Hornbill Lodge: The Mountain of Faith

The Hidden Gem Factor

My hiking buddy for this hike? Rosemary.

Weeks earlier, we had stumbled across Hornbill Lodge during a post-hike caffeine hunt. She had hiked there years ago, and for me, there was something about the place - a mix of rustic charm and quiet mystery.

So naturally, we had to go back.

The Great Rain Debate

Earlier in the week, Rosemary dared to mention the “R” word. I considered ending the friendship right there.

Poor, naïve Rosemary didn’t yet know about my complicated history with precipitation. I gently informed her that if she was scared of a little water, she might want to try knitting instead.

And just like that, challenge accepted. Sunday morning, with clouds brewing, she had decided knitting was not her thing..

Unmarked Trails and Questionable Decisions

My Shein "disposable" raincoat, used quite a few times already

Our welcoming committee? The many resident dogs — most rescues, all legends.

Navigation was explained, and, as per usual, I outsourced the “listening” portion of that conversation to Rosemary.

The Mountain of Faith.

The Mountain of Faith

As we set off - literally taking our first step — the drizzle began. And of course, the moment we finished fumbling into our raincoats (Rosemary’s backpack even got its own raincoat. Adorable.), the rain stopped.

Now, calling this route a trail is… generous. There are no markers. No signs. No arrows.

We set off for roughly 5 km of what can only be described as a cross between a hike and a scenic walk.

Was it a trail? Not really.

Were there sneaky inclines, declines, and a few mildly technical moments that made it awesome? Absolutely.

Was there bushwhacking? You bet your boots there was..

But also, there was something so peaceful about it - quiet, almost historic. Like any minute James Earl Jones might start narrating the “forgotten footsteps of those who came before.”

There’s what's called the Mountain of Faith. The place feels like it’s holding a thousand whispered prayers from the locals - and a few secrets it’s not quite ready to share.

The River, the Reflection, and the Reward

On the way back we passed the various types of accomodation on offer as well as the beautiful campsite tucked under a ceiling of trees.

The toilets were spotless.

The campsite sits close to both the river and a nearby road, so you might catch the occasional hum of traffic,

The river? Pure serenity - the steady rush of water, towering trees alive with birds building their nests, and a rugged rock face framing it all like a postcard.

We had breakfast, on the deck overlooking the river.

We chatted with one of the owners. Turns out, the property has been in his family for generations. You can feel that history in the place - weathered but warm.

Like many small lodges, Hornbill Lodge has survived the chaos of recent years -pandemics, economic madness, and the general apocalypse.

And yet, it’s still standing - charming, peaceful, a little wild, and just unpredictable enough to keep things interesting.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Magaliesburg

A self-catering unit

COST

R 120 (honestly, a bit pricey unless you opt for the guided walk, which then makes sense.)

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy but not flat.

TRAIL LENGTH

Completely customizable (aka: “You’ll get lost, but it’s fine”)

TRAIL MARKERS

None.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Peace and tranquility

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

A mix of open and shaded paths — rain optional

ABLUTIONS

I put my Loo Inspector Hat back on (someone has to do it), and I’m proud to report: spotless, scenic, and surprisingly fancy.

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Hotel rooms, self-catering units, shady campsites, and a restaurant

Bonus: Camping includes breakfast - imagine bacon in the bush.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

We’d been warned about baboons - none RSVP’d.

But here’s a gem from the lodge chatter: apparently, eating baboon droppings helps your gut health.

I considered it… briefly. Then I decided my gut could stay a little dysfunctional for another day.

NOTE TO SELF

Resist the urge to Google “baboon gut health hacks.” Some things are better left unknown.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

Technically, yes — but with baboons around, unless your dog’s got ninja reflexes, maybe not.

The Lodge Accommodation

ON A FINAL NOTE

Hornbill Lodge isn’t a resort; it’s a story - one still being written between rescue dogs, hikes and riverside breakfasts.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO