Olive Tree Farm: Note To Self - Stop Chasing Wildlife (They Don't Like You)

I swear, I must have some kind of anti-wildlife aura because the only time I ever see animals is when I LEAST expect it.

I've always loved nature and animals, but I was never that person who could drive around a game farm for four hours just to see a guinea fowl.

And yet, somehow, I’ve now become the hiker who will willingly walk for four hours to do exactly that.

Character development is exhausting.

If you’re on a trail expecting a full-on National Geographic special and end up with a whole lot of trees and zero animals, trust me—I feel your pain.

But what I realised on this hike, is that the moment you stop obsessing over spotting wildlife, you suddenly notice everything else that makes the trail amazing.

And honestly? That’s when the real magic happens.

This was a guided hike with the legend they call Bradden and Carol from Go Hiking SA, and knowing this duo, I fully expected some off-trail detours and a healthy dose of bushwhacking.

What I also foolishly expected - yet again - was to casually pat a giraffe.

You know, as if Bradden had them on speed dial and could place an order in advance.

To be fair, we did see some giraffe.

Technically.

Through my 100 x supersonic zoom lens... on my cell phone... which, as always, resulted in a blurry, pixelated mess that could have just as easily been Bigfoot.

Or a tree.

Or maybe a very tall, very judgmental cow.

There was also a herd of something (already forgotten), which I personally did not see because the moment someone started a sentence with "In the distance…", I immediately boycotted all future wildlife sightings on this trail.

The Unexpected Best Part of the Hike

And that, my friends, is when the real magic happened.

The second I stopped scanning the horizon like a desperate safari intern, everything else suddenly came alive.

That’s when I spotted them:two emerald-green dung beetles aggressively rolling poop across the trail like they were training for the Olympics.

We all stopped to appreciate this masterpiece of nature.

Because when you're out on the trail, witnessing nature at work - even if it involves two beetles rolling poop - is nothing short of fascinating.

And then, Brad, the undisputed spotting master, actually congratulated me for noticing this tiny marvel.

Was I a little too proud of myself? Absolutely.

For one brief, glorious second, the student became the master.

Shut it, Brad. Let me have this.

The Trail

The trail kicks off right at the accommodation (by the pool), setting the tone with beautiful, peaceful gardens and a tree where birds were carrying on like they’d been hired for entertainment - singing, dancing, building nests - it felt like stepping into a wildlife documentary.

It is definitely not flat, but also not the kind of hike that destroys you.

No terrifying scrambles, no technical sections - just some solid inclines that remind you that your fitness level is mostly aspirational.

That said, our route included a bit of off-trail chaos because this was a guided hike with Bradden and Carol.

If you do the standard route on your own, it’ll probably feel even easier.

Wildlife on the Trail (Apparently)

The area does have wildlife.

Normal people may see zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, buck, and loads of birds.

If you hike with me, however, your wildlife checklist will

likely include one locust, two dung beetles and several ticks.

AREA - Magaliesburg

COST - We paid R 350 as it was guided.

DIFFICULTY 

Fairly easy for frequent hikers

LENGTH - 5.6 km

TIME - Just under three hours - delayed slightly by dung beetle admiration

ELEVATION -  171 m

MARKERS 

Not that I saw...but the trail is self explanatory.

HIGHLIGHTS 

Peaceful and some decent views

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

Bed and breakfast

Self-catering guest rooms

Oh, and there’s a pool—because post-hike lounging is a must.

NOTE TO SELF

When you see wildlife, you see it.

The moment you stop chasing the “main event,” you notice everything else - the birds, the views, the silence, the weird little insects rolling poop with more determination than most corporate teams.

And honestly? That’s the good stuff.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Well done to Carol for sorting out the pre-hike snacks... oh, and literally everything else.

And Bradden - props to you for all the amazing info, which, shockingly, I actually managed to listen to and retain.

A rare feat.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO for me personally.

Not for safety reasons - I’m just deeply aware that if I ever encountered actual wildlife alone (yes, the ones I spend every hike desperately wanting to see) - I would simply perish on the spot.