Easy to Reach and Fun
The well situated trail park next to the Vaal River waterfront 12km from Parys in the Free State Province on the Northwest bank of the Vaal River. Open to the public for a natural blend of sports and pleasure, with ongoing events and courses right through the year.
The wonderful thing about Koedoeslaagte is that the events being held attracts a lot of people to engage in nature and activities, but the premises is big enough for the activities not to interfere with the hiking, birding, biking, and kayaking enthusiasts.
Nestled in the mountains of the Vredefort Crater UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it one attractive destination to enjoy with loved ones, friends, and family. They offer hiking and trail running, mountain biking, paddling, horse riding, bird watching, picnics, events through out the year and then a variety of accommodation styles.
The Koedioeslaagte Motto
Koedoeslaagte has a motto where nature comes first and preserving it for the future generations stands central. This is one powerful way to contribute to the conservation of pristine nature. They promote physical and healthy activities on a trail network connecting to the biodiversity and rich history of the geological important Vredefort Dome at affordable rates.
Some Rules to Know
There is some rules which is important to understand, no loud music or parties are to be held, strictly focussing on the enjoyment of nature for their guests without disturbance. No fishing or hunting takes place in the park as the aim is to conserve the space and biodiversity.
Hiking, Trial Rinning, Mountainbiking
Trails are catered for everyone from beginner to accomplished with distances ranging from 1km to 30km. Parts of the trails are designed for hikers and trail runners only. Hikers are advised to carry sufficient water and a small backpack with them.
Hiking sticks are advisable for the more challenging mountain routes. Koedoeslaagte trails are graded: easy, moderate, hard and very hard. The more difficult routes feature longer and steeper climbs, steeper descents and rockier terrain. The park also features a 5km SA CUP Cross Country track for those who wants to challenge themselves, if you are interested to hire a quality mountain bike, it is on offer for rent.
Paddling and Birdwatching
Koedoeslaagte stretches along the Vaal River with a 1,2km river front access, including wide open waters turning into a network of islands and rapid areas. You are welcome to take your own raft, canoe, or kayak but Koedoeslaagte offers quality sit-on-top kayaks and life jackets for hire.
Birdlovers
The park also attracts several bird lovers to the park for birding. The special 800m Otter Trail has been built to the West of the waterfront that will bring bird lovers up close to the river life and the water birds to be seen.
The Birds of the Vredefort Dome are well documented in a book with the same title, housing some of the more special bird species as birders would say.
You can enquire about a species list of birds at Koedoeslaagte reception, which makes the birdwatching more fun seeing how many of the list you can tick off. The birdlife in the pristine mountainside of the park is easily accessible via the hiking-trail network.
Horseriding and Picnics
Koedoeslaagte trail park offers horse riders a selection of natural trails that lead high into the mountains and offers spectacular views. The trails along the river is shaded and offer the riders a true relaxing feel.
The premises has a selection of horses that is accustomed to the trails and conditions.
Koedoeslaagte consist of space for entertainment and picnics in their “koedoesaal” protected against the elements with a build in kiosk to buy daily needs.
Swim and Braai
“Koedoedam” is a farm style swimming pool to cool down on hot summer days and next to it the “Koedoekraal” where about 50 people can entertain themselves next to a bushveld fire in a bushveld lapa, doing what South Africans do best, BRAAI!!!
The Koedoeslaagte History
’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 Eastern 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 ruins of the original farmhouse is still here at Die Ou-plaas.
During World War II, Johannes Gerhardus Koekemoer (Hannes), was born right here on the farm. Since there has been no commercial farming here since 1971 we are left with a bushveld wilderness ready to be explored. The Vaal River is the source of live on the farm and Koedoeslaagte boasts a 1 km river front with a network of rapids, pools and islands. The farm also features its own mountains and interestingly it was here on this mountain where geologists in the 70's studied the possibility of a meteorite being responsible for the mountainous landscape in the midst of the pan-flat Northern Free State and Northwest. Koedoeslaagte is now proudly part of the UNESCO Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site.
Booking or Quote Request
To request a quote or a booking enquiry simply click on the image below, which will direct you to the online booking/quote request.
About The Author
Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.
Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.
Photo Gallery
Other Fishing and Camping Information
You may want to have a look at our Fishing section that provides you with a range of contact details for fishing spots in our region, you can find these by clicking on the following link, and looking for the Fishing section: The Go-To Guy Things to Do
You can also find articles on other places we covered by clicking on the links below, there are so many great places to discover in our region:
Scandanavia River Lodge: Click Here
Stonehenge River Lodge: Click Here
Schoemanshoff River Lodge: Click Here
Vosrite Fishing Adventures: Click Here
Schoemanshoff River Lodge: Click Here
Limerick Lodge: Click Here
Dimalachite Resort: Click Here
Elgro River Lodge: Click Here
Oord Nebo: Click Here
Koedoeslaagte Trial Park: Click Here
Vaal de Sioleh: Click Here
Sunnyside River Lodge: Click Here
Other Adventure Stuff
Be sure to check out our Suzuki Jimny article we did on the new 5 door Jimny to reach our shores this year as well as the GWM Bakkie we covered in our Car Talk Section, we added these links for your convenience below:
The new Five Door Jimny: Click Here
The GWM Bakkie: Click Here
