Die Bosveld: Trees, Rocks, and a Healthy Dose of Self-Doubt

So this was going to be the great return to trail at 'Die Bosveld Outdoor Lifestyle Venue.'

Salt and I had tackled this trail before (see the link https://hikinghag.wixsite.com/the-hiking-hag-1/post/die-bosveld-outdoor-lifestyle-venue for that post), but had not completed the full 10 km.

So, I vowed I’d be back to conquer the full 10 km—mainly because I couldn’t stop obsessing over the trees. The trees at the start, the trees at the finish... and oh, the magical trees in between.

Practically mythical. I basically felt like Frodo, but with hiking boots and no ring to throw in a volcano (although that could always be arranged),

But, I had to get there first. The drive was going to be around 45 minutes....but I’d be on my own, and let’s also remember that my sense of direction is worse than a malfunctioning GPS. 

Honestly, I could drive to the same place every week for a year and still feel like I’m venturing into the wilderness for the first time. I’m that bad.

Can we just all agree that I am absolute crap at directions—car, foot, broomstick, doesn’t matter.

Add together my attention span of a gappie, and I’m practically guaranteeing a detour ... at least once per trip!

So naturally, I spent the night before stressing over the drive. You know, lying there in bed, questioning my entire life and this newfound hiking life. How could I even think about quitting? This is literally everything I love—fresh air, scenic views, and I am even mingling with… what do they call them again? Oh, yes—people ... so I can keep this whole “hiking long-term” thing going.

But we have GPS nowadays, I hear you say. Yes, well... your point being?? Sure, it helps—until you’re on a highway where the road splits into four lanes, and the soothing voice tells you to “stay left.” Which left, lady?! Left-left? Slightly left? Diagonally left?

Cue the inevitable "blimp" noise and the passive-aggressive announcement that she’s "recalculating." And that's my cue to spiral into full-blown panic mode, wondering if I’ll be driving straight into the next province.

So now you will understand why, when I arrive to tackle this hike....supposedly to experience peace, tranquility, and the trans formative powers of nature—I felt like skipping the hike might have been more calming for my mental health at that point. as by then my shoulder blades were in fact wrapped around my neck like a tangled mess. 

But somehow, I made it. and off we went.

And those trees? Still magical. Not quite the "cinematic, mystical forest" vibes from last time’s misty winter hike, but in a more "wow, I could live here but only if there’s Wi-Fi" kind of way.

Now, two things I had forgotten about this trail: Firstly the endless sea of rocks....and I love me some rocks, oh, and have I mentioned the never-ending trees (but seriously, love them). 

Secondly the incline. It’s not awful but don’t expect to breeze through this thing like it’s a park stroll.

The second 5 km of the trail? Meh. we didn't miss much by ending it early last time. It’s flat, and while it’s decent, it doesn’t hold a candle to the first half. But there is your park stroll if that's what you are looking for.

Just be warned, especially in summer, the second half is very exposed.

It’s also great for mountain bikers, trail runners, birdwatchers, and even fishermen. 

AREA - Pretoria 

COST - R 70

DIFFICULTY - There is a moderate (10 km) and an easy (5 km) option.

LENGTH - 10 km

TIME - 4 hrs

ELEVATION -  350 m

MARKERS - GOOD

HIGHLIGHTS - The trees!!

ABLUTIONS - Good

Safe free parking

AMENITIES 

There's a lovely little canteen run by two lovely students nestled under the lovely trees. Honestly, who even wants to hike when you could just lapping up all the lovely-ness??

ON A FINAL NOTE

It's definitely dog-friendly—I spotted a water bowl set out for someone’s dog. Didn’t see any actual dogs, but hey, the bowl was there, so that counts, right?

In conclusion: trees, rocks, inclines, all the ingredients for an amazing trail Can’t wait to come back in summer when one good thunderstorm turns the place into a whole different beast.

Until then, I’ll be here, untangling my shoulder blades from my neck.