MistyMews

01/12/2020

The Magoebaskloof Giants:
The tallest planted trees in the world and the tallest trees in Africa

Description:
In 1906, AK Eastwood planted a stand of saligna gum trees on Woodbush Forest Estate. In 2003, a particularly tall tree was measured by a land surveyor. The height was determined as 81.5m and it became the tallest tree in Africa, but it was destroyed by a storm during September 2006. In 2008, after the destruction of the tallest tree in Africa, the search began for the next tallest tree. It began by using satellite technology with the assistance of postgraduate students at the Stellenbosch Forestry Faculty under the guidance of Prof Brian Bredenkamp. It was found that several trees in the vicinity of the former champion tree were extremely tall. Two professional tree climbers (Leon Visser and Charles Green), Izak van der Merwe (coordinator of the Champion Tree Project of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry) and Prof Bredenkamp searched for the tallest on the ground and Leon climbed one which was probably the tallest. It was measured and the height was 78.5 m, but from his position high in the tree, Leon observed that an adjacent tree was probably taller. It was also climbed and the height was measured at 79 m tall. The two became known as the Magoebaskloof Twins, and were the two tallest measured trees in Africa. Leon also spotted a presumably taller tree which stood about 50 meters further from the Twins, but there was no time to measure it. This tree was measured in 2011 and stood 80m tall. It was crowned as the new tallest tree in Africa. The trio of trees was known as the Magoebaskloof Triplets from then on. In 2013, a giant tree climbing expedition known as Explore the Ancient Trees of Africa (which included a group of 5 international tree climbers and Leon Visser) measured the 80m high tree again and it now stood 80.3m tall. Leon spotted a taller tree next to it and measured it as well. This tree (which the group named The Fourth Kin) was 81.5m tall, and crowned tallest planted tree.

08/11/2020

Ongelooflike view, en rustigheid. Het nog plek oor in November en Desember. Bespreek nou en beleef die stilte van die woud

22/04/2020

You can calm your mind..find your thoughts..reflect on memories and truly just live in the moment here..

Haenertsburg cemetery is set up 'on top of the world' with views down to the valleys, on the edge of protected grasslands and thick pine plantations it is a place well known and often visited by locals and tourists alike...

11/04/2020

The hamlet of Haenertsburg, in the Magoebaskloof Mountains, is a great place to stroll for a few hours. You can climb to the top of the hill for amazing mountain views, stroll the main street with its quaint shops and historic buildings, or wander through the beautiful arbour park.

DID YOU KNOW?

Haenertsburg is named after CF Haenert, one of the early pioneers to the area.

Take a rural ramble around Haenertsburg, the charming hamlet at the heart of Limpopo’s Magoebaskloof Mountains. It’s a high mist and rainfall area with thick indigenous forests, rolling grasslands and incredible views.

Browse the village’s lovely shops, including arts and crafts, books, curios, fresh produce, and antiques and collectibles. There are also a few charming bistros and the iconic village pub named after Iron Crown, the district’s highest peak.

Haenertsburg is a great place to stroll for a few hours. If you’re feeling energetic, take a walk to the local cemetery for amazing views across the Magoebaskloof. A few blocks away from the village centre is the local arbour park, planted with a variety of trees from across the world and is a gentler walk for those less inclined to trudge up steep hills.

From the village, the Magoebaskloof Pass descends to the town of Tzaneen. This is one of the steepest mountain passes in South Africa, dropping over 600m in its descent, with adventure at just about every turn. There are viewing platforms, waterfalls, forests, roadside stalls and places of historic interest along the way.

The mountains and wilderness areas around Haenertsburg also offer plenty of adventure, ranging from gentle forest rambles to thrilling canopy tours. There are plenty of picnic spots and wilderness areas where you can escape for a few hours.

The area is also a popular spot for fly-fishing and birding. The nearby Ebenezer Dam, a short drive from the village, is home to a variety of watersports and the annual Ebenezer Mile marathon.

08/02/2020

04/02/2020

◇◇UPCOMING EVENTS◇◇

15th March : Wik Triathlon

21st March : Ebenezer Mile

1st - 3rd May : Food, Wine & Beer Festival

29th - 31st May : Wolkberg Trail Run

11th July : Iron Crown Trail Run

21st - 23rd August: Magoeba 3 day Mtb Stage Race

7th Nov : Insect Science Mtb Classic

For more information inbox us or email [email protected]

16/01/2020

We have arranged to do possibly the most diverse hike in our area.
Not only is it all within the Nature Reserve that encompasses Haenertsburg Village it is also the second most critically endangered grassland next to the Fynbos in the Cape.
We will be privileged to have a zoologist and botanist Bronwyn Eagan from University of Limpopo and resident of the village as special guest "speaker" representing NPO Frohg the Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands that are the curators of the reserve and who manage and maintain the Louis Changuoin hiking trail....This hike is 10km with an option of a bailout (6.5km) for anyone that struggles, but remember our hikes are focused on fun, meeting new friends, exploring nature, learning new things, taking awesome photos and the bonus is the exercise.
We have two radios and medical kits.
We wait for slower walkers but it is an up and down hike so a basic walking fitness is required.
Bring fluids and snacks for a halfway picnic stop, possibly advisable is a change of shoes in case we have a muddy crossing near the stream (it is summer after all)
All hikers will receive a momento sticker and copies of all relevant photos sent to them and we donate a portion of the hike fee to Frohg to help with trail maintenance...
For those inspired to become a member or supporter of Frohg the yearly fee is R110 per person and besides receiving email updates you will be added to the WhatsApp group where many posts, photos and information about various plants, flowers and creatures found in the area.
R120 adults
R60 children under 12, families only pay for one child.
We meet at 8am corner Rissik and Mare street, opposite the Book Shop, hike starts at 8.30am.
WhatsApp 0824418088 for more info, to confirm attendance and for a pin location for those unsure of meeting point.

16/01/2020

Reserve the date for this eclectic and fun festival in Magoebaskloof. 1 and 2 February 2020!
Craft and Food market, restaurants and gift shops in Haenertsburg, Berry picking at Blueberry Heights, live music, adventure and fun farm run..

17/12/2019

Situated near the dense forests of the Magoebaskloof, the roaring Debengeni Falls is a magical spot for picnicking or swimming in crystal clear rock pools.
Named for the deeply carved pool, Debengi means ‘place of the big pot'. In the heart of Woodbush Komatiland's hiking territory, it’s also renowned for some rare species of birds. One of these is the colourful Grey Wagtail, a regular summer visitor to this pool.
An endemic bird that will get bird watchers excited is the Bush Strike – only found here and in the Woodbush Forest nearby.
Other beautiful birds to tick off your viewing list are the Chorister Robin and green Narina Trogon.

Entry to Debegeni is via a permit office where you pay R30 per person. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆