By Staff Reporter
TZANEEN – Adventure seekers looking for a unique and thrilling outdoor experience can head to Wolkberg Nature Reserve, home to Limpopo’s largest natural water-slide, famously known as the “Bum-Slide.”
This breathtaking natural wonder, found within one of the 11 Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET)-owned wildlife resorts, offers visitors an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
The constantly wet Bum-Slide allows you to sit down and let nature do the rest—gliding effortlessly down a smooth rock surface into a pool of crystal-clear, drinkable water surrounded by towering mountains and lush indigenous forest.
The slide is formed by a stream running over a broad, solid rock bed before it pours into a deep rock pool. The idea is simple yet exhilarating: sit in the stream, let the current carry you for about 20 meters, and end with a refreshing splash into the natural rock pool below. It’s pure, natural fun at its best!
Located along the R71 outside Haenertsburg, about 20km from Tzaneen, the 22,000-hectare Wolkberg Nature Reserve is more than just an adventure hotspot—it’s a hiker’s paradise.
Nestled where the Drakensberg meets the Strydpoort Mountains, the reserve’s rugged beauty and serene atmosphere make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers, thrill seekers, and photographers alike.
The area is renowned for its spectacular and challenging hiking trails, featuring sheer cliffs, interlocking mountain spurs, forested ravines, and crystal-clear streams. The unpredictable weather adds to the adventure, and the dramatic quartzitic cliffs such as Serala, Steilkoop, and Tandberg (nicknamed “the Knuckles”) provide thrilling challenges even for experienced hikers.
Those who take on the Serala Plateau trail—stretching over Kruger se Neus and through Wonderwoud Forest—will need both stamina and rock-climbing skills. The reward, however, is a breathtaking view and an immersive wilderness experience that few other places can match.
For bird lovers, Wolkberg is a paradise. The reserve teems with birdlife, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Expect to spot species such as the hamerkop, bat hawk, lilac-breasted roller, pearl-breasted swallow, black-collared and pied barbets, and the striking crested francolin.
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the Bum-Slide, exploring scenic trails, or soaking in the tranquility of Limpopo’s wilderness, Wolkberg Nature Reserve promises an experience that perfectly blends adventure and serenity.
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