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The Sphinx hiking trail is situated in the Ficksburg area.
The area consists mainly of grassland in the valleys and indigenous forest along the mountain
slopes. The trail contours around the valley during its two day duration. A lot of game can be
seen, especially at the lookout point before the first climb. Be aware that the rock faces are
covered in lichen and when it is raining they get very slippery!
It is worth leaving the car at the base camp at Langesnek as the next day there is a scenic
shortcut back to Langesnek. The trail first crosses the valley towards the mountains, climbing up,
then reaching a ridge between the two Sphinx Mountains. There you can leave your backpack and
climb up Visierskerf mountain and back (at least some part of it). From here it more or less
contours along before it descends into a small gorge just before the overnight camp. The hut is a
bit dark and will be quite cramped with a bigger group, otherwise it has a nice setting.
The second day first climbs a bit, and then also contours along, passing some rock overhangs which
make good spots for breaks. As the second day is quite short you can enjoy the scenery, and there
is also the opportunity to climb one of the Pyramid mountains. Before the trail descends down into
the valley the shortcut back to Langesnek base camp splits off to the right.
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