Oshoek Farm - Ouhout Trail: Wakkerstroom - Day 1

For the second weekend in a row, I heroically ignored my responsibilities and disappeared somewhere with a stronger cow-to-human ratio.

This time - Wakkerstroom - a place I had been threatening to visit for ages and thankfully, the universe - or more specifically Ronelle from Forellenhof Guest Farm - intervened.

My plus one was Sage, day-one hiking buddy, chaos facilitator and an essential herb in the seasoning rack.

She brought along her other half, "Our Trusty Leader", and her mini-me.

The moment hiking buds S & M heard the words “Wakkerstroom weekend,” they developed an acute case of FOMO and booked immediately,

Wakkerstroom is apparently Disneyland for birdwatchers, and the mere whisper of a “rare sighting” was enough to send these two into full migration mode.

Small Town Hospitality

Because apparently I’m physically incapable of arriving somewhere and simply resting, I had already spoken to Ronelle about a Friday afternoon hike.

Her farm’s main route was a bit long to start so late, and naturally doing no hike at all was not even an option.

Ronelle sent us to neighbouring Oshoek Farm and to Hannelie - yet another lovely small-town human operating within what I can only describe as a highly organised kindness syndicate.

S, M and I arrived in Wakkerstroom late morning and immediately wandered around town while I once again declared I had found my forever small town.

The place is adorable.

The kind of town where you start mentally browsing property listings after one cappuccino and wondering if goats are difficult to maintain.

Breakfast happened. Early check-in happened. Morale was thriving.

The Ouhout Trail

Of course, as with any remote place, comes the required sand road pilgrimage, but Oshoek was absolutely beautiful - rolling green hills, ridiculous scenery, and the kind of peace that makes you resent being raised in Johannesburg instead of barefoot on a farm with emotional stability.

A gorgeous farm fluff nugget greeted us with so much excitement - like long-lost relatives returning from war.

Hannelie suggested we walk to the waterfall and then roam around afterwards - naturally we roamed.

First, we passed the campsite, which was honestly absurd in the best possible way.

It genuinely felt like you were the only people left on earth - surrounded by endless beauty, peace and well-kept facilities.

There’s also an outdoor watering hole situation which I assume functions as an off-grid jacuzzi.

Then just past that, we reached the waterfall - and wow.

It genuinely reminded me of a mini Wathaba Waterfall, which is not a comparison I hand out casually.

After the appropriate amount of dramatic gasping and photo-taking, we did a very manageable climb to the top of the waterfall.

The views were food for the soul and the cloud formations were fascinating - almost like each little cloud was slowly melting - dissolving into the sky

Farm Life

After the hike, we chatted with Hannelie, who genuinely seems to live a life straight out of Little House on the Prairie.

Oshoek has a variety of trails - it really just depends on what kind of terrain, suffering level, and scenic reward ratio you’re in the mood for.

We were then heading back to our accommodation to meet up with Sage and her crew, and all seemed right with the world - which is usually the precise moment trouble clocks in for its shift.

The Ditch Incident

The issue arose when M spotted a bird.

Now, in Wakkerstroom, seeing a bird is not exactly breaking news.

However, this particular bird apparently required immediate visual investigation.

M reversed the car for a better look and, in what will forever become part of group folklore, reversed directly into a ditch, and the car tipped on its side.

Events immediately escalated from “peaceful countryside weekend” to “unplanned recovery operation.”

Thankfully, everyone was completely fine.

My personal highlight, however, was discovering that at 59.9999 years old, I can apparently still launch myself out of a tilted car window like some sort of action hero.

Well in my head anyway, and as no footage exists, it means I did it flawlessly… and legally you have to take my word for it.

And in case you assumed I suddenly developed maturity and compassion in a crisis, I should clarify that the moment I had hauled myself out of the vehicle, I immediately started taking photos while M was busy calling family, friends, insurance companies, and possibly the United Nations.

Purely for insurance documentation.

Obviously.

I also spent the rest of the weekend using “concussion” as an excuse for absolutely everything because if life hands you a sympathy card, professionalism requires you to exploit it fully.

Final Thoughts

Despite the unexpected off-roading adventure - and apologies M, perhaps not quite as enjoyable for you - the day was honestly magic: beautiful scenery, incredible hospitality, wholesome hiking and bird life apparently committed to vehicular chaos.

And finally, a special mention to Our Trusty Leader, who spent the evening shuttling back and forth until the car - surprisingly mostly unscathed - eventually made its way to an assessment yard, mechanical holding pen, or whatever official facility mildly traumatized vehicles go to recover in.

So if you’re planning a trip to Wakkerstroom - which you absolutely should - I would recommend you contact Hannelie at Oshoek Farm and ask about the hiking trails - there truly will be something to suit everyone.

Contact details - 0846110565

Trail cost - R 50