Milorho Lodge: Why I Had to Go Back

Some hiking trails fade into memory.

Others move in, unpack their baggage, and live in your head forever.

Milorho Lodge’s hiking trail is very much the second kind.

Rocks I Could Not Forget

I first hiked this trail back in my "early hiking era" with my son, Salt.

You know—back when photos earned dramatic eye rolls and memories were just…vibes.

If I didn’t document it, it didn’t exist.

It vanished straight into the abyss of “things I swear happened.”

Except for one thing.

The rock formations - permanently burned into my brain.

Since then, I’ve hiked over 100 trails, and I cannot tell you the route, the incline, or how tired I was—but those rocks?

HD. Crystal. Clear.

So naturally, a year or so later - after seeing many rock formations and becoming all smart and experienced (and by that I mean mistaking repetition for expertise) - I needed to know:

Were they actually that exceptional?

The Lodge

Let’s talk about Milorho Lodge itself.

Normally, charming and quirky do not coexist with classy.

One usually elbows the other out of the room.

But Milorho has both, and it works.

Effortlessly.

It’s the kind of place that looks like it has stories - but also very strong opinions about good décor.

When I finally decided to go back, I reached out to Milorho to let them know I’d be hiking their trail again.

They very kindly offered to host me overnight in one of their cottages so I could experience the lodge properly this time.

Obviously, I said yes.

I’m polite like that.

New Hiking Bud… Stat

My original hiking buddy unfortunately had to back out last minute.

So who do you call when you need a reliable hiking partner who can actually find the trail?

I called Shireen - leader from the previous De Wildt weekend and someone who knows how not to get lost.

I explained to Milorho that I had to bring a hiking buddy, otherwise I might accidentally stay forever and slowly become part of the landscape.

They agreed.

Immediately.

....Rude.

Shireen had never hiked there before, which meant I got to relive the magic through her reactions.

First Impressions

On arrival, I was thrilled to see a few of the charming and quirky things I remembered from last time - but now I was armed with a camera, which meant all dignity was gone.

I launched myself out of the car, leaving Shireen behind like, “…um, okay, I’ll just exist here then?” so I could start snapping photos immediately - before the universe noticed my joy and yanked the rug out from under me.

James Delaney metal sculptures were everywhere you looked, reminding you of the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.

And then we went to the cottage.

Red Ivory Cottage

Let me be clear: this cottage had no business being this nice.

It sleeps six, has three bedrooms, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a lovely outdoor area.

Everything was supplied. Everything.

The vibe?

Very Victorian.

Very boujee.

Very “are you sure this is for us?”

It was far more than I expected - and immediately made me consider canceling the hike and just sitting there pretending I lived there.

A Brief Late-Afternoon Trail

Once it cooled down enough that hiking wouldn’t qualify as self-punishment, we headed out for part of the 4 km trail.

We started at the stunning rock pools near the cottage -which, frankly, should be prescribed as instant therapy.

Then we hit the trail - perfect terrain and perfect distance for a late afternoon hike.

We looped back to the pools to watch the sun go down, which was pure perfection.

Then it was back to the cottage - tired, happy, and already plotting the next day’s hike… and a proper reunion with those rock formations.

About Milorho Lodge

Milorho is a family run lodge tucked into the northern slopes of the Magaliesburg Mountains, and honestly, it feels like one of those places you’re quietly thrilled to discover before everyone else does.

The reserve is a dream for birders, botanists, hikers, and anyone who appreciates nature showing off just a little.

Think wide-open landscapes, peaceful trails, and that rare feeling of being properly away from everything—without actually roughing it.

There are 3 hiking routes (4.7 km, 8 km, or 12.4 km), plus a sculpture park and beautiful hand-crafted wood art scattered throughout the property.

Accommodation options range from five well-equipped self-catering cottages to stylish Africamps, all set in an environment that somehow manages to be both delightfully quirky and effortlessly elegant.

It’s the kind of place where you arrive planning to “just relax”… and leave already plotting your return.