Bezhoek Hiking Trail: A Weekend Getaway in Middelburg
- jeeksparties8
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Booking the Bezhoek Adventure
This hiking weekend was booked a while back through Carol and her team - Bradden et al.
For lack of a better term… we were the guinea pig group. Carol?? Really?? Bold move, experimenting on me — the she-wolf of problem creation. Brave, brave Carol.
For those of you who don’t know Bradden… imagine Google, but with better reception in the mountains and fewer pop-up ads.
If it flies, crawls, or gallops, he’s got a fact ready before you even think to ask.
“Et” was Bradden's trusty sidekick.
“Al,” was Carol’s inside connection to the Reserve.
And Carol? She’s the hyper-organized, color-coded spreadsheet type. Basically me — but competent. Without her, this whole thing would still be a brilliant idea trapped in a WhatsApp chat.
Although not even Carol’s perfect instructions could save me from my little Waze detour moment. This time, I had two passengers swearing I wasn’t in the wrong—though that was probably pity, not proof.
The plan? Drive through Saturday morning, arrive 10 a.m., hike a 10 km trail, sleep over, then tackle an 18 km trail early Sunday before heading home. Easy enough—unless you’re me, in which case inventing problems that don’t exist is basically a full-time job.
Starting Later Than I Like
Now, starting a summer-ish hike at brunch o’clock doesn't appeal to me. I prefer not roasting while the sun laughs at me. But fine — Carol said 10, so 10 it was.
And based on previous hikes with Carol, I knew there would be briefs and debriefs — the kind usually reserved for sensitive military operations.
So while everyone else was dutifully listening to the briefing, in a beautiful chapel at the accommodation, I was mentally absent. Mostly hoping no one could hear the relentless tick-tock of the hike’s starting time creeping later and later inside my head.
There had also been predictions of rain.
What did we actually get? Overcast skies, steady wind, and — shockingly — perfect hiking weather.
So basically nothing like the apocalyptic scenario I had already scripted in my head. Who could have guessed? (Yes..okay...everyone but me.)
Arrival at Fountains of Blessings,
We met at Fountains of Blessings, our charming and cozy accommodation not far from the Reserve. It ticked all the boxes: rustic, warm, and country chic. Big thumbs-up from me.
The 10 km Hike Through Bezhoek Nature Reserve
We started off our 10 km hike once everyone arrived. It was a short walk to the gate of the reserve.
About 10 minutes in, there was a steep technical section that demanded slow, steady care. Short but spicy. Loved every minute!
After that? Mostly flat terrain, wide open plains, and peaceful stretches.
And then there they were, a group of sable antelope with sweeping horns, just chilling and staring at us like we were paparazzi interrupting their Sunday brunch. Majestic.
Dinner, Rain, and Perfect Timing
And that rain that was predicted? Virtually as we finished our hike, the skies opened up — full-on bucketing, even hail at one point. Impeccable timing.
Final Thoughts: Bezhoek Hiking Trail Is Worth It?
Oh, absolutely! Gorgeous views, tranquil stretches, and yes — my over thinking was, as usual, entirely dramatic… but let’s not make a habit of admitting that.
RATINGS
Accommodation
FOUNTAINS OF BLESSINGS
“Country-chic, farm-style venue with spectacular views and full amenities. Can host up to 120 guests for special events… even weddings… because remember? There’s a chapel.
Trail Information
AREA
Middelburg
Trail Details
TRAIL DIFFICULTY
Not brutal, but definitely not for anyone expecting a casual Sunday stroll with a latte in hand.
TRAIL LENGTH
10 km
TRAIL MARKERS
Who cares? It has to be guided. Just follow the leader and try not to trip.
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS
There was peace, there was beauty, and then of course, there was Bradden — our very own wildlife magnet.
While the rest of us were squinting into the distance hoping to spot something majestic, he was on his knees fawning over a ‘monster tiger beetle larva.’
WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER
Its open, so in summer, prepare yourself
WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE
Lots of wildlife. We spotted antelope, and on day two we spotted wildebeest, and — if you squinted really hard through the bushes — kind of, sort of, giraffe. Others saw even more… but you know me — if I’m not physically tripping over the wildlife, it doesn’t count.
Birdwatchers will have a field day too — especially with Et's extensive knowledge of all the different species.
And ofcourse the “monster tiger beetle larva.” Does it count as wildlife? Probably not. Did it look like something that should? Absolutely.
NOTE TO SELF
Is it the end of the world to start hikes a little later? Absolutely not. Calm your drama. and stop manufacturing fake emergencies.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Yes
PET FRIENDLY
Probably not, unless your dog has a death wish involving wildebeest.
ON A FINAL NOTE
To Carol, Bradden, Et and Al… bravo on pulling off a hike that let us breathe again, use our legs, and embrace the perfect mix of calm, adventure, and mild panic.
(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO
(NO)SOLO
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