Die Bosveld Hiking Trail: The New Blue Trail

Totally Not a Pensioner

So, Sage and I decided to tackle the new trail at Die Bosveld - a place I remember fondly from my previous hikes. The trees alone deserve their own fan club.

This time, Sage brought along “Leaf” — her other half, nature whisperer, and our unofficial hiking leader.

We planned to start at 6:30 a.m. sharp - another reason Sage is a keeper. The trail opens at six, automatic gold star in my book.

As usual, my morning had other plans

The Morning Meltdown

First, I had a full-blown argument with my hydration pack.

I won, by the way... eventually. 

Then came yet another highly avoidable toll road incident and a “scenic” detour.

So by the time I reached the gate, I was already one coffee short of calm.

Needless to say, when the polite young man with no sense of self-preservation whatsoever, politely asked if I was “an adult or pensioner,” I nearly swallowed my tongue.

Yes, I know I’m teetering on the edge of pensioner status, but that’s not the point. The point is: don’t say it out loud, Brad.

So yes, after being mistaken for a retiree and arguing with an inanimate object, I started the hike in a mood best described as “storm cloud with a side of sarcasm.”

Trees, Trails, and a Couple of Zigzags

The trail begins in a forest of absurdly beautiful trees

At first, we followed the familiar non-technical 5 km route. Then, I started to feel like we were zigzagging and looping a bit - probably to stretch the distance.I respect the creativity, truly, but unnecessary zigzags are a personal pet peeve

Eventually, the new trail revealed itself. From there, you can either stick to a non-technical route to complete the 10 km option, or detour into the technical section, adding a few extra kilometers (and a sprinkle of gangsta) to your day.

The trail had a bit of everything — endurance, technical bits, forest paths, river crossings, a cheeky incline, and even a sort of cave thing… ish (technical term).

Also open sunny stretches perfect for cooking hikers who slept in.

By the final stretch, though, I was definitely feeling it -but don’t worry - I didn’t suffer quietly.

A Tobacco Farm, Some Horses, and Aching Feet

Towards the end, we bushwhacked to some old stables, where horses grazed

Leaf, being a fountain of knowledge, explained that this area used to be part of a tobacco farm — those stables were originally drying barns.

To my trusty MVHP Sage, may you never be a stranger on these adventures (or in my hiking chaos)

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Pretoria

COST

R 70 — and no, I didn’t ask about the pensioner rate, because how dare you.

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

A mix of technical bits, serene forest strolls, and one dramatic incline — spicy enough to make you gasp, not spicy enough to need a will.

TRAIL LENGTH

12.5 or 13.5 km (depending on who’s counting).

If you ask me? We did 25 km.

Minimum.

Don’t question me.

TRAIL MARKERS

Pretty good overall. If you get lost, the worst that can happen is you’ll end up on the wrong trail.

Saddles lined up

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

The trees. They’re the main characters.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Hellishly hot in summer. Start early or suffer loudly.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Fishing, mountain biking, running and hiking.

A coffee shop nestled among the trees.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

We heard so many birds it was borderline ridiculous. I almost regretted not knowing bird names beyond “pigeon.”

Spotted some smudges of wildlife darting through the trees.

NOTE TO SELF

Learn to embrace the pensioner discounts when the time comes… but only after loudly reminding everyone that, in flattering light and from ten paces away, you still pass for early forties.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Definitely. There’s even a kiddies’ bike track now — new since my last visit.

PET FRIENDLY

Yes — on a leash, please.

ON A FINAL NOTE

I adore this place. I always have.

What I didn't adore: the random “make-up” mileage at the start and end, and the unending drone of light aircraft overhead. I get it - we’re near the airport - but must every pilot personally announce their presence to the forest?

That said, if you haven’t been here yet (doubtful), you absolutely should go.

There’s something for everyone: the “let’s stroll and gossip” types, the “I hike for brunch” crowd, and the “pain is character building” enthusiasts.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(TO)SOLO: If you know how to follow directions and don’t argue with hydration packs.

(NO)SOLO for me — because I cannot do either of the aforesaid..