Plan B: When Murphy's Law Turns Into a Serendipitous Adventure - Milorho Hiking Trail.

So you know me….. BIG planner!! Hours of research and spreadsheets for days.

Salt and I have been on a number of hikes to the north of Johannesburg. Some have been unforgettable experiences. But, in my infinite wisdom, I realized we had never actually hiked the Mother of all hikes in that region: the Magaliesburg Mountain Range.

What if we had 2 days, left early Saturday, got to our destination when the gates opened at 6 am, and saw the much-awaited sunrise I've dreamed of for what seems an eternity?

Once that’s done, have some food, do another hike, maybe even catch a sunset. Find the cheapest place to sleep overnight, wake up EARLY on Sunday morning, and catch yet another sunrise before heading home. Perfect plan, right? Not so much....

After extensive research, I decided I absolutely wanted to do The Dome Pools and Castle Gorge Trail. Quickly, I learned we needed permits for those, and the admin just seemed daunting.

Also, probably just to cover any eventuality, it was explained that being a wilderness area, there were some risks and we were reminded to stay vigilant at all times.

Okay...perhaps not, I thought. 

The search continued. I came up with a few options, but by the time we were ready to go, Salt had found Milorho Hiking Trails, and we decided... it's Magaliesburg...how can we not find a million hikes.... we'll see when we get there.

First glitch in the plan: Salt, who usually prefers staying home, was last-minute invited somewhere for Friday night. Leaving early enough to get to Milorho by 6 am was not going to happen.

Oh well, I thought, Sunday morning will have to be the sunrise trail.

We left home at 6 am, and when we went to get our obligatory coffee for the road at the petrol station......there was a queue. Dammit. We were now running way over time and got stuck in a raging traffic jam getting into The Sparkling Waters, just outside Milorho.

At this point, I was seriously irritated. I did not want to be delayed and have the last part of the trail in what was becoming increasingly warmer weather.

When we FINALLY reached the lodge and got on the hike, it was already 8:30. Bloody hell... I needed some Zen!!!

We were greeted by one of the owners, such a lovely lady, who gave us the options. There was a 5 km trail, but ha ha, we now laugh in the face of 5 km trails. I heard 12 km, and I said "say no more... 12 km... let's go". 

Starting off, my possibility of any Zen was shattered by noisy hikers who clearly missed the memo on tranquility. By this stage, Salt and I were bickering like....well....a mother and son.... and I was ready to throw in the towel.

Of course, I'm so glad we didn't. We lost the noisy lot and were met by a stunning ravine at the start of the hike. 

It had a unique look, reminding me of a mini version of Clarens with the rock formations.

The rock formations all through were unbelievable. The most exceptional ones were towards the end, but the rock pools... those rock pools were simply stunning!! Scenic with beautiful streams flowing with fresh mountain water. 

Honestly, though, if you are looking for a full hike of adventure and scenery, the 12 km is perhaps not for you. Between the wonders of nature, there were open landscapes that could get a bit monotonous.

So how did Day 1 of your plans go, you might ask?

A sunrise hike - Uncheck

A MAGALIESBURG Mountain Range Hike - Uncheck (or at least my "expert" version of it).

Two hikes - Uncheck.

An amazing day with a beautiful hike to remember - Check, check, and check!

Check out my next blog to see just how "unchecked" the accommodation turned out to be!  

AREA - Rustenburg

COST - R 100 pp

DIFFICULTY - Moderate

I’d rate it moderate, mostly because the incline was a relentless companion throughout the trail. Personally, I wasn’t ready to be airlifted off the mountain, but I definitely felt that incessant uphill grind.

LENGTH - 11.9 km

So, funny story.....the sweet lady did explain to us that there is an "escape route" about 8 km in, but I heard only "12 km" and nothing more!! 

But Salt, who actually listens to people, mentioned it to me when we had the option to opt out. Again, I laughed it off and said no way. 

Full disclosure....you know me....all about honesty...., he totally said that it looks like the difference is purely a fair amount of zig zagging to extend the hike, and just make it a longer trail. He tried to explain to the insolent old me that we would not miss anything electrifying if we took the short cut.

I, on the other hand, was not going to miss a thing. It's the full 12 or nothing I thought. 

But alas, Salt was right. You would only have missed the fairly mundane scenery and would have joined up with the 12 km hikers anyway. So, honestly, if it is a good workout you are looking for....you hike that 12, but if it's awe inspiring rocks and water....you will feel completely satisfied if you opt for the escape route.

TIME - 4 1/2 hours

Could have been shorter, but we made a lot of stops to take in the brilliance.

ELEVATION - 434 m

As I said, incline was a tad relentless....but bearable.

MARKERS - Extremely well marked

HIGHLIGHTS - The rocks.....the gorge....the rock pools....what more do you need??

SIDE NOTE - So going to do The Dome Pools and Castle Gorge Trail - those will qualify as Magaliesburg Mountain Range Hikes   (or at least my "expert" version of it).

ABLUTIONS - spotless

Loads of safe parking

AMENITIES - It's a whole "Lodge" of things!!