Koedoeslaagte – Trail Park & Venue

35km TRAILS LITTER FREE WELL MARKED PEACEFUL AFFORDABLE FRIENDLY SECURE

About Us

The park is nestled in the mountains of the Vredefort Crater UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is 12km from Parys (Free State) on the North West bank of the Vaal River.The recorded history of Koedoeslaagte dates back to the Great Trek. The Koekemoers and Van Vuurens were part of the Battle of Blood River on 16 December 1838. The Voortrekkers thereafter left the Republic of Natalia (Kwazulu-Natal today) and settled in the Free State and Transvaal. Great-grandfather Van Vuuren settled here on Koedoeslaagte along the Vaal River. Because of his part in the Battle of Blood River, the then Commission of Monuments honoured him by covering his grave with this commemorative stone. One of Great-grandfather Van Vuuren’s daughters married Gottlieb Rudolph Koekemoer and she inherited this part of the farm where the Koekemoers live today. The Van Vuuren monument, the Anglo Boer War trench and the ruins of the original farmhouse are still here and can be visited at Die Ou-plaas. Since 1972 there has been no formal farming activity and the natural vegetation was restored. Today visitors can enjoy an unspoiled African wilderness on the banks of the Vaal River with miles of purpose-built trails for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horse riding. Paddlers can enjoy the open waters or navigate between the multiple islands.

What you can do at koedeslaagte?

Horse Trail Rides, Pony Rides and Riding Lessons:

Koedoeslaagte Nature Reserve offers the riders a selection of natural trails that lead the riders into the mountains and offer spectacular views. The trails along the river are shaded and offer the riders a true "uitspan". Die Groot Klip/The Big Rock (an open granite rock face) is the perfect backdrop for the perfect picture. The farm has a selection of "boerperde" that are accustomed to the trails and conditions. Bring your little one for a Pony Ride @R50 (helmet included) OR to book an outride, Whatsapp or call Amelie now: 076 408 8362. Riders can also include a picnic. Wearing a helmet is compulsory.
Visit the website and book now: www.pasio.life

Mountain Biking:

Our trails are graded: easy (blue & yellow), moderate (red) and hard (black), XCO Track (white). The trails are modular: distances ranging from 2km to 30km. Most parts of our trails are cut wider for easy passing. The more difficult routes generally feature longer and steeper climbs, steeper descents and rockier terrain. For those who want to challenge their technical ability, the park also offers a 5km SA CUP-standard Cross Country track. Slimed tubes/tire liners OR tubeless tyres are advisable to help prevent punctures. Wearing a helmet is compulsory. If you are interested in hiring a quality mountain bike, please contact Crater MTB Rentals. They have a large fleet of mountain bikes and e-bikes stationed at Koedoeslaagte. Contact Ras: 083 235 3786.

Hiking & Trail Running

Our trails are well-marked and cater for everyone; beginner to accomplished. The trails are modular with distances ranging from 1km to 30km. The 7km Witkop Trail is our signature trail. The 11km Koedoe Trail offers spectacular views from a height of 1618m. Large parts of our trails are cut wider for easy passing and a more social experience. Hikers are advised to carry sufficient water and a small back-pack with them. Trekking poles or hiking-kieries are advisable for the more challenging mountain routes.

Paddling

Koedoeslaagte boasts a 1,2km river front with easy access to the water. To the West, paddlers will have wide open water. To the East lies a network of islands and rapids to be explored. You are welcome (at no extra cost) to bring your own raft, canoe or kayak. Sorry, no launching to fish is allowed from Koedoeslaagte. We offer 4 modern sit-on-top kayaks and life jackets for hire: R50/kayak for 2 hours and R25 per life jacket. Life jackets are compulsory for all minors.

Play and Picnic

The Uitspan Kiosk serves coffee and offers a range of sodas, energy bars and something savory and sweet (credit card facilities available) The Koedoesaal is a 30x20m tiled barn for protection against the elements - ideal for functions The Koedoedam is a chlorinated and filtered farm-style "swimming pool" The Koedoekraal is a 50-seater bushveld-lapa ready for a kuier and a braai. The riverfront has a number of shaded picnic spots The Anatomic Sportswear Factory Outlet offers a wide range of quality running and cycling wear Please book the lapa with the park management prior to your visit. Please bring your own firewood. The kiosk sells firewood, charcoal and firelighters.

Bird Watching

The park has attracted a number of bird lovers over the years. The 800m Otter Trail to the West of the waterfront will bring bird lovers up close to the river life. The Birds of the Vredefort Dome are well documented in a book with the same title. The book is available at reception. The birdlife on the mountain-side of the park is easily accessible via our hiking-trail network.