Ground The Venue: Where Instagram Meets Incline

Ground The Venue: Where Trails Meet Instagram

So, day two of my hiking weekend with Rosemary.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m all about the trails, but when I saw those Instagram-perfect shots of this venue on social media, it immediately moved up on my hiking list.

Because really—what’s better than a good hike? A nice walk in nature plus a bougie backdrop for post-trail brunch. Obviously.

Yay...spring has sprung

However what we actually got was a proper hike —and the boot from that bougie backdrop post-trail brunch.

Trail Opening Times

It opens at 7 a.m., but we showed up at 6:50 because… summer. And honestly, I love to hike with pals who match my brand of crazy. Trails that open before 8 a.m.? Automatic gold star.

Being early meant we basically had the place to ourselves—just us, the crisp morning air, and one helpful and friendly staff member who gave us a quick trail briefing and pointed us toward the bathrooms.

And since I’ve now appointed myself as the official “potty rater” of the year: 10/10. Sparkling. Practically spa-like.

The Trail: Inclines, Technical, and a Real Hike

This was an actual hike—steeper, sweatier, and scrappier than expected, but exactly what we didn’t know we desperately needed.

Taken at your own pace, it’s totally doable. It’s not one endless incline of doom; the trail generously offers mini “catch your breath” breaks between each uphill… before promptly sending the next one to destroy you.

Not the most jaw-dropping scenery this time of year, but some peaceful and soul replenishing views at the top.

Post-Hike Confusion

After the hike, we were excited to grab a table in the on-site restaurant—when a staff member intercepted us like we’d just tried to jump the VIP fence at Coachella.

“Tickets?” he asked.

Uh… no?

Turns out—yes. Tickets were required.

No biggie, we thought. We paid the R 60 each for the hike (totally fair, given the trail) and figured this was just some minor mix-up.

Except… no. The entrance tickets were R 120 each — something we had no idea about, since we’d rocked up so early. And food and drinks? Sold separately. Suddenly our wholesome little nature day was looking like a luxury spa retreat (which, okay, explained the bathrooms).

Thankfully, the earlier friendly staffer saved the day and pointed us toward a café where tickets weren’t required. The staff there were gems—squeezed us in despite being fully booked, and we saw ourselves out at noon. Balance restored.

Should You Go?

Absolutely—if you’re looking for a hike with grit at an establishment with top-notch amenities, this one delivers.

Just be warned: the cost situation is murky. If it’s R 60, it’s a bargain. If it’s the R 60+ R 120 before you even buy lunch, well… that’s a pricey day out on the trails.

No hard feelings—just a raised eyebrow at the Coachella bouncer moment, when we were shown the door like ringleaders of a brunch crime syndicate.

To be fair, everyone else was fantastic.

And yes, I Googled later. And of course—Google was as vague as the venue itself. It would’ve been clearer in smoke signals.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Muldersdrift

COST

Still unclear. Still unclear. R 60? R 120? R 180… and that’s without food. Comes with a complimentary side of confusion.

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Don’t let the convenient location fool you—if you opt for the longer route, expect inclines and loose rocks and dry ground make for a few technical bits, so easy does it.

TRAIL LENGTH

Various options. We chose 8 km

TRAIL MARKERS

A little confusing in parts, but you won’t get lost.

I obviously could (hi, have we met?), but I had my own “human topographer” with me.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Inclines, technical bits, haunting views, and the smug satisfaction of earning your breakfast - which you can totally look at from the outside if you do not have a ticket.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Mostly open, so plan for sun exposure in summer

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Coffee shops, restaurants, a small market, and a few food caravans.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Not that we saw

NOTE TO SELF

Maybe Google ahead to avoid confusion… oh wait, I did. And surprise—still no clue. Shocking, I know.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Definitely

PET FRIENDLY

Yes, but keep them leashed unless you like hefty fines.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Huge thanks to my hiking spirit animal Rosemary—for nonstop chatter and accompanying me as we got bounced from brunch like uninvited guests.

Two trails down, one confusing price tag later, and a weekend equal parts wholesome and ridiculous—just the way it should be.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

For me, it’s a firm NO-SOLO for the 8 km trail. But if you’re seasoned and smug—go ahead, knock yourself out...not literally of course.

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