Enjoy Breath-Taking Walks With Abundant Bird & Plant life
Walks are graded according to level of difficulty, with Grade 1 being a relatively easy walk, and Grade 10 being an extremely difficult walk. For your own safety, please sign out and in again at Reception. Most of the paths are well sign-posted and illustrated on the map (You are invited to collect a copy of the map from reception. You can also download in here).
Please be careful of slippery rocks and always ensure that you have a firm foothold. The paths have been cut especially for your convenience and safety; wandering off is extremely dangerous, since you may well get lost and the search party will have to cover large areas if you are not on the route you’ve indicated at reception. Everything of interest has been included in one or more of the walks. Please note that we cannot guarantee the condition of all the paths throughout the year, as rainfall can have an unexpected detrimental effect on any area. The presence of large antelope in the forest can also lead to some confusion, as they create what seems to be clearly cut out paths which will sometimes cross our hiking trails. If you are uncertain of which direction to take, rather turn around and head back the way you came. Please remember that you walk at your own risk, so be safe, and enjoy.
This walk takes you through the indigenous forest to the open ground on the slopes of Mount Sheba opposite the front doors of the lodge, which is an easy walk of about 1km. (However, the walk can also be linked to Samango Trail, but note that this makes for a very steep climb.)
(Grade 2)
One of the most superb view-points in the area. It is 500m above both God’s Window and Pilgrim’s Rest. On a clear day, you can take in the Blyde River Canyon and Mariepskop to the north, and the Lebombo Mountains 130km to the east. Drive or walk along the main entrance road to the second hairpin bend outside the forest, then make your way east along the track on the side of Mount Sheba. From the hairpin bend, it is a 2km gentle walk. The path has experienced some erosion in places, but this view is a must for everyone. It is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon with the sun behind you.
(Grade 2-3)
Over the years, wind and water erosion have carved beautiful shapes in the sandstone. Drive or walk the 3km along the entrance road to the old sand pit on your right. From there, follow the signs going east along the top of Mount Sheba.
(Grade 4)
Start beyond cottage 1 and continue along the old farm road. Turn right at the bridge into the forest and continue with the trail until you see two big rocks in the river, this is where you have to cross the river .The walk continues to the waterfall, where you can turn right and follow the same way back or you can go back with the same road for about 120m and then follow the sign to the next waterfall. Turn around and go back the same way.
(Grade 4-5)
About 1km up the entrance to your right. This path follows the top of the indigenous forest and a large segment of the reserve’s wildlife may be seen. The trail is approximately 3.5km. It is possible to walk this trail as a circular route it you cut down on the link-up with Sheba Trail. Please note the trail down is very steep.
(Grade 5)
A lovely walk of approximately 2km one way, crossing the stream many times. It is a relatively difficult walk, but has no steep climbs. Start beyond cottage 1 and continue along the old farm road. Turn right at the bridge into the forest and continue with the trail until you reach a gate. After going through the gate the walk continues to the waterfall, where you can turn right and follow the same way back. This walk can also be linked with Marco’s Mantle.
(Grade 6)
Many large old yellow-wood trees can be seen along this walk. The path crisscrosses the stream on numerous occasions. There are two old diggings on this walk; one about 500m, downstream and the other about 1km down. Between the two diggings some lovely pools are to be found. The walk can be done by making your way from the hotel along the farm road, and turning left to start the walk.
(Grade 7)
A sensational circular walk of approximately 5km on which indigenous fauna and flora are to be seen in their full splendor. Start just past the petrol pump near reception, and follow the road into the forest. When you see the first waterfall, continue along the path until you see the sign to the pool; turn right and see Marco’s Mantle Waterfall. From there, you can follow the signs back to the hotel. The walk ends behind the tennis court.
(Grade 7-8)
This walk takes you through the indigenous forest to the open ground on the slopes of Mount Sheba opposite the front doors of the lodge, which is an easy walk of about 1km, follow the Samango Trail linkHowever, the walk can also be linked to Samango Trail, but note that this makes for a very steep climb.
(Grade 8)
A beautiful walk, about 4km long, starting at Cottage 5. Upon reaching the falls, walk behind them and along the edge of the cliff up a short gully to a point above the falls. Continue to the Grotto and see the ferns. This walk will bring you out just above the petrol pump near reception. You can also start the walk by turning right into the forest just past the petrol pump. Please note that the walk is very steep.
(Grade 8-9)
The starting point is by Cottage 5, from where you can follow the signs. En-route, you will pass a slate quarry, last in use well over 80 years ago by a prospector called Hackett, who camped in the area. The path is not circular, so you will need to return by the same trail. Please note that the walk is extremely steep.
(Grade 9-10)
This walk is about 5km, though it feels closer to 10. At the bottom of the gorge, turn right for the Trout Pools and left for the Aloe Pools. As indicated by the names, there are many lovely pools on this walk which crisscrosses the stream. The walk to and beyond the Trout Pools takes you through a breath-taking gorge with cliffs towering above you. This is well recommended to our more energetic guests, but can be a great strain on anyone who isn’t used to strenuous hiking and the elderly. The starting point is behind Cottage 5. Please note that this walk is extremely steep.
(Grade 9- 10)