Naboomspruit | Mookgophong

Mookgophong, also known as Naboomspruit, is a town in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The town is located approximately 42 km north-east of Modimolle and 51 km south-west of Mokopane.

Mookgophong​ (previously Naboomspruit), in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Mookgophong​ (previously Naboomspruit), is situated in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province, South Africa.  Lying approximately 42km north-east of Modimolle and 51km south-west of Mokopane, Mookgophong was founded on a farm named Vischgat in 1907.  The little village developed around the railway station, and owes its growth to the discovery of minerals in the area in the early 1900’s.  Tin and fluorspar are still mined here.

​There are many fun activities to keep the whole family entertained, from golfing, adventure sports to hiking and bird watching.  Mookgophong offers an attractive town for tourists with its tree lined streets and unique bushveld flora and fauna.

It was founded on the farm Vischgat in 1907 and administered by a health committee from 1919. The name Naboomspruit is Afrikaans but derived from Khoekhoen; ‘euphorbia tree stream’, after the Euphorbia ingens which grows there. The town was officially renamed Mookgophong on the 24 November 2006, by the South African government.

Euphorbia ingens is a species of flowering plant in the family Euphorbiaceae.  It is native to dry areas of southern Africa. It is popularly known as the candelabra tree or naboom. Its milky latex can be extremely poisonous and is a dangerous irritant.

This tall succulent tree with green round-like branches resembling a balloon is 6–8 meters tall. Its trunk is thick. Candelabrum stems have 5 ridges each and are 3.5–7.5 centimeters thick. Segmented sprouts are dark-green. Young sprouts have paired spines 0.5–2 millimeters long, often reflected. Small greenish yellow flowers sit on the ridges of the topmost segment. The plant blooms from autumn to winter. A red, round, three-lobed capsule fruit turns purple when ripe.  The milky latex of the tree is extremely poisonous and can cause blindness, severe skin irritation and poisoning (when ingested) in humans and animals. However, this plant has been used medicinally as a purgative or for ulcers. Venda and Sotho people use it against cancer. In South Africa and Zimbabwe candelabra tree stems are also used to poison fish. Light and solid, the wood is used in door, plank, and boat production.The candelabra tree is very adaptable and is grown in garden and rockery settings. The plant prefers sun and needs little water. It has few pests due to the toxic latex.

Mookgopong, previously known as Naboomspruit, is a quaint tree-lined town at the foot of the Waterberg. The town is a popular holiday destination with hot mineral springs, great year-round weather, nature reserves, and bush resorts drawing tourists no matter the season.

Mookgopong is found 42km north east of Modimolle. It was founded on the farm Vischgat in 1907 and is steeped in history. The town wasn’t always so popular. It owes it growth mainly to the discovery of minerals in the early 1900s when a “tin rush” transformed Mookgophong into a boom town with restaurants, cabarets, and trading stores. Tin and fluorspar are still mined in Mookgophong today.

Spend your days relaxing in the hot springs, visiting Bouncy Croc and Lalele Crocodile Farm, or hiking the Hanglipberg Trail at Entabeni Nature Reserve. Spot 365 species of birds on the largest inland floodplain in South Africa at Nylsvley Nature Reserve or play a round of golf at the 18-hole Euphoria Golf Course, 19-hole Legend Golf and Safari Resort, or 9-hole Naboomspruit Golf Club. Other attractions include Palela Rhino Sanctuary and Serendipity 4×4 Eco Trails which offers 3 different routes for the adventurous.

The popularity of the Skeurkrans Trail, set in the same area (the two hikes share a base camp) is the reason for the development of the Hanglipberg trail. It nudges the more remote areas of the farm on which the hike is based.

Spectacular rock formations and views to match are highlights of the walking trail, but wonderful craggy terrain and the odd rock scramble that includes a number of bridges and ladders, a few of which are enough to induce an attack of vertigo, make it exciting.Mookgophong​ (previously Naboomspruit), in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province, South Africa

The overnight camp is set deep in a gorge and en route is a cave worth exploring.

Base camp to rock pool camp is a 6.5 km trail follows a path through flat bushveld and across a stream before it climbs. After the saddle the trail follows a contour path before climbing again to the top of the escarpment. You reach the camp by way of a farm road.

For a weekend overnight hike, add the following route for day two:

Rock pool camp to base camp is 10 km and passes along a kloof, with the help of a number of bridges and ladders, past waterfalls and through notable scenery. For this reason you may need more time than you think.

There are two other routes both of which start from the overnight camp that you can add to your hike:

The edge circle route is 7 km along the escarpment. Much of it skirts sheer drops that, for those with a fear of heights, might be an issue. Geelhoutskloof circle route is 6 km up a kloof behind the camp, offering incredible views and a series of rock pools. With a variety of recreational and leisure activities on offer, Mookgopong is the ideal destination for a bush holiday.

Mookgophong​ (previously Naboomspruit), in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province, South Africa