The farm has a superb location on the Natal/Free State escarpment west of Retief Pass, by which the Voortrekkers first entered Natal in 1838. Thanks to a spur on the escarpment which protrudes far out into Natal, the farm offers stunning views of three very different, well loved South African sceneries. The dominant view lies southwards of the majestic Northern Drakensberg.
There is excellent hiking for all grades of hikers with a choice of strolls to day trails. Vergezient Mountain retreat and Berg trails hope however to provide the visitor with more than good hiking. Revitalization of body and particular spirit is our wish for you
Trails on the farm include ..
Wingswept (13,5 km) ... An inspired name, "Wingswept", the trail satisfies every expectation that the name evokes: of altitude, big skies, panoramic views, a sense of lightness, cooling wind, big birds effortlessly harnessing thermals in extended flight. Not anticipated by the name are the physical and sensual contrast of deep-forest moments, that add a fairytale dimension to the experience.
New Beginnings (13,5 km) .. This trail,
too, demonstrates that there's something in a name. It descends to the
very bottom end of the land, marked by one of Vergezient's most
spectacular physical features, New Beginnings Cave, which in Bushman
culture was a place of retreat and spiritual immersion.
Nearby are the ruins of Mahon Mission, which had once
sought in its own way to guide people towards a new beginning. Finally,
the name of the trail refers to the creation of the present-day
retreat.
Razor's Edge (8,5 km) .. This
trail owes its name to a high, narrowing, prow-like ridge that terminates
perhaps 500 m above the Tugela Valley and focuses the eye, like the
Bushman shelter of New Beginnings Trail, on the dominant feature of the
southern panorama: the Drakensberg.
The shortest and least
demanding of the three main trails, the Razor's Edge nonetheless requires
the better part of a day to fully enjoy it. It drops down immediately from
the Barnhouse into Vergezient Kloof. From there it traverses across the
steep slopes, arriving back on the top near Razor's Edge.