Paws and Waterfalls: Conquering the Leopard Trail and Kadisha-Tufa Trail

So, day 2 finally kicked off at the crack of dawn—or, more precisely, at 6:15 AM, which is about as close to sunrise as we've ever managed to hit the trail....despite REPEATED attempts. 

I was pumped to FINALLY catch a sunrise! Did we? Well... sort of. We sat on a rock at a viewpoint that can only be described as un-freaking-believable.

We were at the top viewpoint in the Blyde River Forever Resort, and laid out before us were the Three Rondavels and everything else in their majestic shadow. I mean… wooooow.

Next was time for the Leopard Trail. And of course, Salt, ever the helpful soul, as we are about to start, casually mentioned that there might be a leopard or two on the trail.

But don’t worry, he said, they're shy creatures, so we probably won’t even notice them. Oh, great. Thanks a bloody lot, twirp! Just what I needed to hear—Did I need to know that?? Especially since we had to put our names and trail down in a log and then sign that we had returned. Why is that you say?? Well…maybe because there might be a leopard situation and we don’t return!!

Anyway…I was instructed to ‘relax’ which of course works on EVERY women ever!!

Those views! Oh My Hat! You truly can’t comprehend them through a photo. It’s not just about what you see; it’s about the sheer serenity and peace that comes with it.

Mountains upon mountains, stacked like they’re in some kind of queue, waiting to be seen. As if they’re auditioning for a role in some epic nature documentary.

And, as usual, we found the best viewpoint by wandering slightly off course. We just sat there in silence, completely blown away. I can’t imagine anything topping that view or the peace we felt in that moment. Salt even tried to get creative, making an arrow out of twigs so that any poor souls following us wouldn’t miss it. 

Just after that, we came accross the designated viewpoint, but that had nothing on what we discovered.

Seriously trail creators, listen up, Salt and I are always available to find the best viewpoints. We’re basically the dynamic duo of scenic spots, equipped with a keen eye for breathtaking vistas and a healthy disdain for the mundane.

If your trails are feeling a little “meh” or your viewpoints are more “meh-eh,” it’s time to give us a call. Think of us as your personal scenic consultants, ready to turn your average hike into an Instagram-worthy adventure....you're welcome!!

Anyhoo.....back to the trail.......After the first time (on this trail) I got whacked in the face by a branch (which I walked straight into .....headfirst), Salt oh-so-patiently suggested that I might want to look up occasionally while walking, to avoid further facial assaults.

“I have to look down to see where I’m stepping,” I explained,  "how do you expect me to look up as well?"

But lo and behold, I eventually realized that it’s possible to glance up every now and then—just enough to spot any low-hanging, dangerous branches that might be lurking ahead.

This was particularly fortunate, as there were these vines with the longest, thickest thorns I’ve ever seen in all my years on this planet. Getting smacked in the face by one of those? Yeah, not so much.

Salt, in a rare moment of poetic brilliance, pointed out that these vines and thorns seemed like they were trying to keep everyone out. And what did we always find on the other side? Pure, unadulterated beauty.

Honestly, if I were the vine standing between perfect nature and a human, I’d probably try to keep them out too.

After a bit of breakfast, we tackled the 2km Kadisha-Tufa Trail, a completely different vibe from our first hike. 

It was genuinely stunning. An enchanting realm where every turn reveals yet another breathtaking scene, and the air is filled with the soothing symphony of rushing water. 

The trees? Oh, it was the real deal—lush, green and absolutely brimming with that ethereal quality , like sentinels guarding their precious waterfalls, and each step seemed to lead to a new, awe-inspiring sight.

As you wandered deeper into this enchanted forest, you were treated to a series of graceful cascades that danced with a kind of fluid elegance, with each waterfall performing its unique choreography.

But the pièce de résistance? That came right at the end—a grand, gushing waterfall that appeared with all the dramatic flair of a fireworks finale.

And oh, the pool! It looked inviting, shimmering and clear, begging for a dive. But it was a bit cool, and Salt and I, while always up for an adventure, are decidedly not the thrill-seekers we might pretend to be. We’re more the “admire from the edge” kind of adventurers. 

Through the trail, I just followed Salt, who was in full explorer mode, searching out every little nook and cranny. But don’t worry—no getting lost, and no leopard encounters this time!

How long did it take us? Who cares? These hikes were all about the journey, not the destination. In fact, the journey was the destination!!

AREA - Uuuum..guess.

DIFFICULTY AND LENGTH

Honestly, if you are in the area, and you have hiked anything slightly challenging or strenuous before and survived....these can and must be done!!

At no point did I feel like I was pushing my mental or physical limits.

The trail was labeled as a 5km trail by the establishment, supposedly the most challenging one around with regards to fitness. Honestly, I think they were just covering their bases.

We knocked it out in two and a half hours. Yes, it was technical, and yes, there were some ascents that got the heart pumping, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and totally doable.

No dramatic gasping for my last breath this time! (unless you count the sheer awe at the sights we saw).

How long did it take us? Again, who cares? 

ELEVATION -  379m

Didn’t feel it at all—was way too busy getting smacked in the face with jaw-dropping views to even notice....and branches.

MARKERS 

SO well marked!!

HIGHLIGHTS - Well ummm.....EVERYTHING!!!

It never ceases to amaze me how places that were nowhere near my bucket list as a non-hiker suddenly shoot to the top as the absolute best places on earth—because nothing says "world-class destination" like sweaty, uphill battles and the occasional wildlife-induced panic attack.