Loerie Trail in Sabie, Mpumalanga

The Loerie Hiking Trail is situated just outside Sabie in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The Trail is one of the most popular day walks in the area. It is a 10 km circular hike starting from the Castle Rock Municipal Caravan Park. The trail is a fairly easy and level walk, but can be challenging after you reach the Bridal Veil Falls so be careful near slippery areas were paths can be muddy, especially during the rainy seasons. Hikers will follow the trail along forest roads, past waterfalls, along the Sabie River and through pine and eucalyptus plantations as well as through patches of indigenous forest and grasslands.

Parts of the hike will go through a Komatiland Timber Harvesting area so you may come across some trees that have been cut down, be sure to follow the markers so you stay on the correct track.

It is easy to see why the walk is a popular one as the scenery is breathtaking, with some wonderful views of the so it is well worth a visit even if the trail is busy during the holiday season. Bring along your camera, binoculars, sunblock and enough water to drink along the way.

Things to do and see

• Bridal Veil Waterfall
• Glynis Falls
• Plantations
• Sabie River
• Bird watching
• Natural pools

Admission

A permit must be obtained for this trail and a nominal fee is charged. These can be obtained from Merry Pebbles (next to the Caravan Park) or at the Lowveld Tourism Centre in Main Street, Sabie where you can also collect your trail map.

Climate

Rainfall occurs mainly in the mid-summer months, with December and January seeing the highest levels. 

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 14˚C and 30˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 3˚C and 19˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town into the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Mombela (Nelspruit). Car rental companies are available for easy access to the surrounding areas with Sabie being only 45 minutes away along the R40 and R537. Road trips from Johannesburg to Sabie via the N12 and N4 will take just under 4 hours.