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Hillston Farm has diverse vegetation, from flats to koppies, mountains to bushveld to
grasslands, including a river. Species of
game, such as Fallow Deer, Kudu, Springbuck, Mountain
Reedbuck and Blesbuck can be spotted all over the farm
and especially along the river. It also has over 100 species
of birdlife! This varied landscape creates beautiful hiking
and biking trails.
There are numerous hiking trails to choose at Hillston Farm, ranging from a peaceful
walk / stroll down Fairy Lane, gazing over the landscape
from the Black Eagle’s nest, or meandering along the Great Brak River.
A number are circular routes with
something for everyone, from short hikes to daylong hikes.
Bikers can choose
from a number of routes on Hillston Farm along the
farm tracks while taking in the fresh air.
Hillston Farm has an awesome 18m
swimming pool where guests can train or just
simply relax on a hot summers day.
There are more than 100 species of bird
life on Hillston Farm! A must-see are the three Korhaans: the
rare Blue, Karoo and Black Korhaan.
Karoo sunsets and sunrises are the most beautiful in the world. Hillston Farm has beautiful
views and the landscape creates brilliant
photo opportunities.
The shearing shed was a barracks
in the Anglo-Boer War and makes an interesting tour where
guests can learn a little about how the farm
works.
Hillston Farm is so far removed from
cities, towns and main roads that you can literally hear
the silence. Keep a lookout for all sorts of animal life
while walking through the veld / cycling / enjoying the bird
life / marvelling at the landscape, taking stunning pictures.
“Slowly you start picking up the subtle
Karoo veld sounds. Perhaps the Karoo lark as it soars into
the sky with a rattle of fluttering wings, hovers and then
drops to the ground with a long drawn-out whistle, only to
rise fluttering once again. A pair of crows fly past
squawking to each other. Hearing baby lambs calling to their
mothers in the distance, you wonder if the crows are off to
harass the ewes with their newly-born young.
"As you walk, lost in Nature’s kingdom,
you are startled by korhaans which suddenly take off almost
under your feet and fly up obliquely, croaking loudly.
Insects are busy everywhere – in the air and underfoot. You
wonder why you ever thought you were alone.
"A fat dassie (rock rabbit) crouching on
his rocky ledge gives a metallic-like warning as you glance
up at the little koppie, and a family of ground squirrels
perch on their hind legs on top of an ant heap, watching you
inquisitively.
"Walk in the veld and all kinds of
delicious scents assail you. The variety of little Karoo
bushes all have their own individual fragrance... “
Joan Southey, Footprints in the Karoo
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