Muningi Gorge - Where it all Began

When I first started out on this journey, I had a simple rule: if a trail was labeled as "challenging" or "difficult," I'd simply move on to the next one. I mean, I am old and frail, dammit! Let's call it a dash of self-preservation mixed with a dollop of good old-fashioned common sense.

The absolute last scenario I fancied was being stuck in a pickle halfway up a mountain… or down, for that matter. Thinking about it, "stuck" would be easy. "Broken" would be a bit more problematic!

But a few weeks ago, everything changed. My son and I stumbled upon a trail called Muningi Gorge, and let me tell you, from what I read about it, it was anything but easy. With its steep inclines, rocky terrain, and even a bit of rock climbing thrown in for good measure, it was the kind of trail that would have sent me running for the hills—if I hadn't already been there.

So, I did what any self-respecting hiker would do – I picked up the phone and called the organizer to ask for advice. Ah, the joys of seeking reassurance from the organizers before tackling a challenging hike. I can relate all too well to the mixed bag of emotions that come with those phone calls.

Picture this: there I was, phone in hand, dialling up the organizer of the Muningi Gorge trail to inquire about the feasibility of an "old goat" like me conquering such a formidable challenge. The response I got. Well, let's just say it was a bit unexpected.

The ........young...... girl on the other end of the line seemed torn between amusement and apprehension as she struggled to find the right words. I could practically hear the gears turning in her head as she debated how to respond to my rather unconventional query.

To put her out her misery, I asked her point-blank whether the trail involved scaling mountains, fully prepared for whatever her answer might be. But instead of a straightforward response, I was met with yet another wave of uncertainty. It was as if the poor girl didn't know whether to laugh or cry – and honestly, who could blame her? Here she was, fielding calls from eager hikers of all ages, shapes and sizes, each with their own unique set of concerns and questions.

But despite the awkwardness of the exchange, I couldn't help but admire her professionalism – and her patience. After all, it's not everyday that you receive a call from an "old goat" asking you whether she’s up to the challenge of scaling mountains.

So, here's to the unsung heroes behind the scenes –everyone who helps make our hiking adventures possible. Without them, we'd be lost in the wilderness – both literally and figuratively.

But despite her uncertainty, my son and I decided to give it a shot. And let me tell you, it was the most unbelievable hike I had done thus far. Ah, the thrill of conquering rocky terrain and steep inclines – there's nothing quite like it.

As I navigated the Muningi Gorge trail, I found myself faced with the challenge of climbing rocks, though thankfully not scaling mountains. And you know what? I surprised even myself with what I was capable of.

For the most part, I managed to tackle the obstacles unassisted, relying on nothing but my own strength and determination to push through.

Sure, there were moments when I welcomed a helping hand or two, but I soon discovered that if I could just steady myself and take it one step at a time, I could conquer virtually anything that came my way.

Looking back on that hike, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I took a chance, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and emerged on the other side stronger and more resilient than ever before.

And that, my friends, is why I'm committed to documenting my trails – because with every new escapade, I unearth just how resilient I am, and I'm itching to spread that revelation to kindred spirits.

Here's to seizing opportunities, stretching our limits, and relishing the excitement of the unexplored. The trail beckons – so, here's to taking chances, pushing boundaries, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. The trail awaits.

AREA: Cullinan

COST: R 120 pp. Sounds steep, but totally worth it!!

DIFFICULTY - MODERATE – HARD

The Start: The adventure begins with navigating some rocks. This part can be a bit daunting, but with a sturdy walking pole or a helping hand, it's entirely manageable. Take your time, find your footing, and enjoy the process.

The Gorge: Once past the initial hurdle, the gorge opens up to reveal its stunning beauty making every step worth the effort.

The sound of the water, the crisp air, and the natural beauty create an immersive experience that’s truly magical.

The Reward: As you move deeper into the gorge, you'll find the journey becoming more enchanting. The effort pays off with breathtaking views, serene spots perfect for a break, and the sheer satisfaction of overcoming the challenge.

For me, one of the scenic highlights was how the boulders, weathered by time and elements, revealed their secrets as small pebbles broke free and tumbled to the ground.

Everywhere I looked, I saw either rocks with pebbles poised to fall or pebbles that had already fallen.

The Highlights: The Gorge…of course!! Actually, the trail in its entirety was a highlight, especially those pebbles that had already fallen. Selfish Salt refused to do his mom a solid and collect as many as he could carry for the garden at home…. knew I should have returned him for a store credit!!

LENGTH - 6.4 kms.

Although our journey covered a distance of 6.4 kilometers, due to the amount of climbing and having to stop to look around at the spectacular scenery, it took us around 3 hours.

Remember to factor in plenty of time to soak in the beauty of your surroundings!

This gorge adventure is about more than just the physical journey; it’s about the sense of accomplishment, the connection with nature, and the incredible sights you’ll see along the way.

It's challenging enough to feel like a true adventure but manageable with the right preparation and mindset. This hike was going to open up a whole new world for me….I just didn’t know it yet!

ELEVATION - 220 m.

In goose lingo, I made do as I went along, using branches and rocks to hoist myself up and navigate the terrain. With no one else insight, Salt and I could afford to take it slow, stopping whenever my breathing got heavy, or the climb got too steep.

It wasn't always easy – there were moments when my heart pounded in my chest and my lungs burned with exertion. But as long as I could take a moment to catch my breath and gather my strength, I found that I was more than capable of pushing through the challenges that lay ahead.

MARKERS - Extremely well marked.

SIDE NOTE - When we set out for our hike, we expected beautiful scenery and a good workout, but what we experienced was so much more. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was more than just a hiking destination.

We were thrilled to discover a range of adventure activities available. The quad bikes caught our attention and are definitely on our list for the next visit—imagine exploring the rugged terrain with the thrill of speed .... Hopefully I will stay on the bike ... .way more enjoyable I would imagine.

On arrival we had a brief from a staff member who gave us an overview of what to expect, making it a very well organized and seamless experience. There was a moment where he looked at me with a hint of concern, but I showed him!! The entire day was incredibly well-organized, from the clear trail markers to the helpful staff. It's these details that make a big difference, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying the hike without any worries.

AMENITIES: - There's a kiosk where you can order a cold beer and pizza afterward, or, if you're as thrilling as Salt and me, you can choose coffee while dissecting every grueling detail of the hike.

ABLUTIONS- spotless

SAFE PARKING