De Wildt Adventure Trails - keeping my dream of a sunset hike burning bright!

Recently my son Salt and I finally embarked on the much anticipated trail at De Wildt Adventure Trails in Brits.

For weeks beforehand, I agonized over one very serious decision: half-day hike, one-day adventure, or the full two-day expedition?

Look at me, casually sounding like a seasoned adventurer.

It’s a skill, really.

Despite never having done a full-day or overnight hike (details, details), my enthusiasm was at an all-time high.

I had researched De Wildt far more thoroughly than I usually research, well… anything. And that’s when I realised: this place isn’t just a hiking spot - it’s a full-blown outdoor experience.

Beyond the trails lies a lodge, picnic spots, braai areas, a swimming pool, and accommodation.

Honestly, you’d need a whole weekend to do it justice.

We will absolutely be back - preferably with less time pressure.

Distance Debate (6.5 km vs 9 km)

So, bright and early as always, Salt and I sauntered up to the map of the trails.

There were many options.

We decided on the Peglerae Trail, immediately launching into a room-temperature debate over which length to conquer - 6.5 km or 9 km.

Naturally, I championed the 9 km option.

If you’re already out there, why not commit?

Salt, however, leaned towards 6.5 km - possibly due to an afternoon appointment.

After some sulking (from me), strategic eye-rolling (from him), and one reluctant surrender, Salt agreed to the 9 km.

From “Underwhelming” to Utterly Obsessed

Early on, we passed a quaint picnic area nestled among the trees.

High expectations got the better of me, and I whispered the word “underwhelming.”

Fast forward a bit, and there I was - suddenly the trail’s biggest cheerleader, raving about the rock formations like they were the eighth wonder of the world.

Not only were they stunning, but their shapes also made navigating the terrain

far easier to grab onto.

Naturally, Salt seized the opportunity to mock my earlier doubts by whispering “underwhelming” right back at me - impeccable timing, especially as we reached the top of a spectacular climb.

The Views

Unlike some trails where you're limited to a single-sided view, this one treats you to a breathtaking panorama.

But just when you think you've seen it all, reaching the summit reveals an entirely new perspective.

It genuinely feels like getting two trails for the price of one, each with its own personality and scenery.

The views? For days.

Still emotionally recovering from being shortchanged on distance the previous week, I was feeling smug about my earlier 9 km win… until we reached the split.

Salt casually mentioned that we had “only walked 1.5 km so far.”

Of course I, spluttering in disbelief.

did exactly what he needed me to do - panic slightly and agree to the shorter 6.5 km route.

Only after I agreed did he reveal that the first 1.5 km was all uphill, and the rest would go much faster.

Sneaky swine.

There’s a downhill section that comes with a slippery warning - but with basic caution and awareness, it’s completely manageable.

It’s days like these that remind me why the outdoors keeps calling — and why the Magaliesberg remains one of the best quick-escape regions near Johannesburg.

Here's to many more adventures, and to uncovering the hidden gems that await us in every corner of this remarkable country - and maybe - just maybe - actually getting the full distance next time.

AREA: Harties/Magaliesburg

COST: R 80 - R 120 depending on the the trail.

DIFFICULTY - MODERATE

LENGTH - 6.5 km

Even after realizing I’d been duped again, I was fine with the 6.5 km decision - it made for a comfortable hike.

That said, seeing where the 9 km route continued made me feel mildly robbed.

The scenery looked unreal.

So yes, I’ll be back. Again.

Probably soon.

HIGHLIGHTS:: Rock formations & endless views

ELEVATION - 308 m

A slow and enjoyable ascent. Gentle and painless.

MARKERS - Extremely well marked…… to a point.

After the 6 km and 9 km split, they briefly play hide-and-seek.

Thankfully, Salt had the AllTrails app - because he’s that guy.

They numbered the markers - very smart - nothing like the comfort of knowing that if you do get lost, at least they'll have a pinpoint location for the search party.

Ablutions

Safe parking

AMENITIES: - There's a braai area, picnic spots, and a swimming pool, but we didn't utilize any of them, so I cannot comment.

BUT there's also accommodation.

Maybe the Lodge will do us a solid and invite us back for an overnight stay and a sunset hike... now that would be an experience to remember!

BUT if they don't, well... a sunset and sunrise hike will just have to stay on my bucket list.