My Imbabali Trail Adventure: Charming Adventures and A Couple of Detours

So today, Cinnamon and I embarked on the Imbabali Trail. I knew nothing about it but saw the name, thought, Oooh, something new, and promptly roped Cinnamon into joining me. I must say, she’s turning out to be a stellar sidekick—and an excellent hiking companion. Not too much “I can’t do that” and not too much “Let’s see who gets there first”—just the perfect balance of enthusiasm and sanity.

Naturally, I checked the travel distance and, as per usual, grossly underestimated it—because, of course, I did. Directions and distances? My personal kryptonite.

I met Cinnamon and her husband, who will henceforth be known as Bark, at 8 a.m. when the gates opened. No, Bark does not bite—he also does not hike. He’s a gem of a man who’s earned his title because he’s going to be a fairly regular fixture on these escapades. Bark either keeps himself entertained while Cinnamon and I tackle the trails or swings by afterward to pick her up. And let’s be clear—condiment names are reserved strictly for hikers. End of. Oh, and regular hikers—none of these fly-by-night types. I can’t be handing out names all willy-nilly and risk running out. My creativity isn’t bottomless, people.

First impressions of the establishment? Quaint and welcoming. And I LOVE me some quaint and charming vibes. And trust me, I’m a sucker for anything that looks like it belongs on a postcard. The staff were super friendly, though they seemed mildly shocked by our presence. I’m guessing the trail is more of a bonus perk for overnight guests rather than a standalone attraction.

When I asked about the trail markings, the guy mentioned that thanks to the rain and overgrowth, the markers might be... or not.

He gave us some verbal directions, which were about as useful to Cinnamon and me as a GPS with a dead battery.

See, I’ve now learned something new about Cinnamon—she’s as hopeless as I am when it comes to directions. I assumed that, being so efficient at work, she’d outshine my navigational black hole. But nope. As he explained the route, I glanced at her, fully expecting confidence and attentiveness, only to find her staring off into the void—probably contemplating lunch or her life choices.

Dammit...note to self: When recruiting my next hiking sidekick, conduct formal interviews. Minimum requirements? Basic sense of direction, the ability to decipher trail markers, and a tolerance for my snarky commentary.

Anyway, for now, Cinnamon will have to do. So off we went, blissfully clueless, into nature’s embrace. Did we complete the full trail? Unlikely. Did we walk? Yes. Did we see pretty things? Absolutely. Was it difficult? Not even a little. It was a casual meander through some beautiful nature, punctuated with laughter, confusion, and the occasional, “Wait, is this even a trail?”

At one point, we briefly bushwhacked our way, only to discover we were completely off course. But hey, a little bushwhacking always keeps things interesting—and keeps us on our toes.

After finishing our breakfast at this awesome little establishment, we learned there was a dog who could’ve guided us. Yep, a dog. 

This is the third time I’ve missed out on a furry trail guide. Toby, my first would-be guide, ditched me and Pepper before we even started. The second time, I only learned about the pooch after the hike—because why not taunt me with failed possibilities? And now, here we are. Today’s resident could’ve actually served a purpose, not just been a novelty, but alas, we didn’t know.

One day, my friends. One day, I will hike with a dog who knows the way better than I do.

All in all, the Imbabali Trail was easy, enjoyable, and hosted by an establishment that radiates charm. Nature showed up, the walk was lovely, and nobody got (completely) lost. Another adventure checked off, though I’m still chasing that dream of being guided by a canine companion. Here’s hoping for next time!

RATING

AREA

Hekpoort

COST - R 80 .

DIFFICULTY

Easy—a pleasant walk suitable for families, beginners, or those looking to stretch their legs without taxing their endurance.

LENGTH

7.75 km

TIME

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at a comfortable pace, with a bit of detouring thrown in for good measure.

ELEVATION

Low—no heart-pounding climbs here, just gentle terrain perfect for a relaxing stroll.

MARKERS

Markers are present but were tricky to follow due to rain and overgrowth. Just channel your inner explorer.

ABLUTIONS

Yes—clean, well-maintained facilities to keep you comfortable.

SAFE, FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Loads of amenities....but just to mention a few, accommodation, venue for various functions under a charming thatched roof, braai facilities and a swimming pool at The Venue for guests beautiful manicured gardens and picnic spots. Short walks to the river for a touch of tranquility.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Imbabali Retreat & Venue isn’t just a trail—it’s a sanctuary for unwinding and connecting with nature. The energy of the place is incredible; you can feel it the moment you step in. Trust me on this—I’m never wrong.....unless I'm lost.