Hiking trails in Mpumalanga

Explore our hiking trails in Mpumalanga

Except for the demarcated trails, there are wonderful walks in almost any direction on our reserve. There are many undeveloped archaeological sites of stone structures dating back at least 300 years. You are free to explore and have a new experience every day! We’ll pack a picnic basket for you if you plan on being out for the whole day. Ask at reception for a picnic which is packed in a satchel and easy to carry on your back.
Komati Gorge Resort offers a variety of walking and hiking trails in Mpumalanga on one 2000 hectare reserve. These trails have various difficulties to suit everybody, from a 20-minute stroll along the road to a full day’s hike up into the mountains. The walks provide some spectacular scenery so don’t forget your camera.
As with most other hiking trails in Mpumalanga, the long grass can scratch your legs, so wear long pants if possible. Hiking boots are not necessary but strong, running type shoes are a must. Don’t forget to put on sun-block regularly and take enough water with you.

• Please report to reception before going on a hiking trail.
• Never go hiking when clouds are gathering for a thunder-storm.
• Stay away from the edge of cliffs.
• Do not attempt to feed or touch any wild animals on the reserve.
• Please refrain from picking flowers.
• No littering.
• Please ensure not to leave any cigarette butts in the veld as this poses a major fire risk.
• Do not engrave or write on any trees or rocks.
• No fires to be lit for any reason whatsoever.
• Please stay on the trails as far as possible – stay clear of all overhangs and cliffs.
• Stay clear of any dangerous animals.

For the more energetic, you can take an early morning run in the fresh air or if you want to cover more ground in a shorter time, the reserve may also be explored on a mountain bike. You can hire a bike from the lodge as well.

Because we care about our guests, we have a few hiking tips for the inexperienced hikers that would like to explore our beautiful reserve…

Beware of Blisters!
Experienced hikers are just as likely to get blisters on their feet – that’s why it is first on our list of hiking tips. Uneven terrain and the various slopes and slants can cause the most comfortable shoes to cause blisters. We recommend that you avoid sandals and flip-flops when hiking; opt for sturdy hiking shoes or tekkies that fit. Proper performance socks will also prevent blisters. Having a few thick band aids in your first aid kit will relieve the pain and allow you to enjoy the rest of your hike.

Scrapes and Scratches!
Loose rocks or tree roots can easily cause you to trip and fall, especially if you’re so engrossed with your surroundings that you’re not paying attention to the trail. Stray branches in wooded hiking trails in Mpumalanga often cause scratches on your face, arms or legs. The holy grail of hiking tips is surely to watch where you’re going, but accidents happen and keeping some alcohol swabs in your first aid kit will quickly disinfect a skinned knee or a nasty scratch.

Don’t go Alone!
No one likes to think of the worst case scenario, but with unknown terrain anything is possible. If you happen to fall and badly hurt a finger or a wrist, having a splint ready is a lifesaver, but if you sprain a knee or an ankle, continuing with your hike could prove impossible. One of our more serious hiking tips is to take a friend or a few other hikers with you, so that if someone does get badly hurt, they have the assistance of others to get back to the resort for medical assistance.

Insects Galore!
Unfortunately, embarking on any of the hiking trails in Mpumalanga means that you’ll encounter a variety of insects. Be wise and use a good bug repellant, manufactured in South Africa, so you can be sure it’ll fend off any of the critters found in your area. Wearing long pants will deter ticks from biting you, but be sure to check yourself after hiking to make sure that none of them has managed to climb on you during your hike. If you have serious allergies, make sure you carry the necessary medication with you for bee stings etc.

 Sun Sun Sun!
We cannot put enough emphasis on this hiking tip. Wear sunscreen all the time, even if it is overcast. Re-apply after a few hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Wearing a hat will decrease your chances of sunburn on your face, but going on hiking trails in Mpumalanga is bound to expose you to some harsh sunshine and the last thing you want is your holiday to be spoiled by painful pink skin.

Wonderful Water!
Any avid hiker would be able to tell you how valuable fresh water is on a lovely long hike. Drinking plenty of water before starting your hike is also recommended, and taking more water with than you might think necessary is a great idea. You never know what unforeseen circumstances could arise and if you’d be out for longer than expected, so take plenty of fluids with you in your backpack. Breathing through your nose and keeping your mouth closed is also a good tip; it will prevent your mouth from drying up and you losing fluids by evaporation.