Mountain Club of South Africa, Free State Section

06/06/2026

Mnweni pass 2026.05
Our Mnweni hike started at the Mnweni Cultural Centre with a lovely and relatively easy first day. Day two brought thick mist, creating a mysterious atmosphere as we passed trail runners and scenery that felt straight out of Gorillas in the Mist. Despite the low visibility, we pushed on to Ledgers Cave for the night.
The following morning rewarded us with a spectacular sunrise above a sea of clouds before we began our descent down Rockeries Pass.
Although the mist hid many of the views on day two, it was still a fantastic adventure. A beautiful hike with great company, challenging terrain, and unforgettable moments. Definitely not a hike for the unfit, but well worth the effort!

23/05/2026

2026-04 Hiking in Lesotho
What a wonderful few days hiking from Malealea Lodge in Lesotho!

Day 1 started with a relaxing afternoon hike to the pools, with a refreshing swim for those brave enough not to be passed by the stronger swimmers in the group 😄

Day 2 was the highlight — the challenging but incredibly beautiful 3 Peak Hike, with amazing views over Mafuku Mountain. Let’s just say the name “Mafuku” was used quite a lot during the day… and not always when talking about the mountain 😂 A few slippery spots also caused some unexpected “sitting pauses” along the route!

Our final day took us to the beautiful Basoela Waterfall before heading home.

A fantastic hiking experience, great company, and a lovely lodge — highly recommended!

19/04/2026

Mid March - Thaba Nchu trail cleanup. Hard work and some fun. Great teamwork.

18/01/2026

Ons skop die jaar af met n rustige stappie by 7 Damme in Bloemfontein.

01/01/2026

Dear Members and Friends of MCSA Free State,

As we step into a new year, we would like to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you for being part of the MCSA Free State.

Your enthusiasm, commitment, and participation—whether as members, hike leaders, volunteers, or supporters—are what make our section so special. The past year was filled with shared adventures, beautiful trails, and memorable moments in the mountains, and none of it would be possible without you.

We look forward to another year of safe, enjoyable hikes, strong friendships, and continued appreciation for the natural spaces we are privileged to explore and protect.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and adventurous New Year. May the coming year bring many rewarding hikes and unforgettable views.

Happy hiking in the year ahead!

Warm regards,
MCSA Free State

23/11/2025

2025-10 Breakaway Trails - Rouxville
Geleë tussen die Vrystaat, Oos-Kaap en Transkei, en tussen berge, natuurlike spruite en die Oranjerivier, lê Breakaway Trails. Slegs 190 km vanaf Bloemfontein op die N6 na Aliwal-Noord.

Geniet die gemaklike akkommodasie terwyl jy steeds die buitelug-ervaring ontvang, oorweldig word deur tallose sterre, die visarende hoor roep, en kleinwild soos die bergrietbok, steenbok, springbok en blesbok in hul natuurlike omgewing sien.

08/11/2025

2025-09 Lesoba, Fouriesburg.
Geleë in die ruwe majestueuse landskap van die Oos-Vrystaat, tussen Clarens (slegs 23 km daarvandaan) en die bekoorlike Fouriesburg (13 km weg), bied Lesoba Gasteplaas ’n ware toevlugsoord vir natuurliefhebbers, stappers en almal wat rus en vrede soek weg van die gewoel van die alledaagse lewe.

17/08/2025

17/08/2025

Dag 7 (Tufa na Kapokvlate shelter), 14km - Dag 8 (Kapokvlakte na Die Einde) 14km
Ons vertrek 7:40. 3 van ons groep het besluit om vooruit te stap vandag. Ons stap rivier langs, veld langs, weer rivier langs en dan is ons daar! Die gewilde kettings van dag 7! Dit lyk baie erger en moeiliker as wat dit is, maar bo klink almal soos resiesperde
wat nou net klaar gehardloop het. Die terrein is baie, baie ongelyk. Dis klippe, nie klippies nie, KLIPPE. Dan op na Bakenskop. Bo waai
die wind ons amper weg. Hierna is die stap oppervlak beter en stap teen 'n goeie pas.
Ons begin vroeg stap op Dag 8. Ons begin donker met kopligte stap en soek die voetjies. Gelukkig vir die GPS'e bly ons op roete sonder om 'n lang ruk die voetjies te sien. Dis meer gelyk vandag. Party swem in die poele oppad na die einde. Ons is net voor 13:00 by ontvang en word begroet met 'n heerlike glas koeldrank.
Ons is bly ons is klaar, maar kan nie glo die 8 dae is nou verby nie!

17/08/2025

Dag 5 (Tsams Ost na Die Valle shelter), 17 km. Dag 6 (Die Valle na Tufa Shelter) 16km
'n Paar stappers sukkel na die vorige aand se 'verversings' om vroeg aan die gang te kom. Dis bewolk. So nou en dan val 'n paar druppels.
Ons begin met 'n steilte gedoop "Broekskeur". Jy klim maar voetjie vir voetjie. Bo is 'n pragtige 360 grade uitsig. Die berge is rooi stene, laag vir laag op mekaar gestapel.
Dag 6 is dit nie weer bewolk soos die vorige dag nie, die son is warm. Weer 'n paar steil opdraendes dan af in die rivierbedding. Die terrein is rof, dis hard op die voete, die lyf en sommige se gemoed ook.