Elangeni Hiking Trail
Beauty: 3.5/5
Difficulty (fitness): 5/10
Technical rating of trail: Standard trail walking, with some steep sections.
This is a beautiful, pet-friendly route that traverses through Sappi-owned property and is managed by Elangeni Holiday Resort. The route is well maintained, with distance markers counting down the number of kilometres remaining. There is also a slackpacking option. The days can be hot during summer, so an early start is advised — but the sweeping views make up for any discomfort. The trail is well suited for dogs; our two Dachshunds joined us and completed it successfully.
The accommodation
The first night is spent in wooden chalets at the caravan park campsite. The ablution facilities are well maintained and hot water is available. The kitchen is separate from the huts and includes cups, plates, cutlery, a fridge and an oven. The resort is located next to the N4, so it can be noisy on the first night.
Coordinates: S25° 35.817′ E30° 26.597′
The second night’s accommodation is “Sonbesie Hut”, located close to the Sappi plantations. The hut is in excellent condition, equipped with gas stoves, gas geysers and pots in the kitchen. There are four rooms accommodating up to 32 hikers. The hut’s porch overlooks the valley and features a proper outside braai. Supplies can be dropped here by arrangement with the owner (for a fee). The hut also has an HF radio for emergencies.
Coordinates: S25° 33.592′ E30° 24.887′
Looking out from the Sonbesie Hut porch
Day 1 (14 km)
The day starts gently, following the Elands River for about a kilometre before heading up the mountain for 3–4 km — a proper warm-up. The route is well maintained, with one short, steep section before reaching the escarpment. The total ascent is roughly 600m, and the views from the top are well worth the effort.
Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the viewpoints or under a shady tree in the Sappi plantations. The rest of the day is mostly along the escarpment, with a gentle descent towards the 12 km mark.
It’s a long but rewarding day with sweeping views. Water is scarce, with the only reliable source around 13 km — so carry enough.
Day 2 (11 km)
Although less demanding, Day 2 is spectacular. Two waterfalls along the route make for refreshing swim spots — the first at 2 km and the second at 3 km, with waterfall number 2 being the standout.
Beautiful aloes line sections of the trail. The last 3 km descend steeply past old rock formations and other geological features. Shade is limited after the waterfalls, and it can get quite hot — fortunately, the day is short and a swimming pool awaits back at camp to cool off before heading home.
A videolog of the hike can be found at: http://www.do-more-be-more.dreamhosters.com/2017/07/29/elangeni-hike/
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Bookings
For bookings, contact Elangeni Holiday Resort:
Tel/Fax: +27 (0)13 257 7071
Cell: +27 (0)83 793 3163 (Werner)
Cell: +27 (0)83 797 7505 (Adam)
Email: elangresort@mweb.co.za
Review by Do More. Be More.