MCSA Tonquani Hike with Cinnamon – Rock Formations, A Scramble and A Porcupine

Cinnamon and I took on Lower Tonquani for this hike, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This was my second hike with the same Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) leader, and my third time exploring one of their properties.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about MCSA properties, it’s this: they’re like the supermodels of the hiking world—beyond stunning, dripping in natural beauty, and occasionally make you feel like you don’t belong in their league.

The MCSA keeps their properties natural. Translation: no marked paths, no signs, and therefore no wandering around without a guide, unless you’re on a first-name basis with GPS, own a machete, and can confidently list “survivalist” under special skills on your CV.

The land is owned by the MCSA, so members and their guests are free to roam. Non-members, however, need permits, which you can acquire from the MCSA Johannesburg section. As far as I am aware, you would have to go in a group of at least 10 before they issue a permit, but don't take my word for it —double-check the official info, because you don't want to learn the hard way that my “facts” are more like guidelines.

Oh, and you’ll be crossing other landowners’ property, thanks to MCSA’s access agreements. (Don’t ruin it for everyone—stick to the rules and try not to leave a mess behind.)

But let’s get back to the guest of honor—the trail itself. The jaw-dropping rock formations, a waterfall and stream.

I was thrilled to tackle this one because our leader is, quite frankly, amazing. He isn’t hell-bent on charging through the trail like he’s trying to win gold at the Hiking Olympics. Honestly, what more could you ask for when you’re surrounded by scenery this good?

It's a long, shady kloof sprinkled with pools, dramatic rock faces, and technical climbs that’ll have you channeling your inner Spider-Man (or, in my case, his clumsy, gravity-prone cousin). It’s not a hike; it’s an adventure.

Lower Tonquani isn’t about gasping your way up some Everest-esque incline—it’s a playground for scramblers, climbers, and anyone ready to channel their inner mountain goat. By the time you’ve tackled those technical sections, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a secret level of badassery. Sure, it’s not a Himalayan summit, but it’s worthy enough to strut back to the car feeling like a legend.

Just when you think you’ve got this hike figured out, it throws in about 1,5 km of flat terrain. It’s like the trail wanted to remind you who’s boss while keeping things just interesting enough to make you want to come back for more.

It’s definitely not a beginner’s hike. But if you’ve done a few hikes and don’t faint at the sight of a rock, you’ll be just fine.

We even spotted a porcupine in a cave! Well, “spotted” is a bit generous—it was more like a fleeting glimpse of its antisocial backside. No smiles, no selfies, just quills. Honestly, I respect the attitude. (Who wants paparazzi in their face while chilling in their cave?)

There’s water all year in the kloof—clean enough to drink and perfect for a refreshing swim.

Some of our group (including our fearless leader) went full-on hardcore and wild camped for the weekend. For those unfamiliar (uuuum me), wild camping is basically picking a random spot, pitching your tent, and declaring it home sweet home. No toilets, no showers, no kitchen gadgets—just you, the stars, and your tolerance for discomfort.

Can I see myself doing this one day? Fingers crossed. Will it involve a lot of whining and dramatic sighing? Oh, you bet. I’m already mentally preparing for the “Why did I think this was a good idea?” moment.

Maybe for now, I’ll ease myself in—less wild, more camping. You know, baby steps. Maybe I’ll practice whining in a less extreme setting, like a tent that comes with, oh, I don’t know... actual amenities. I’m nothing if not an overachiever!

But then again, sometimes it’s better to just rip off the Band-Aid and dive straight into the madness. Decisions, decisions.

By the end of the hike, I was completely wrecked. We finished around 3 PM, and then there was the delightful two-hour drive home. Honestly, next time, I’m all in for the “sleep on a rock and leave the next morning” option. Yes, please.

RATING

LOCATION

Mountain Sanctuary Park near Rustenburg

COST

Depends on whether you’re a member, guest, or permit holder.

DIFFICULTY

Moderately challenging, with lots of technical sections. (Not lung-busting.)

LENGTH: 7.9 km

DURATION

About 5 hours, including swimming, snacking, and soaking in the views.

ELEVATION: 294 m

MARKERS: No

PARKING: R 100

HIGHLIGHTS

Crystal pools for swimming and cooling off, spectacular rock formations, technical challenges, and enough nature to make you forget city life exists.

So, there you have it—a hike that’ll make you feel like a rock-scaling legend and might even reward you with a fleeting glimpse of mildly annoyed wildlife.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.Does the porcupine give a damn? Not in the slightest.