Danielsrust Game Farm – A Not-So-Flashy but Peaceful Hike

So, the hike of the day was with Pepper at Danielsrust Game Farm. Expectations? Firmly planted in the ‘meh’ zone. But, there’s no hike that’s completely ‘meh’—even if it’s just a dusty sand road with the occasional patch of grass trying its best.

Before we even arrived, I was already deeply irritated by Pepper, and tried to zone out by focusing on the trail ahead,....which kinda worked, but then, bam—something un-zenned me, and I was right back to my Pepper-induced eye twitch.

Then, clearly not reading the room... my Waze decided to pick a fight, rerouting us to avoid tolls. Uh, Waze... FYI.... petrol now costs more than toll fees. So maybe quit the detours and stick to the script...can you do that for me??

Even though the final stretch of road was practically screaming 'Kumbaya,' by the time we pulled in, I was still ready to toss Pepper, Waze, and my entire mood into the nearest ditch

When we pulled in, a sign directed us to report to reception but reception was bolted shut. Instead, there was an honesty box on the wall.

Just as I was about to eagerly stuff our money into this relic of a simpler, more trusting time (I mean, who doesn’t love proving to the universe that people still have honour?), a cheerful lady appeared—mid-horse grooming, and proceeded to give us the lowdown on the trail, and, with the kind of casual tone one might use to mention a nearby coffee shop, she added, “Oh, and there’s a shooting range on the premises. Don’t worry—it’s nowhere near the trails. Just stick to the paths, and you’ll be fine.”

Does she know me and Pepper? Stick to what? Paths? We’d be lucky to stick to the continent.

But honestly, the dog, the horses, the quirky signs, and all the little bits and bobs had already won me over. Sure, not technically part of the trail, but for me, these details contribute to the full experience!

Anyway...off we went, and ten minutes in, I was starting to think that this was going to be the first hike ever where I had nothing to blog about? I mean, what would I even say? "I walked for two hours and saw... nothing. End of blog."

As I sank deeper into my blogging despair, nature swooped in right on cue. Out of absolutely nowhere—boom—wildlife. And on a Game Farm, no less. Who would’ve guessed? (No, really. Don’t answer that. Let me have my moment.)

We then stumbled upon some trees, and suddenly, everything transformed into this magical landscape... well, in patches anyway.

With a shooting range to my left and herds of wildlife to my right, my brain went, Well, this sure feels like a hunting farm. But then I thought, not today, brain. I was finally feeling some damn peace, and I pushed all potentially peace-shattering scenarios out of my head and just kept walking.

We chose the 10 km trail. It was open, hot, and mostly a sand road, but surprisingly, the wildlife and lush greenery totally redeemed it.

In winter, the temperature might be more civilized, but then you would miss out on all this glorious green.

Either way, we’re getting nature, just with different degrees of sweat involved.

RATING

AREA: Danielsrust Game Farm (near Krugersdorp)

COST: R50

DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy, with gentle inclines that you will barely notice.

LENGTH

While we chose 10 km, there is also 5 and 15 km

TIME

It took us 2 1/2 hours. Without my photo stops, we probably could’ve wrapped it up in 2 hours... and if Pepper had his way, he would've finished the whole thing in 1 1/2 hours—because who needs to enjoy the scenery when you can race through it like a cheetah on crack??

ELEVATION:

Hardly any, but so gradual anyway.

MARKERS:

Yes—Pepper and I didn’t get lost even once. Let that sink in. You must understand just how ridiculously self-explanatory this trail has to be for that miracle to happen!!

HIGHLIGHTS

Wildlife sightings, shaded patches, scenic spots

ABLUTIONS: Yes

SAFE AND FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

A shed for day visitors with chairs, tables, and braais.

A natural spring... that I, for some inexplicable reason, didn’t get to see. (Pepper… care to explain????)

Private functions can also be booked.

They have camping and I assume horse riding. Maybe next time, I’ll take a detour and check that out....won"t I Pepper???

Seemingly dog-friendly, as we were greeted by a gorgeous dog.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This might not have been the hike of my wildest dreams, but in the end, it turned out to be a surprisingly peaceful trail. The wildlife, open terrain, and those sneaky scenic spots really redeemed it. Would I recommend it? Yes—totally.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(My new rating on whether I’d dare tackle each trail solo—because, you know, self-preservation is key.)

If you're not too spooked by the idea of going solo with the wildlife, then go for it. Me? I'm a delicate balance of 'I want to be one with nature' and 'Please don't eat me.'"