Easterkloof: Hiking Heaven with a Side of Salt

Booked well in advance through the Boksburg Hiking Club, and knowing this was going to be a next-level hike. I was as “ready” as I'd ever be for Easterkloof.

The group wisely planned a two-night stay near Buffelspoort -sensible, given the alternative - six hours of hiking followed by a long, dehydrated drive home.

I briefly considered a same-day mission - drive in, hike, drive out.

A bold plan, if your goal is to simulate heatstroke with a side of regret.

Thankfully, common sense intervened - which, for the record, did not result in a flawless execution of said plan.

Details will not be disclosed (for legal reasons… and self-preservation), but let’s just say - Salt - you know exactly what you did.

For the first time since our amicable mother/son hiking divorce, I asked Salt to join me, thinking we could make a weekend of it.

He agreed

Reluctantly.

But, true to form, when the time came, he wasn’t feeling it.

And when Salt isn’t feeling it? Oh, you’ll know.

And yet, even with his saltiness permeating the air, this hike was pure magic.

First Impressions

The trail comes in hot with immediate, ridiculous views.

No warm-up.

No gentle intro.

Just: “Here, have beauty. Try not to trip.”

Nature was showing off, and was doing a sterling job of it.

Post-thundershower magic meant the landscape was doing contrast like a pro.

Dry, scorched terrain right next to electric green ferns that looked borderline Photoshopped.

Under the morning sun, everything glowed.

This isn’t just a hike; it’s a day out.

This hike isn’t just about moving.

It’s about stopping.

Frequently.

Crystal-clear pools and streams practically demand it.

Trail Conditions: Easy-ish… Until It Isn’t

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a beginner hike.

There aren’t brutal inclines (bless), but there are technical sections - slippery rocks waiting for you to embarrass yourself with tumbles.

Yes - let’s talk about those tumbles.

First, I slipped on a wet rock because, apparently, I forgot that wet rocks are like nature’s banana peels - just lying in wait to humble you in the most public, dignity-destroying way possible.

But the pièce de resistance was my slow-motion face-plant on flat gravel on the final FLAT stretch

Yes - flat.

I looked like a malfunctioning robot, hobbling, flailing, and then BAM - straight into the dirt.

At this point, I’m choosing to believe it’s not age - just a commitment to slapstick.

The Waterfall

The crown jewel of the hike? The final waterfall.

Even without a torrential downpour to crank up the drama, it was breathtaking.

We parked ourselves there for a good 30 minutes, letting the pure therapy that is nature work its magic.

Honestly, if you’re spending your weekends stuck in a mall instead of here, I’m judging you - hard.

On the way back, everything somehow looked different - fresher.

Like the trail had reset itself just to show off again.

Salt was… slightly less salty.

Growth? Maybe.

Redemption? Unlikely.

I’d mentally handed him an eviction notice from future hiking plans.

RATINGS

AREA: Buffelspoort, Rustenburg

COST

 ± R120 per person (permit required; group rates may vary)

DIFFICULTY 

Let me just say, do not take a newbie hiker or small kids.

For me....few inclines = less difficult.

For some the technical parts are the problems.

There are some technical parts, made harder by wet rocks which become very slippery when wet...as any hiker knows (except me apparently).

LENGTH 

By the time we finished the whole day - probably around 12 to 13 km.

TIME

6–7 hours, depending on how long you bask in nature’s glory.

ELEVATION: Approx. 330 m.

MARKERS

Bring a guide or a leader unless you’re prepared to turn this into your forever home.

HIGHLIGHTS

Everything. No, seriously, everything.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE PARKING

Available at a nearby farm, where we were warmly greeted by two farm dogs (classic).

There’s a parking fee of R 60.

Final Note

If you can, you must.

Despite my tumbles and Salt’s unwavering commitment to being… Salt, this hike has firmly secured a top spot on my Magaliesberg list.

As for him? Benched. Indefinitely.

I’m sure he’s devastated.

Truly.

From here on out, it’s me, Pepper, and whichever hiking group is willing to tolerate my pace and occasional gravity checks.

And when Pepper eventually decides he’s outgrown dusty trails and slippery rocks? No problem. I’ve got my loyal hiking group.

Right, guys?

…Guys?

Stick with me. I’m tolerable - I promise.

To be fair, my worst moments are usually uphill.