It’s 03:00 AM, and I am awake. I still need 2 more hours to charge up for the day ahead. I don’t think it will happen, but I will try laying here thinking sleep. Maybe it works. 🙂
I got in another 45 minutes’ worth of sleep before I got up at 05:00. I had to get up early for this one as I still had to get everything ready for the day’s hike.
It was quite a distance to drive, and I had to go by 06:30. Chop, chop, it’s time to get things done. It has been a few weeks since my last hike, so I felt I was missing something.
It turned out to be okay. It seems it’s like riding a bike. Years can go by without riding. Then, one day, you jump onto a bike and ride as if it was just yesterday you rode a bike.
I managed to get everything done and was on the road by 06:30. It’s 120km to the trailhead from Centurion Pretoria. I drove all along the N4 towards Rustenburg to get to the Easterkloof Nature Reserve.
You will pass 2 toll gates on the N4 towards the Eaterkloof Nature Reserve. The cost per Toll was R19.00.
You take the Mooinooi offramp towards the reserve. The last 10km towards the reserve is terrible. Expect massive potholes and an 8km dirt road. Go slow there.
I got to the reserve just before 08:00, and it looked like most of my fellow hikers were already there. There I was, thinking I was early.
Everyone was happy to see one another again after the festive season. It’s been many weeks since my last hike with the club.
The Centurion Hiking Club made all the arrangements for this one. Planning for the hike started a month back. There were only 20 permits available for this hike. R120 per permit.
The venue also only allows a small number of people to be on the reserve at a time. So planning is essential.
History
The Easterkloof Nature Reserve forms part of the Buffelspoort Valley Conservancy in the Magalies, Northwest Province. It’s part of the Magaliesberg Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated area recognised for its exceptional natural beauty and cultural values.
The conservancy is home to diverse wildlife, including various antelope species, zebras, giraffes, and birdlife. The area also boasts stunning scenery, with rolling hills, lush valleys, and the clear waters of the Buffelspoort Dam.
The conservancy offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, game drives, and water sports on the dam. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the city.
The conservancy is also involved in conservation efforts, working to protect the unique biodiversity of the Magaliesberg region. They collaborate with landowners and other stakeholders to promote sustainable land use practices and protect the natural environment.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful getaway in South Africa, the Buffelspoort Valley Conservancy is worth considering.
Back to the hike.
The Start
The parking area features a cleared space nestled among the trees. With ample shade available, a well-chosen spot ensures your car stays cool during your hike. Note that parking incurs an extra fee of R60.
Adjacent to the parking area, there is an outdoor bush toilet. If your drive was lengthy and you need to relieve yourself, feel free to use it. Just remember that you’re in the bush, so adjust your expectations regarding toilet facilities.
The hike started just after 8:00, and our adventure began with a cheerful leap over a farm gate! I loved the inspiring quote we found on it. It reminded me to appreciate the simple joys of breathing and having both my arms and legs. We took a group photo before diving into our journey!
Along The Trail
A large part of the trail winds through the lovely valley beside a gentle stream that transforms into a river after good rainfall. The valley floor is filled with vibrant green vegetation, and the native trees and shrubs truly enhance the area’s natural charm.
After the heavy rains, this time of year brings out the landscape’s true beauty. It’s a vibrant green everywhere you look, with streams flowing energetically.
And the trail is blessed with plenty of shade from the trees, particularly as we approach the stunning 200-meter waterfall. It’s truly a sight you won’t encounter every day! We decided to linger here for a while, soaking in the beauty around us.
We enjoyed a lovely out-and-back trail! My AllTrails navigator tells me that we walked a total of 4.89 km, with a charming elevation gain of 200 meters.
Although the signal was spotty throughout our adventure, which makes me question the accuracy, it was just part of the experience! This trail is wonderfully remote and feels like a hidden gem.
It’s all good! We enjoyed the whole day on the trail, even if we didn’t cover heavy hiking kilometres.
Aside from the charming birds, we didn’t come across much wildlife during our hike. The walkways are mostly clear, although they do get a bit overgrown as you get closer to the waterfall.
I found this to be quite delightful as it added to the sense of adventure! I noticed rocks stacked here and there along the trail, which is how we navigated the trail.
It was a lovely warm day, and we easily stayed cool while walking along a stream with inviting little watering holes along the trail. Plus, the shaded areas made it even more manageable.
The air was a symphony of scents inviting you in. Vibrant life surrounds you, with wild grass, damp leaves, and blooming wildflowers creating a warm embrace. The moist earth shares its earthy fragrance, while the nearby stream adds a refreshing aquatic note.
Most of my fellow hikers felt positive and strong while moving along the trail. We had a few slip-ups here and there, including me, but luckily nothing serious. Your fitness level needs to be at an intermediate level to enjoy it.
The highlight of the hike was seeing the 200-meter waterfall and swimming in one of the watering holes. It was so welcoming and refreshing to cool off in.
It was just the reboot that fellow hikers and I needed.
What You Should Know
There is nothing out there. After your hike, you will not pop in for a fancy coffee or a cold one with a hamburger.
You will have to bring along whatever you want to eat and drink. Also, bring a toilet roll along. The one that was available to us was wet. Remember the open-air toilet facility.
Maybe, pack a small cooler with something to eat and drink on your drive back if you must drive back to Pretoria.
Then, if you are looking for a spot to eat and stay, you will have to look towards Rustenburg, Mooinooi, or even ATKV Buffelspoort. All of them are near the hiking trail.
Last Thoughts
My overall experience of this hiking trail is good. It’s by far one of my favourites and is close enough to Pretoria. Yes, it’s far out and remote, but the best ones usually are.
One challenging thing about the trail was the 10km drive to and from the trailhead. The road could use some TLC, so it’s best to take your time and drive carefully. There’s room for improvement in the restroom facilities; having a dry toilet roll would make a difference!
That’s it from me on the Easterkloof Nature Reserve Hiking Trail. I hope you have a better idea of what to expect and that it inspires you to go and hike the trail yourself.
Some Helpful Links
Bookings (Reach out for contact details.)
Easterkloog Nature Reserve Hiking Trail on Google Maps
){kind=link}