The day started early for me, to be more precise, around 4:30 AM. I had some IT prep work to complete before I could begin my commute to the farm, Rustig.
I got going just after 06:00 AM. I decided to start my commute early to the venue because it was a first for me, and I didn’t know what to expect. You know, just in case something goes wrong, I’ll have time to course-correct.
The Rustig farm is located in Hekpoort, just before you enter the North West Province from Gauteng. It’s a good 90km drive from Centurion, and it will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. The last part of the commute is an 8km dirt road.
How far is Farm Rustig from Johannesburg and Pretoria?
It’s approximately 80 km from central Johannesburg and 70 km from central Pretoria. It all depends on what route you take.
The Centurion Hiking Club planned the hike. Before we dive into how it all played out, let’s look at some history.
The History of The Farm Rustig
The Farm Rustig, meaning “peaceful” in Afrikaans, boasts a rich history dating back to 1845 when it first became associated with the Kloppers family. The current owner, Johan Oosthuizen, is a descendant of Frederik Jacobus Kloppers (Fritz), who acquired the farm from his uncle in 1930.
The property has remained within the family for generations, with Johan’s mother, born on the farm over 80 years ago, still residing there. Beyond the family’s direct ownership, the area surrounding Rustig holds historical significance, particularly evident from its involvement in the Anglo-Boer War.
The farm initially focused on tobacco cultivation in the 1930s, laying the groundwork for its future evolution.
What has happened since then?
From its agricultural origins, Rustig has undergone a remarkable transformation into a diverse destination blending its farming heritage with hospitality and tourism. The original farmhouse, built in 1931, has been meticulously restored and now serves as a guesthouse, forming part of a comprehensive accommodation offering that includes self-catering cottages, backpacker dorms, and luxury tent bungalows.
Rustig has become renowned for its extensive hiking trails, catering to various fitness levels, and has also established itself as a popular venue for corporate events, weddings, and other functions, complete with a fully equipped conference hall and picturesque wedding gardens.
Complementing these offerings are leisure amenities, including a solar-heated swimming pool, jacuzzis, a children’s play area, and game drives to observe the farm’s wildlife. The farm also provides complete catering services, with a resident chef preparing meals and offering farm-sourced lamb for traditional braais.
Is it still a working farm?
Yes, The Farm Rustig continues to operate as a working farm, effectively integrating its agricultural activities with its thriving tourism and hospitality ventures. While its early focus was on tobacco, the farm has since diversified its farming operations.
Currently, Rustig specializes in cattle and game farming. This commitment to agriculture is evident in their offering of “Oostermoed lam” (lamb) directly from the farm for guests to enjoy, showcasing a direct connection between their farming produce and their culinary offerings.
The Start
I got to the farm around 08:00 AM. As I drove up the dirt road towards the farm, I could see other vehicles ahead of me. To my surprise, there was a gate with someone checking paperwork.
Yes, you need to make a booking for this hike. They check your booking confirmation, and then you can continue onwards to the farm.
It was another 500-meter drive before I reached the parking area. There was adequate parking, likely by design, as they anticipated the number of people expected for the day.
A fellow hiker arrived at the same time as me. We made our way to the reception area, indemnity form in hand. These forms need to be submitted at the reception area.
The cost of the hike was R100 per person. We caught up while waiting for the other hikers to arrive. They also have adequate toiletry facilities, which are ideal for getting your business sorted before you tackle the mountain.
Not long after, the hikers began to arrive. The meeting and greeting commenced. We were mostly familiar faces, and shortly after, we got going.
We were 12 hikers ready to get this done. Our hike leaders shared the plan for the hike, we took a group photo, and then we set off.
Along The Trail
The trail we hiked is called the 13km Karee Overnight Trail. This is one of those trails that goes up immediately. According to Strava, the distance was 12.64 km with an elevation gain of 795 meters, and it took 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete.
This is not entirely accurate regarding the time spent on the trail. We began around 9:00 AM and only returned at about 3:00 PM that afternoon.
Let’s call it moving time. Yes, there were quite a few breaks in between because this hike is challenging and not for the underprepared hiker.
As we ascended the mountain, the first part was shaded, which was quite welcome since we were exerting maximum effort to climb. The last part, towards the top, required us to cross an overhanging bridge, which added to the excitement and also made for some beautiful images.
We climbed a few ladders along this trail, getting to the top and crossing fences at the lower parts of the trail. At the top, the views are breathtaking. There, we spent some time taking it all in.
As we were exploring the top, we saw an English bomb shelter. An English bomb shelter dating back to the Boer War period, which was likely used as an observation post.
The English utilized these elevated positions to gain a clear view of the valleys and monitor the movements of the Boers. It’s a circular wall that’s about 1.5 meters tall and 5 meters in diameter, with most of it having crumbled.
After a well-deserved break, reaching the top, it was time to move on. We walked along the ridge of the mountain, dropping slightly down to the side, where we got to an overhanging cave, which is called New Year’s Cave.
There we took a water break, had a look around, and took a few photos. It was time to move on, and not long afterwards, the trail took us up towards the top again.
Midway to the top, we took a break at the Bat Cave. It has a narrow entrance and is not easily accessible. One of the hikers decided to take a look and quickly realized that there were bats sleeping, and we should not disturb them.
All good with me. We grabbed some more water, took a few photos of the views, and then headed upward.
After giving it our all, we were back on top again. We took another much-needed break, grabbing snacks and drinks, and enjoying more stunning views while taking a few more photos.
Throughout this trail, you’ll find plenty of spots to take a break and soak in the views. To get the most out of your experience, pick up a map at the reception area. The map lays out the entire trail, including distances, points of interest, and high points of view.
Onwards past Riffel Rock, Platina Mine View, Boekenhouttree Rest, The Rock Loop, and Shady Tree, we reached Rustig Rest. This is where you decide if you want to take the Chicken Run back to the starting point or continue with the Braveheart Climb.
If you chose the Chicken Run, you were facing a 9km hike overall, and with the Braveheart Climb, it totals 13km. Four members of our group decided to go with the Chicken Run, while the rest of us tackled the Braveheart Climb.
To be honest, about 1km into the Braveheart climb, I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision. Anyway, it was too late, and I had to push through to the end.
The last part where our group split was tough. Not so much because of the terrain, as we were mainly descending. It was mostly because I was running on about a third of the energy left in my body.
If I stop taking pictures and making short videos, you should know I am running on almost empty.
Here and there, I started losing control of my bodily functions. There were these microsecond glitches where things started happening out of my control.
Let’s just say. What happens at Rustig stays at Rustig. It’s tough, and you’d better come prepared.
It was a good day considering it was mid-July winter. I believe this hike will be much more challenging in the summer.
The mood of my fellow hikers was mostly positive, even though there wasn’t much to be said toward the end. I think most of us were just trying our best to complete this hike, and it took most of what was left.
For me, the real payoff of the hike is the breathtaking views from the high points. It’s a feeling of accomplishment to reach the top, and the view from up there makes the whole experience worth it.
The challenges include the numerous ascents and descents, and the last 3 km when running on nearly empty.
What You Should Know Q&A
What hiking trails do they have?
3km, 5km, 9km, 13km, or 18km. The 9 and 13km trails loop up the mountain and back. The 13km route is just a bit further along the hill and then loops back.
Are the trails Easy, Moderate, or Hard?
Both 9 and 13km trails are hard. They go up to the top, and it takes maximum effort to get there. You need to be fairly fit to hike up comfortably.
Are the trails shaded or open?
Considering the winter season, the ascent was mostly shaded by the mountain. There was also a fair amount of tree cover along the way.
Are the trails well-marked?
Yes, I think it’s good enough. Do yourself a favor and grab a map at the reception area. The map highlights points of interest, viewpoints, and resting spots, and gives you a clear idea of how far you still have to go. With the map and markers along the way, you should easily find your way.
Are there rivers, waterfalls, a dam, or a lake?
There is not much water along the trail except for the last part of the 13km trail, where you hike past the dam. It might look better during the summertime after some good rain.
Are there any wildlife along the trail?
Along the trail, I don’t recall seeing wildlife except for some birds way up. Not sure what they were. It was too far out to determine. I understand there are Cape Vultures in the area. It must have been them.
Do they have mountain biking trails?
They do have mountain bike trails, and I spotted some mountain bike signs on the way to the farm. However, I didn’t see any actual mountain bikes during my visit.
Do they have a coffee shop or restaurant?
They have a shop where you can buy filter coffee, cold drinks, and I noticed a few beers in the fridge too. Additionally, they have a restaurant on-site, although it was closed during our visit. I’m not sure what the deal is with that.
Do they have a picnic area?
They do have seating areas around the pool where you can enjoy your beverage of choice.
Are they pet-friendly?
No, pets are regrettably not allowed. This policy is in place due to the presence of wild animals on the property, particularly baboons, to ensure the safety of both visitors and their pets, as well as the wildlife.
What are the operating hours for day visitors and hikers?
Rustig is typically closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday, they operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Saturdays, they open earlier at 7:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM, and on Sundays, they are open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Public and school holidays usually follow the Saturday operating hours.
What accommodation options are available?
Rustig provides a range of accommodation. This includes The Farmhouse (a restored 11-sleeper heritage home ideal for groups), the rustic Stone House (4-sleeper with a kitchenette), Backpackers dorms (6-sleeper rooms with communal facilities), and various Luxury Tent Bungalows (self-contained 4-sleeper and 6-sleeper units with en-suite bathrooms, full kitchens, and braai areas). For cost and availability, please contact them directly.
Last Thoughts
The overall experience of this hike was a positive one. I like the venue. The hike is epic up and down the mountain. It’s beautiful.
My only complaint about the hike was the trash I saw scattered along the trail. I came across plastic bottles every now and then, and there was also a strong odor at New Year’s Cave.
My suggestion is to place bins along the trail for hikers to dispose of their waste, or perhaps consider installing signs that encourage hikers to take their rubbish with them. Hopefully, some proper rainfall will also help eliminate the unpleasant odor at New Year’s Cave.
That’s it from me on the Rustig Hiking Trail Review. This should give you a better idea of what to expect and may it inspire you to go and check them out. Make sure you are prepared.
