AND AREA MAP
FROM ZEERUST:
TAKE THE
FROM GROOT MARICO:
COMING FROM
