The Majubane Waterfall

is the more difficult but is really worth a visit as it soars high above the Riverine Forest and drops down from the top of the escarpment in spectacular fashion, into an enticingly deep pool, ideal for swimming. This walk takes about 3 to 4 hours if you stop to admire the flowers, ferns and trees en route. Of course it can be covered in 2 hours if you are into the fitness thing. The bulk of the walk is along river paths with many bridged river crossings at the start of the trail for easy access. After that it is wet feet and a bit more adventure. Clivia occur in their hundreds along with Berg Agapanthus with their dark blue, drooping heads. Dozens of varieties of Ferns are to be encountered and in the right season you will have the chance of seeing beautiful Streptocarpus species and even Orchids growing in their natural habitat. There are great picnic and swimming spots for the children on the first section. Look out for spoor of buck and Bush Pig and if you are fortunate you will also see Vervet Monkey and hear the bark of Baboon. The final 30 minutes of the path to the waterfall is however not as easy and involves a stiff scramble over large boulders that may be slippery. Small children, the elderly and the unfit may find this section too difficult. Access to this waterfall is from the designated parking area about 50 meters before Unit 17 “Rainbow Rivers”. Walk past and below unit 17 and begin the trail by crossing the suspension bridge above the top weir.

The second option is the Steenkamps Waterfall trail. 

The trail starts with a very stunning walk on the mountainside that has a section of roped pathway to assist the hiker. This affords beautiful views of Berg Aloes often fussy with varieties of Sunbird. Seasonally, the hillside can be covered with literally hundreds of Scilla The trail starts with a very stunning walk on the mountainside that has a section of roped pathway to assist the hiker. This affords beautiful views of Berg Aloes often fussy with varieties of Sunbird. Seasonally, the hillside can be covered with literally hundreds of Scilla natalensis especially splendid after a fire. The walk comes to a pause at a tranquil river spot, where natural potholes have been worn into the rocks of the riverbed, that offers a welcome respite from the hiking. During summer months, to get to the actual waterfall it is necessary to wade in the river for the next 10 minutes or so, meaning that wet feet are the order of the day. This trail offers some of the best birding on the estate and can be accessed from the designated parking area located along the road beyond Unit 22 “Rock Solid”.

SPIOENKOP MINE TRAIL

The Mine walk above the Whisky Spruit is another interesting excursion. This trail has been developed by Management to give a view of the historical gold mining that occurred in the area and explores the open caste and shaft method. A pamphlet is available from the office or in the house file; giving directions and points of interest like stock pens and the crushing site along the route. Yellow-breasted Long claw are one of the birds spotted on this trail. The Mine Trail that is accessed from just behind the Staff Village, takes about 2 hours and is well signposted. There are other mine walks to Little Joker, Mount Prospect and Mount Anderson but these require careful planning and notification to management.

MINER’S COTTAGE

The other option for a more strenuous half day hike is to the Miner’s Cottage. This old building affords stunning views of the valleys and has been set up as an overnight hut. Arrangements should be made to collect the keys from the manager. The hut is equipped with water, firewood and basic cooking utensils, plus bunk beds to sleep five people. It also has a cold-water shower and an outside toilet. Food, beverages, a torch and sleeping bags are all that are needed. There are a couple of routes to the Miner’s cottage. One is to go by vehicle via Highland Run & Troutkloof and requires permission from the respective owners, which management will facilitate for you. Unfortunately this route is currently not accessible. The only current way is by foot via the plantation of pine trees near Units 1 and 2. It is important to notify management of which route you intend taking.