The advantage of the Cycad trail beside the excellent scenery, is its relative closeness to Johannesburg and Pretoria. Its hard to believe that just 35km north of the drab Middelburg area, the scenery changes so dramatically to beautiful valleys, bush and rivers.
The facilities at both the base camp and Aarends Nes overnight hut are good by South African Hiking standards. Both come with bunk beds and mattresses in the huts. Braai facilities and showers are also available although at the overnight hut the showers are cold.
The hike is very scenic taking one through some beautiful bush with great views of the Olifants river valley. Eventually one descends down to the Olifants river itself and follows it for awhile before going back up to the Aarends Nes overnight camp. Don't swim in the river! We have seen an actual crocodile ourselves in the river. If you want to swim try the rock pools on day one. Several large Cycads can be found along the trail, hence its name. Summer is probably the best time to do this trail when the vegetation is also greener. Winters can get quite cold here.
Day two is much shorter back to the base camp and takes one through some stunning scenery of large rocks and dense bush.

The rock pools are great for cooling off in summer and are quite deep with a few people fitting into one. Have lunch next to the Crocodile river. There are many shady trees along the bank. The Aarends Nes overnight camp offers spectacular views over the Crocodile river valley and its shower has a big glass window in it overlooking the valley. In summer the water is actually quite warm as it flows from the tank higher up down to the shower. There is a braai area right in the middle of the veranda where one can sit around in the evenings and watch the sunset.

Area of Cycad Hiking Trail Map