Hunter’s Rest: When Rain Ruins Plans… But Not My Hike

This was supposed to be an adventurous weekend - one booked weeks in advance, full of hiking dreams, camping plans, and delusions of grandeur.

The weather forecast? A steady promise of rain.

And since the Saturday night involved sleeping on the ground (because why be comfortable?), that news was not good.

But because I’m slightly unhinged (hi, have we met?), I decided that rain does not a hike jeopardize.

So, with a car full of gear, a head full of optimism, and the usual cocktail of nerves and excitement about the two-hour drive ahead - and, you know, the whole sleeping on hard ground situation - off I went.

Early Morning Departure

I left home at 5 a.m., bright-eyed, caffeine-fueled, and dangerously optimistic. Rain? Pfft. I convinced myself that by the time I arrived, the skies would part and the angels would sing.

They did not.

By the time our little group had gathered, the heavens had fully opened, and the weekend was officially cancelled.

Cancelled.

Like, no hike.

Excuse me? We don’t do that here.

The New Team Assembles

Never one to accept defeat (or, you know, logic),I refused to get in my car until the universe sent me someone equally deranged.

And it did one better, it sent me four equally unhinged souls..

PK and three legendary ladies who, like me, looked at the rain and said, “Cute, but we’re still hiking.”

My kind of people.

PK suggested Hunter’s Rest, just down the road. Apparently, there was a trail there. Who knew?

Hunter’s Rest is straight out of my childhood. Back in the day, it was more “budget family getaway” than a resort.” 

Now, it has manicured lawns, picture-perfect gardens, and undeniable bougie energy.

Hiking in the Rain

Within the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, accessible from Hunter’s Rest, we had stumbled into magic - the kind that only happens when you ignore common sense and hike in the rain.

The drizzle turned the world into a misty dreamscape. The path? A brick road — no mud, no slipping, just perfect.

We wandered through the soft mist and raindrops, breathing in that earthy, rain-soaked air that makes everything feel alive.

And then we reached the summit. At the lookout deck, the mist had parted, revealing a view so breathtaking, it literally felt like nature was rewarding us for not turning our backs on her.

We gasped, gushed, took an unreasonable number of photos, and then, just like that, the mist rolled back in and the view vanished, as if nature had said, “Show’s over. Thanks for coming.”

What started as a soggy disappointment turned into one of those “this is why I hike” moments.

Here’s to trails, teamwork, and refusing to let drizzle dull your sparkle.

Post-Hike Breakfast & Banter

We ended our hike off with breakfast at the establishment.

To PK and my three legendary ladies - thank you for being as gloriously unhinged as I am.

Without you, I’d have been sulking through a two-hour drive home instead of hiking through the mist and rain like a damp legend.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Rustenburg

COST

R 50

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy, with one very mild and short incline — totally doable.

TRAIL LENGTH

4 km, but it looked like you might have been able to walk on.

TRAIL MARKERS

No need — it’s straightforward enough

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

That viewpoint. Worth every raindrop.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Awesome in the rain (verified first hand).

Open and beautiful on clear days.

ABLUTIONS

Bougie .....obviously.

AMENITIES

Hunter’s Rest Hotel offers accomodation, a spa, swimming pool, adventure and health center, conference facilities, and more.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Not that we saw.

NOTE TO SELF

Always pack for chaos. Because “cancelled” is just a suggestion.

So find your tribe. The ones who hear “rain” and grab their boots instead of their blankets.

Remember that sometimes the detour is the destination.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

Yes, but confirm specific policies with the hotel before visiting.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Would I drive all the way there just for this hike? Nope.

But if you’re in the area - or, even better, already staying at Hunter’s Rest - give it a try.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(TO)SOLO