A JOURNEY WHERE EVERY STEP IS A DESTINATION

DAY ONE ‘DIE BERGBAS ROETE’ – 7.5km
Transvaal Sumach (Osyris lanceolata)

Die Bergbas Roete is a 7.5km trail that takes you up 400 meters in easy stages from the Schoonspruit valley to Aloe Kaya. This is the driest part of the trail so make sure you fill up your water bottle behind Lina’s Kraal. The path takes you through a few twists and turns and finally up through beautiful red rock formations of the Skurwerand. There are panoramic views of the Skurweberg from the plateau. You finally reach Aloe Kaya which is snuggled in the sandstone rock formations.

DAY 2 ‘THE BLADDERNUT TRACK’ – 9.5km
Swartbas (Diospyros whyteana)

This spectacular 9.5km trail takes you through a stunning variety of terrains. You plunge into Hell’s Kloof to enjoy the stillness of the iron plum, red plum and dogwood trees. You then have a steep climb up to the sandstone maze which is like being on a thriving moonscape. The wildebeest and hartebeest like to hang out here. At Paradise Valley fill up with water. You can then enjoy the ancient grassland biomes with its small flowers and array of different plants before descending into the Bankspruit Gorge. At ‘Zebra Alley’ there is an emergency farm road exit. When you reach the Bankspruit River fill up with water and have a good rest. The climb up to Bermanzi Camp is a good kilometer and the toughest part of the trail but the views across the Komati Gorge and sense of achievement are worth it!

DAY 3 ‘THE MILKPLUM PATH’ – 6.2km
Stamvrug (Englerophytum magalismontanum)

This is a relatively easy 6.2km walk after the 2km descent into the Bankspruit Gorge. You meander along the Bankspruit River and through luscious indigenous forests to the dramatic Uitkomst Falls. There are lots of opportunities to take a dip in crystal pools. Keep an eye out for the mysterious stone terraces, kraals and ancient graves. There are plenty of swing bridges along the way. After the Uitkomst Falls there is a steep climb to Candlewood Camp. Careful at the start as the spray from the falls makes the stone steps slippery. Zen out at Candlewood Camp on the stunning views of the Uitkomst Falls and Bankspruit Gorge.

DAY 4 ‘THE POM-PON WAY’ – 6.3km
Kannabas (Dais cotinifolia)

The 6.3km Pom-pon Way skirts the very edge of the escarpment before plunging down into a kloof, with a beautiful indigenous forest and waterfalls. You start the gentle descent into the Schoonspruit Valley past yellow-wood and fern forests. The path takes you through a series of twists and turns to explore some of the fascinating crevasses and gullies that have been worn into the escarpment by the millennia. Keep an eye out for the caves just after the ‘Dinosaur Pit’. Your day ends at the charming Waterbessie camp on the banks of the Schoonspruit River. If you want a bit more of a challenge then you are welcome to do the Bosbok Roete (4km) at Waterbessie Camp. The Wathaba Rainbow Falls, which is about a 5 minute walk from the camp, is a wonderful place to enjoy a refreshing swim.

DAY 5 ‘DIE KOKO BOOM PAD’ – 7km
Koko tree (Maytenus undata)

The last day follows the Schoonspruit River past stunning waterfalls and cascades to the Mac falls (not to be confused with Mac Mac Falls). Be cautious on the downhill towards Mac Falls as the path is narrow. Keep to the left. The sense of vertigo is well rewarded. The trail criss-crosses the river undulating up the hill to view points that will be the last wonderful memories the trail will leave with every hiker. You finally reach Pongola Express Camp a champion!