Nkwe Pleasure Resort Hike: When Drizzle Meets Magic

The whole purpose of creating my Discord platform, TrailTribe, was not so I could lead hikes—or, even worse, guide them. Hell no. I need a leader and a guide more than anyone else! It was simply about giving people who didn’t have someone to hike with—or who just needed a hike for the day—a chance to connect.

Okay, okay. The truth? It was entirely for my benefit, so I’d always have a guaranteed hiking buddy. But hey, mission accomplished on this day, so it’s a win-win!

This was my first time meeting this TrailTribe member, who—for now—shall remain nameless. Why? Because if I name her, I’ll have to what? Keep her. So, she will henceforth be known as “Her.”

This hike took us to Nkwe Pleasure Resort.  The hike fell onto my radar literally out of nowhere, and I was a bit skeptical because when I Googled it, there seemed to be conflicting information regarding the length, condition etc.

When the name came up on my platform, one tribe member jokingly asked if it was a swingers’ venue. I can now confidently report that it’s not that kind of resort.

The weeks prior had been a soggy mess with endless rain, but it miraculously held off just enough for us to venture out. However, what truly warmed the cockles of my heart was that my hiking buddies were game to hike, rain or shine. Warriors, the lot of us!

And so, it was just me, Cinnamon, and Her, heading into the drizzle without a care in the world.

It drizzled on and off the whole day, but that didn’t stop our perfect little trio. Pro tip: drizzling is fine; lightning and wet technical trails? Not so much. Thankfully, this trail was mostly flat and non-lethal.

It was confusing at the start because of all the rain, and we were probably the first people to tread the overgrown trail in a while. Having said that, that's what made it even more special.

We did go off trail briefly, but Her stepped up and found the way back like an absolute boss (go Her!). After that, Cinnamon and I pretty much became her loyal puppies, content to follow wherever she led.

Once we hit the correct path, I was absolutely in awe of this trail. I think my enthusiasm was heightened by the fact that I really didn't expect anything out of this world. Boy, was I wrong!

The trail was mostly flat—or as close to flat as nature allows—and that made it a joy to explore. What really blew me away, though, was the variety of landscapes. One moment, you’re walking through a mystical, forest; the next, you’re stepping into a wide-open space that feels like an entirely different world. Somehow, each open area had a purpose and was like a little universe waiting to be discovered.

Mushrooms of all shapes and sizes popped up everywhere—it was like the diverse flora and all the little creatures had come out to play after all the rain.

Nkwe Pleasure Resort is a hidden treasure. The trail exceeded all my expectations, offering a perfect mix of peaceful solitude, diverse scenery, and that chef’s kiss waterfall and pool at the end.

It was as if this trail couldn’t decide what it wanted to be, so it just just decided to be everything. And honestly? It worked.

To make it even more peaceful, it was virtually empty thanks to the iffiness of the weather.

RATING

AREA - Tierpoort

COST - R 90 for day visitors.

DIFFICULTY - Easy.

LENGTH 

There is a 5 km (which we did) and a shorter trail

TIME

2 hours, complete with detours and plenty of time spent gaping at the stunning views.

ELEVATION -  minimal, but not flat

MARKERS

Limited—be prepared to backtrack if needed

HIGHLIGHTS

All of it!!

ABLUTIONS - yes

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

Caravan and camping areas

Picnic spots

Self catering chalets and log cabins

Braai areas and pool by the waterfall.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Not entirely sure we followed the trail exactly as intended, but thanks to Her, we sort of did.

And as for Her, I decided I really liked her—like, "keep her" liked her. She was awesome, and if she becomes a regular, I might actually have to name her.