This time, I decided to drive through Harbeespoort instead of around. The previous time, I took the N4 towards Rustenburg.
I’m thankful I made the decision, as the dense mist over Hartbeespoort that morning created an excellent opportunity for photography.
It was around 06:30 in the morning when I made my way through Hartbeespoort in the mist, driving through the tunnel over the Hartbeespoort Dam wall bridge. It’s rather strange driving through Hartbeespoort this early in the morning; it was so quiet.
I was making my way to Nadia’s Peak Hiking Trail. The base of the hike is situated at the Out of Africa Lodge.
The Centurion Hiking Club organised the hike, and before we dive into that, let’s take a moment to explore some nature conservation efforts.
Nature Conservation
Nadia’s Peak is a Hiking Trail situated on a nature estate at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, near Hartbeespoort Dam. It is located on the farm Aasvoëlbad, which is known for the Cape Griffin Vultures that breed on its southern slope.
The Hartbeespoort area, particularly the Magaliesberg Mountains, is a vital stronghold for Cape Griffon Vultures. These majestic scavengers, endemic to southern Africa, depend on the region’s cliffs for breeding and roosting, with significant colonies at locations such as Skeerpoort and Roberts’ Farm.
Despite their conservation status improving from “Endangered” to “Vulnerable” in 2021, they continue to face significant threats, including poisoning (both intentional and unintentional), collisions with power lines, habitat loss, and the illegal “muti” trade for traditional medicine.
Dedicated conservation efforts in the Hartbeespoort area are vital for the survival of the Cape Griffon Vulture. Organisations like VulPro, located near Hartbeespoort Dam, are leading the way, concentrating on vulture rehabilitation, captive breeding programmes, and the establishment of “vulture restaurants” that provide safe, poison-free food sources.
These initiatives, together with research, community engagement, and collaborations with utility companies, are crucial in alleviating threats and ensuring the ongoing presence of these essential birds in the skies of the Magaliesberg.
We saw these vultures hiking up and down the trail, and we had a better vantage point at the top, watching the vultures pass by.
The Start
The Out of Africa lodge has lots of parking spaces for day visitors. The reception area features clean toilets and a bar if you are interested in a cold one after the hike. Unfortunately, they don’t offer coffee. I tried.
The lady in the reception area was friendly and helpful. All my questions regarding the hike were answered with a positive attitude, and she assisted with the group photo.
There were 15 hikers prepared to tackle Nadia’s Peak, with many familiar faces and a few newcomers. We took a group photo, listened to a briefing about the trails, started our watches, and off we went.
Along The Trail
The trail starts going up immediately. According to my Alltrails Map, it is 2.15 km with an elevation gain of 163 metres in a time of 38 minutes, which is entirely incorrect. 😭
My AllTrails Map stopped recording early on during the hike. I’m officially done with AllTrails. After 25 recordings, I must say I am not impressed. I officially moved over to Strava. Let’s see how it goes.
Luckily, I managed to obtain a more accurate recording from a fellow hiker whose AllTrails recording functioned properly. The total distance was 9.5 km, with an elevation gain of 527 metres, and it took us 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete. The trail goes out and back the same way.
Why one works while the other does not escapes me, it could be my phone or the network. I’m still going to give Strave a try. Anyway, enough about that. Let’s move on.
This is not one of those hikes you would take a novice hiker to. You need to be reasonably fit to ascend to the top and come back down comfortably.
I recall my first time. My knees wobbled somewhat as I came down.
The trail is somewhat shaded starting at the lodge, but then it opens up to full sunlight. Thankfully, it’s winter, and the sun was not hammering us.
There are no water crossings or waterfalls along the way. The water you will see is from a distance at the top, looking towards Hartbeespoort Dam.
The only wildlife encounter was the Vultures. We noticed them hiking up and down and at the top. We could observe them better from the top. In addition to the vultures, the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Hartbeespoort Dam.
The trail is overgrown in places, so you must pay attention to the trail markers, which are painted onto the rocks.
The mood of the hikers I spoke to was positive. Most of the hikers had been here before and were much more prepared for the hike.
The biggest challenge was going up, and the reward was the high point of view in all directions. It made for some good photography opportunities.
Trail & Venue Info
The cost of hiking is R50 pp.
Card machine or cash.
No bookings required.
Trails vary in distance and difficulty.
– Red Arrows = 10.4km to Top
– Green Arrows = 7km to Top
– Blue Arrows = 3.5km
Not pet friendly.
As previously mentioned, they do have a bar. The bar offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
If you are interested in something more, you can take the R104 back towards Hartbeespoort, which is not far. Along this route, I saw the Salmander Restaurant, Klein Plaas Restaurant, and the Upperdeck Restaurant. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines and are a great place to relax after the hike.
Keep in mind that the Upperdeck Restaurant is busy. If it’s over a weekend or a public holiday around midday, don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table.
Salmander has a similar vibe, but it is simply far less busy.
Last Thoughts
My overall experience at Nadia’s Peak hike was a positive one. The sense of accomplishment after completing the challenging ascent was truly satisfying, and I believe it was because I was better prepared for the hike. It’s a feeling I’m sure many hikers can relate to.
As always, good people, nature, and exercise are a win in my books.
I can’t think of anything I dislike. However, I believe they could pay more attention to the trail. It needs some clearing and better markers.
Hikers should not have difficulty finding their way, which was the case for our group here and there.
That’s it from me on the Nadia’s Peak Hiking Trail Review. You should now have a better idea of what to expect, and may it inspire you to go and hike the trail.
Some Helpful Links
Nadia’s Peak Hiking Trails FB Page
Hartbeespoort Hiking Trails
Hartbeespoort Things To Do – Link Coming Soon
