Easterkloof: Hiking Heaven with a Side of Salt

Booked well in advance, and knowing this was going to be a next-level hike. I was as “ready” as I’ll ever be for Easterkloof.

The group opted to stay over for two nights in the area—smart, considering the long drive home after what was clearly going to be an exhausting day. Plus, the plan was to get an early start (thank goodness) to avoid becoming human toast under the sweltering sun.

Originally, I had this genius idea to pull a “gangsta” move: drive through early Saturday morning, smash the hike, and drive back the same day. But then reality caught up with me, and I realized that hiking for six hours in blazing heat, only to face a long, sweaty drive home, might not scream “responsible adult.” Shocking, I know.

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 reluctantly agreed 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.

From the get-go, Easterkloof threw its A-game at us. Unlike most trails where the “wow factor” makes you earn it with lung-busting climbs, this one delivered jaw-dropping views almost immediately.

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

The juxtaposition of burnt, dry landscape against the neon green of sprouting ferns (thanks to recent thundershowers) was just chef’s kiss. Under the morning sun, those ferns looked like they were practically glowing.

This isn’t just a hike; it’s a day out. The crystal-clear streams and pools along much of the trail practically beg you to stop and soak it all in.

There weren’t a lot of inclines, which earns 5 stars from me, but there were enough technical sections to keep it interesting.

Slippery wet rocks added some drama, as did my inevitable graceful tumbles.

Oh, 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. Yes, flat. I looked like a malfunctioning robot, hobbling, flailing, and then BAM. Straight into the dirt.

I don’t know if it’s age catching up with me or just sheer clumsiness, but balance has suddenly become a thing. And rushing (which I always seem to be doing) does me absolutely no favours.

Oh, but wait—did I mention it was flat? Balance wasn’t even required there! Touché, gravity. Touché.

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.

The hike back? Equally stunning. Somehow, everything looked brand new from the other direction. Salt was slightly less salty, but by then, I’d mentally handed him an eviction notice from future hiking plans. Sorry, son, your hiking privileges have expired.(What’s that? A sigh of relief??)

RATINGS

AREA: Buffelspoort, Rustenburg

COST

You require a permit, and as we did it through a group, I am not 100% sure, but it is normally around R 120 pp.

DIFFICULTY 

For me....few inclines = less difficult. For some the technical parts are the problems. Let me just say, do not take a newbie hiker or small kids. There are some technical parts, made harder by wet rocks which become very slippery when wet...as any hiker knows (except me apparently). There are not huge inclines, and they are very split, so you don't feel them.

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

Yes, and surprisingly clean. It’s literally just some reeds around a toilet, but honestly, cleaner than a lot of the public (and even private) facilities I’ve encountered. Nature wins again.

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, but it’s worth it for peace of mind—and the canine welcoming committee.

Final Note

If you can, you must.

Despite my tumbles and Salt’s undeniable saltiness, this hike now ranks high on my Magaliesburg list. As for Salt? Benched. (I’m sure he’s absolutely heartbroken.) From here on out, it’s all about Pepper and my trusty hiking groups. And when Pepper eventually decides he’s too good for dusty trails and wet rocks? No stress—I’ve got my amazing hiking groups! Right, guys? …Hey, guys? Stick with me, okay? I swear, I’m tolerable...… like, at least 50% of the time. Fine, 40%. But not on uphill sections.