07 Mar Guided or self-guided hiking trails

Hiking Trails

Very few things clears the mind and resets the soul like a good walking stick and an adventure on a hiking trail. And at Wildehondekloof we have a adventure for all kinds of adventurers, from the casual just want to get out there and touch grass to the more seasoned explorer that needs to see things to all the way to the guys that swop out stories with bear Grylls around a fire they built from scratch okay maybe I am embellishing a bit but we do have something that would suit most adventurers that are on holiday.

The yellow route

This easy walking 3 km walk is mostly flat or moderate inclines and could easily be done by a novice Hiker with some good shoes and a good stick, it is criss-crossing through the river and looping back on itself. Although the full route is 3km there is plenty places where you can just sit and relax and if you sit still enough you might be fortunate enough to encounter a klipspringer or even a cape clawless otter, the flora that grow in and around the river is lush and indigenous and if you opt for a guided tour our field guide will tell you the most wonderous applications of them all. And on a hot day this route hold a gem that is a swimming hole with a waterfall that would supply hours of fun

The Red route

This route is slightly more elevated and away from the river going around one of the hills that are close to the lodge. So bring water and that Majestic stick that just conquered the yellow line also a sharp eye cause here you will certainly encounter some of the smaller antelope all the way to the magnificent Kudu that roam our property. The flora changes a little to more fynbos and protea landscape here. Scattererd on the east facing faces a collection of aloes awaits. All these can be pointed out if you decide to take a guided tour as his sharp eyes would help you spot the wildlife before they can scurry off. Many Ground birds and when the season allows it the sunbirds that frequent the flowering plants like the proteas and aloes like the crimson breasted sunbird and the very extravagant Malachite Sunbird would lighten up your walk. With the breath-taking Swartberg in the background, I would be surprised if you did not get a new profile picture taken on this hike!

The Blue route (Rooi Koppie)

Okay now that your walking stick is fully upgraded, and you know our guide well we can take you on the main attraction this walk is 3 – 4 hour hike and has some good inclines that rewards with spectacular views and most probably a sighting of our resident Giraffe family. On this hike you should take a decent amount of water and we would suggest that even though the guide is optional for Red and Yellow it’s almost a must have for Blue . Even though still in the foothills of the Swartberg this area is a little more exposed to the elements and the Fauna and Flora here would show you that the most beautiful things can survive a very harsh environment with soaring temperatures in summer and freezing temperatures in winter! Except for the Giraffes here you might even come across our small herd of Cape Mountain Zebra the stately Oryx and those iconic Eland!

23 Km Lodge Trail

This gem of a hike is very exclusive and can only done with a guide as its required by Cape nature so if you want an experience that will linger, and you have the fitness for it then you can enquire on the price and availability

So, to conclude- we have something to suit every mood and fitness level and no two hikes even on the same trail will ever be the same