Estate Living Magazine Invest SA - Issue 41 May 2019 | Page 42

C O M M U N I T Y
L I V I N G
Cederberg Mountains. Overnight stays in mission villages,
rides on traditional donkey carts, and optional rock art tours
add to the local flavour.
cedheroute.co.za
On the self-guided Stamvrug Overnight Trail, in the
Waterberg’s Bateleur Nature Reserve (a mere 90-minute
drive from Gauteng), slackpackers have a choice of hikers’
huts or self-catering cottages in which to lay their heads. Lush
indigenous forests, inviting rock pools, game sightings and
rare butterflies are highlights, but a big selling point is that
the trailheads and overnight spots are linked by a network of
trails ranging from easy to strenuous, so hikers of different
fitness levels can choose appropriate route options.
bateleurnaturereserve.co.za/hiking
– an easy, short trail, which also incorporates game viewing,
and forest and mountain walking in the Kudu’s River Valley.
krm.co.za/slackpacking-trail.php
A marine biologist and birding fundi leads the Garden Route
Coastal Trail, a leisurely, four-night journey from Wilderness
to Brenton-on-Sea, which includes two canoeing trips.
gardenroutetrail.co.za/coastaltrail.html
Fairytale luxury
At the top end of the spectrum when it comes to convenience
and flexibility are the guided trails where overnight stays are
in luxury guesthouses and lodges with warm, comfy beds that
would satisfy the most demanding of princesses. Since these are
fully catered, they require minimal packing and preparation so
are ideal for busy, active sorts that want a hiking holiday without
the admin. Different length packages, daily itineraries tailored
to the interests, time and budget of a group, and daily ‘escape’
routes and other diversions mean that unfit and non-hiking
companions can be accommodated. You’ll obviously need to
pack warm and wet-weather gear, a swimsuit and some water
and maybe snacks, but you’re never too far from ‘civilisation’.
The guides usually carry binoculars, field guides and snacks,
while surprise picnics and other spoils mean that your daypack
is never overloaded.
Specialist interests are often a focus. Birding experts guide the
three-night Roots to Rivers Trail, in Limpopo’s Magoebaskloof
The three-night Blue Mountain Trail, an hour’s drive
from Cape Town, combines a good workout through the
spectacular and diverse wilderness of the Kogelberg Nature
Reserve and the vineyards and orchards of the Elgin Valley
with the opportunity to see and learn about the unique flora
and fauna of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site
from passionate, knowledgeable guides.
www.bluemountaintrail.co.za