Ribbok Hiking Trail

About Ribbok Hiking Trail

The Ribbok Hiking Trail is a challenging 28-kilometre, 2-day circular wilderness route located within the high-altitude grasslands of Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the eastern Free State. Beginning and ending at the Glen Reenen Rest Camp, the trail traverses the steep terrain of the Maluti Mountains, ascending to the summit of Generaalskop at nearly 2,800 metres above sea level. Hikers spend the night at the rustic Ribbok Hut, which provides basic bunk beds, mattresses, flush toilets, and running water, requiring trekkers to carry their own sleeping bags, food, and cooking gear.

The landscape is characterized by dramatic golden sandstone cliff formations, pristine natural rock pools, and mountain vistas extending toward Lesotho. The environment supports diverse high-veld wildlife, including the grey rhebok, black wildebeest, eland, zebra, and endangered bird species such as the bearded vulture. Due to the high altitude, weather conditions along the route can change rapidly, bringing severe afternoon thunderstorms and torrential rain in the summer, or sub-zero temperatures, heavy mist, and occasional snow during the winter months.