Avianto Hiking Trail: Mud, Memories, and Mildly Confusing Arrows

This was no ordinary hike. This was a special hike.

One with my son, Pepper, and one of his oldest friends (practically family) - who also happens to be my spirit animal.

Except she’s:

34 years younger.

Infinitely nicer.

Significantly more chilled.

Generally what happens when authenticity is calm, regulated, and not running on cortisol.

Oh, and she eats the cupcake.

I eat the icing.

So… nothing like me at all.

But we 100% share the authenticity.

She just executes it better.

She was in town for the holidays, and honestly, there is no better way to catch up with someone than on a hiking trail.

Just walking.

Nature doing its thing.

And talking - the real kind.

With holiday season chaos in full swing, trail options were… limited.

Pickings were slim.

Choices were made.

Why Avianto Hiking Trails Made the Shortlist

I first did this trail a while back with my “must be flat” friend.

It took us a solid 30 minutes just to find the reception, which felt less like inconvenience and more like commitment to the experience.

We were advised that the trails were free, under construction, and well marked.

And flat it was. Scenic. Calm. Slightly disorienting… but in a charming, "we’ll figure it out eventually" kind of way.

A few months ago when I asked about the trails again, I was told "Trails are free, under construction and well marked."

Naturally, I blue-ticked it and carried on with my life.

Arrival at Avianto

4 x 4 TRAILS

At reception, we were once again assured:

Free.

Under construction.

Well marked.

(At this point, it felt contractual.)

We were given two choices:

5 km or 10 km.

There was no discussion.

No democracy.

No committee meeting.

We did the 10 km. Obviously.

Trail Markings

Let’s talk about the trail markers, because they deserve their own section.

There were markers.

They were enthusiastic.

They were confusing.

Sometimes a sign would confidently point left, while another equally confident sign pointed right - for the same route.

We handled this by walking forward with confidence and pretending this was intentional.

Red arrows occasionally became grey arrows, which was never an option to begin with, but okay.

We didn’t get lost - we were just constantly unsure.

Subtle difference.

December Hiking at Avianto

It was less scenic and manicured and more "it’s December" than last time.

It’s been raining, and nature is simply not in the mood yet. The flowers were sleeping.

The creatures were hiding.

No one was there to perform.

But honestly? It was exactly what it needed to be.

For the first few kilometers, there were roads, tunnels, bridges, 4×4 trails, amenities being enthusiastically shown off.

Markers eventually sent us to a tar road. After about 2 km of committed tar road walking, we finally reached what could finally be called a trail.

I feel like it was one of those neighbourly “share your trail” deals… but honestly? No cooking clue.

Still, it worked.

There were gentle inclines, foresty sections and, as with all the trails at the moment, mud.

So much. mud.

There was some technical mud management required - nothing bonds people quite like collective butt-sliding avoidance.

Eventually, we got back onto the road and made our way toward the venue, still mildly confused but fully content.

All trails start and end at The Clubhouse, which is always a comforting sign when you’re not entirely sure where you going.

Breakfast at The Clubhouse

We ended at The Clubhouse, had an amazing breakfast, went home, tired, calm, and properly connected.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Muldersdrift

COST

Free  (still)

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Entirely depends on you and your attitude.

Can be flat.

Can be short.

Can also be neither.

TRAIL LENGTH

Again… up to you.

Choices will be presented.

Decisions will be made.

TRAIL MARKERS

Yes. Tons of them. All enthusiastically confirming you are on some sort of trail.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Relaxed. Peaceful. Surrounded by nature. Mildly unsure of your location at all times.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Mostly open. Sun, rain, and “why didn’t I check the forecast” are all possibilities.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

It’s a ridiculously picturesque establishment, mainly famous for weddings known for functions, but hiding a whole personality underneath.

Google it.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Birds seen and heard.

NOTE TO SELF

Confidence is not the same as knowing where you’re going.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

Dogs on lead

ON A FINAL NOTE

The trails here make for an excellent countryside hike, and suit a wide range of fitness levels.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

I would 100% get lost, form a deep bond with the mud, and refuse to leave.