With Verlorenkloof’s unspoiled landscape and surroundings, rambling and hiking is a favourite activity. The 1600 ha property boasts a 42km network of professionally laid out trails that passes through 5 eco-zones. The well-marked trails offer everything from short scenic rambles to strenuous walks and overnight hikes

The estate offers trout fishing on a 6 km stretch of the upper Crocodile River, arguably the best river trout fishing in Mpumalanga. This is due to the fact that the upstream catchment area produces a perennial flow of neutral to alkaline, clear and well oxygenated water. This builds up the food chain for trout, which breed naturally in the river. There is very little riparian agronomy upstream of Verlorenkloof, limited urban use and no industry whatsoever, making Verlorenkloof a trout fishing gem.

There are also 6 still water dams and ponds on the Estate, offering trout fishing in varying grades of difficulty. Dams are monitored and stocked with care during the hot summer months and more regularly from March to October, catches are duly recorded and the fishing is actively managed for sustainability and enjoyment. Catch and release principles may be instituted in hot and dry periods.

Verlorenkloof Estate is an exciting and highly regarded birding destination in Mpumalanga. Due to its wonderful array of habitats – montane, forest, wetland, riverine and bush – birds are both diverse and numerous. Over 330 species can be found on the estate, six of which are endemic to the area, while an additional 11 species are endemic to Southern Africa. Three species are listed in the South African Red Data Book – Peregrine Falcon. Southern Bald Ibis and the Broardtailed Warbler, all of which are seen regularly.

The vegetation at Verlorenkloof contains many of the ‘escarpment specials’ that make this region so unique. Some of these species may be found elsewhere, but the accumulation of all the species at Verlorenkloof is certainly worth mentioning. To date, 452 plant species have been identified at Verlorenkloof of which 140 are tree species. A list of these species is available at the estate. Invader plants and trees are removed on a continuous basis to protect and preserve the vegetation of the estate.

The estate breeds Nooitgedacht horses, an indigenous breed which combines the sure-footedness and wonderful temperament of the South African Basotho pony with the fine breeding of the South African Boerperd. Take to the foothills on horseback and look out over the valley with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Trails are guided and have been developed in such a way to ensure that even beginners can enjoy a relaxing ride.

Verlorenkloof Estate is home to a rich stone-walled heritage legacy (Bokoni sites at VK PDF) and lies at the epicentre of an extensive complex of late Iron Age (1500-1830 AD) archaeology stretching along the escarpment from Carolina to Ohrigstad. The sites include stonewalled homesteads with cattle tracks and terraces mark its sloping hills. The estate has in excess of 120 recorded sites and has been actively involved over the past 18 years in developing this resource in association with leading South African and international archaeologists and historians.

A seminal work, Forgotten World co-authored by Peter Delius (historian) and Tim Maggs and Alex Schoeman (archaeologists) is the result of this research. It tells the story of Bokoni, the area named after the country of the Koni people, through rigorous historical and archaeological research, and lavishly illustrates it with stunning photographic images.
Mail and Guardian article - The Bokoni story unearthed arts and culture books