Kranskloof Hiking Trail-Rustenburg: OH. MY. GORGE.

This hike was supposed to be with my sons Salt, Pepper, and Salt's other half, Nutmeg. But Pepper bailed. Again. Something about “work commitments.” Honestly, at this point, I think Pepper’s just ghosting the wilderness. Nature’s been left on read.

Anyway, the original plan? A nostalgic return to Milorho Lodge, a hike I did back in the early days. I wanted to revisit it, document it properly. But Salt—because that’s just how Salt operates—pivoted and suggested Kranskloof. In Rustenburg.

Yes, Rustenburg—the very one I nearly ended up at a couple of weeks ago when I was supposed to be at Kranskloof in Carolina. (Still no idea if they’re closely related or just distant cousins who avoid eye contact at family gatherings).

Nutmeg & Salt

Hag, Salt & Nutmeg

But I thought, hey—I’ve seen Carolina. Let’s see what Rustenburg is bringing to the table.

Turns out? Rustenburg did not come to play.

It started out with that typical “that side of the Magaliesberg” vibe: wide open spaces, a little dry, a little meh.

The kind of trail that, in summer, would fry your spirit (and everything else).

The boulders—those signature, dramatic Magalies shapes were technically there, but they really made us work for it. A cluster popped up eventually, like they remembered they had a meeting to attend—but that was about it.

We did hit a decent patch with a pool or two—because water on a trail is always the main character. And when we finally summited, the views did their best to redeem things.

But by that point? Salt was already deep in the regret spiral, questioning his trail suggestion privileges.

We’d walked around 5 of the 8-ish kilometers, and up to that point… nothing mind-blowing.

Personally, I was enjoying it—but firmly in the “Nice Hike, Would Not Brag About” category. Pleasant? Sure. Peaceful? Definitely. Scenic? Let’s call it “polite.” It was basically the hiking equivalent of background music—easy on the senses, but not winning any awards.

Let’s be honest: if you’re not gasping for air halfway up a brutal incline like Nadia’s Peak, you’re probably not getting a “see-the-universe” payoff. And this trail? It skipped the trauma. No soul-crushing climbs. Just a few polite inclines that whispered, “You doing okay there, champ?” and then quietly sat back down. Fabulous.

BUT THEN... THE GORGE. OH. MY. GORGE!!

Easily one of the most stunning gorges I’ve seen on that side of the Magalies. Towering rock faces, streams doing their soft trickle thing, and those yummy technical sections—the kind of boulder-hopping that makes your hiking boots feel like they were born for this moment. Pure, unfiltered adventure paradise. And this was winter. I can only imagine how outrageously beautiful it must be in summer, when the waterfalls actually show up to work.

Nutmeg Blending In

And then there was the network of roots in the gorge - some fused into the rock, others just hanging there, defying logic and gravity.

It was equal parts enchanted forest and “how is this even real?” 

Absolutely ridiculous. In the best way.

All in all, a stunning hike. And an even better day.

Thanks, Salt... and Nutmeg — welcome to the chaos. You’ve been unofficially adopted.

RATING

AREA - Rustenburg

COST 

R 100, which in the end, was well worth it!!

DIFFICULTY

Not hard, but also not for people whose idea of a hike is circling the mall three times before Woolies opens.

The inclines? Manageable. You won’t be seeing your ancestors, but you’ll know you’ve done something.

Now, the technical bits in the gorge? Oh, they brought the spice. If your boots haven’t been on a proper adventure lately, this will wake them right up.

LENGTH -Approximately 8 kms

TIME 

Four hours, taking it slow and appreciating every moment.

MARKERS 

Surprisingly decent. I might not have gotten lost without Salt… but let’s not test that theory.

Of course, we did get disoriented right at the end, on the way to the car. By that point, the markers just gave up. I suppose they figured, “If you’ve made it this far, you’ll probably find your way.” Bold assumption.

HIGHLIGHTS 

I mean… do I have to say it again? Scroll up. Gorge. Pools. Views. Drama. You're welcome.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

None

NOTE TO SELF

Come back in summer—because if the gorge was that gorgeous, I can only imagine it with waterfalls actually waterfalling.

Also: arrange chopper extraction from the gorge unless you want to be slow-roasted by the sun on the way out.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

NOSOLO  

The gorge is technical, it doesn't care how independent you are.