Ndofaya: Pick the Stone That Speaks to You

Truthfully? I think this hike knocked the snark right out of me.

I sat down to write about this hike - fully intending to dish out my usual snark (because yes, it’s a public service... and also, emotional vulnerability makes me itchy).

But honestly? It just didn’t land this time.

Turns out, this experience hit so deep, even my inner cynic had to take a seat.

So give me a sec to get a little real. (I promise not to make it awkward - although, knowing me, we’re probably halfway there already.)

A Unique Soweto Hiking Experience

Ndofaya had been on my list for a while, so I was very excited when it popped up on one of my group hikes.

We were directed to park near Chillas Restaurant in Soweto, where we met our hosts - the charismatic Masike and his trusty sidekicks, Bafana and Lebo.

From there, we set off through the still-sleepy streets of Meadowlands, making our way toward Fleurhof Dam.

Masike warned that when we reached the dam, we might witness traditions - rituals, spiritual practices - things that could make outsiders a little uneasy.

What we found were just a few men, deep in quiet, personal prayer in the water.

Nothing shocking - just deeply human.

It felt deeply personal, and not a moment I wanted to photograph.

Some moments are not meant to be captured - just honoured.

The Stone That Spoke to Me

Somewhere along the trail, Masike told us to pick up a stone that "spoke to us."

"For later," he said.

We wandered through golden sands and shallow, glimmering pools - chemical runoff, probably, but it looked like liquid gold.

We eventually gathered around a pile of stones.

Masike delivered a poignant message - then asked us to stand quietly for a few minutes, thinking about what we wanted for ourselves.

And one by one, we placed our stones on the pile - a wish, a prayer, whispered only to ourselves.

The moment caught me completely off guard.

It was simple, yet profoundly moving.

Unexpected Kindness

Just when we thought the surprises were over, our guides produced snacks.

Small gesture. Big impact.

Then came the golden dunes.

Technically, they are mine dumps. In the afternoon light, however, they looked like something from another world - rolling waves of gold stretching across the horizon.

It was one of the most unexpected landscapes I've encountered in Gauteng.

On the walk back to Chillas, not a single person passed without greeting us.

Strangers stopped to say hello, to thank us for being there, to ask how we’d enjoyed Soweto.

It didn’t feel like a visit, it felt like a homecoming.

Masike led us to a little house - and bought us each an ice lolly.

No fuss. Just genuine, quiet kindness that hit harder than any big gesture ever could.

Further on, we bumped into the young soccer players we had seen earlier, practicing on what could only very generously be called a “field."

Masike spoke passionately about his dream of creating better facilities for local children - spaces that could inspire opportunity and keep young people engaged in something positive.

The vision is there.

The challenge, as always, is funding.

Yet despite the obstacles, the optimism was impossible to ignore.

We walked the same way as the kids for a while, Their spirit was infectious.

Bafana

Ending the Day at Chillas Restaurant

We wrapped it all up at Chillas with some 'kota' - basically a glorious, messy Sloppy Joe with a twist.

And - just like the hike, the snacks, and the ice lollies - it was included in the price.

At R200 per person, the experience felt wildly under priced.

When I pointed this out - Masike simply shrugged and said:

"We just want people to come and feel the place."

That sentence perfectly captures the spirit of Ndofaya.

Why the Ndofaya Hiking Trail Is Worth Doing

Ice Lollies

Most hikes give you beautiful views - Ndofaya gives you perspective.

It offers a glimpse into a community, a culture, and a way of connecting with people that feels increasingly rare.

This wasn't just a hiking trail - it was a reminder of the generosity, resilience, and warmth that exist far beyond the headlines.

Masike

.

I left feeling grateful - not only for the landscape, but for the people who shared it with us.

And if that’s not worth trying to remain snark-free for a minute, I don’t know what is.

RATING

AREA: Soweto

COST

R200

As a group, we did the only thing that was right, and each put in a little extra - a small way to say thank you for something that felt priceless.

DIFFICULTY: Not difficult, but not flat either.

LENGTH: 6.5 km

HIGHLIGHTS

It was so much more than a hike. It was a privilege.

ABLUTIONS

At Chillas

AMENITIES:

Chillas Restaurant is your start and end point.

NOTE TO SELF

Never forget: we are made of magic.

Also - someone find Bill Gates - we’ve got dreams worth backing.

ON A FINAL NOTE

This is exactly why I write.

If there was ever a story worth telling, it’s this one.

The Ndofaya team isn't offering these experiences to get rich.

They're creating opportunities for visitors to experience Soweto differently, challenge perceptions, and support dreams for future generations.

Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back.

I have never felt more welcomed, more safe, or more moved by the quiet, steady warmth of a community that didn’t owe me anything and still gave me everything.

SOLO OR NOSOLO

NOSOLO.