This little hidden gem is a must on your hiking list. Kranskloof hiking trail is a stunning trail that combines gorges, streams and the Highveld plateaus that offer beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape. The Kranskloof trails are in the Komati Gorge Nature Reserve and therefore one can expect to see zebras, eland, wildebeests, kudu, mountain reedbuck, blesboks, red hartebeests, waterbuck, duikers, klipspringers, warthogs, baboons, monkeys and otters. Porcupines, polecats, civets, caracal, serval, brown hyenas, have all been seen and some years ago hikers reported seeing a leopard. The area is a twitchers paradise with the combination of Highveld birds and those in the bush including the narina trogon, purple crested turaco (loerie) and the Knysna turaco (loerie). The gushing waterfalls, fast-flowing mountain streams, swimming spots indigenous trees, shrubs, veld flowers make Kranskloof a must for those who love the outdoors and nature.

The Kranskloof basecamp is hidden beautifully away in indigenous bush and is built from the local rock. Nearby is a perennial little waterfall a mere 70m away from camp, where the water cascades to offer an exhilarating shower in summer months. The calming sounds of the waterfall is soothing to the soul. Well behaved dogs are welcome but please be aware that this is a nature reserve and there are things out there that can be hurt and can hurt your animals.

Overnight Facilities:

• 3 rock huts with 8 bunk beds and mattress.
• Total number of hikers is 24.
• Small lapa

Ablution facilities:

• Donkey boiler for hot water.
• 2 x showers;
• 2 x Flushing toilets; and
• 2 x Basins.

Undercover kitchen:

• 2-plate gas cooker
• Pots, pans and 3 legged potjies,
• Braai facilities and wood.

Both trails are base camp trails so all you need to take is your day pack, camera, binoculars and walking stick. The weather can change rapidly so always take something warm and something to keep you dry.

Kranskloof Trail

The Kranskloof trail is a moderate, very well marked and clean 7km trail that rewards you with magnificent views of mountains, waterfalls, rock pools, kloofs, wild life and exquisite bird life.  The start of the trail is from the Kranskloof basecamp and follows the river downstream.

Komati Trail

This 8km trail is particularly interesting as it goes through the ruins of some BaKoni kraals. However, for wildlife lovers, this is an exciting trail as you will see a lot of game. It is slightly longer but with less climing than the Kranskloof trail.

Physical address, directions/Google maps link:

Komati Gorge Lodge, JT424, Waterval Farm, R36, eNtokozweni

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7sULiq33vBRttgu37

MEET:

Arrive on 30 April late afternoon, depart on the morning
of 3 May.

REQUIREMENTS:

Good hiking shoes, hat, sun block, at least 2lt of water, snacks.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Moderate fitness required – 7 and 8km trails

Price

R940

NO NO’S:

No radios. No claims against the club for loss/death or injury. Your participation is voluntary. Take care. No littering, we take only photographs and leave only fairy footprints! Pets not allowed in the Central Reserve.

Hike leaders & contact no: Hantie & Jenine – 083 656 5783