Rustig Hiking Trail:Is It The Toughest Hike in Magaliesburg?

So here we are. Nadia’s Peak? Done. Vergenoeg? Conquered. Remhoogte? Tick. That left only the final beast in the range—the one I’d been staring at from every other summit: Rustig, my so-called Holy Grail.

This trail had been haunting my list forever. The whispers were always the same:

“It’s the most brutal"

"The sand road to get there is awful". "Don’t bother.” 

So I stalled. I convinced myself Rustig would be just another copy-paste trail from the range: slog to the top, admire the views then stumble home exhausted but smug.

But Rustig lingered in the back of my mind, whispering, “You know you’ll never forgive yourself if you skip me.” And, naturally, it had to be Sage—my partner in trails—who made sure I finally ticked it off the list.

Thanks to her birthday prequel celebration, the plan was officially sealed.

The Sand Road: Not Awful

Yes, it was long. Yes, it was sandy. But not the worst road I’ve ever driven. I mean at this point, driving on a sand road is basically who I am now.

Entrance to the Trail

We arrived early, smugly prepared… only to discover what felt like a thousand other people had had the same brilliant idea. That’s when my pre-hike zen started seeping out of my pores.

We were ordered to reverse, shuffle left, shuffle right—herded around in our cars —until exactly 8:00 a.m., when we were finally permitted to enter.

Then came the queue at reception to hand in our indemnities. (Which had already been emailed ahead, supposedly to be collected at the gate. They weren’t.)

Trail King

By the time we actually started the hike, my “zen hiker” vibe had long since evaporated.

And also—probably even more importantly—no one wants to start a gruelling hike at 8:30 on a sweltering summer day.

Rustig management, if you’re reading this: please, for the love of hikers everywhere, rethink the system.

The Tribe For The Day

Sage: Birthday prequel queen and co-conspirator of all my trail-related adventures.

Trail King: Our MVP guide, previously crowned Honey Badger hero. (Warning: one more hike together and I may have to officially name him.)

Sweeper: Sage’s brother-in-law, reliable at the back, keeping an eye on the stragglers.

MVP of the Day: Sage’s sister. Never hiked before. Super fit in a trail-runner kind of way… but as us hikers know, trail fitness is a different beast.

Honestly? She crushed it. Nearly broke herself, but still crushed it. Rookie of the year, hands down. She’ll need three days, several Epsom salt baths, and possibly a medal to recover—but Bra-bloody-vo!

Sweeper & MVP

The Trail Itself

Rustig surprised me. Where I expected the usual “same-same” slog like its sister mountains, this one delivered:

• Shaded stretches: Rare, but in summer, I am sure a gift from the hiking gods.

• Scrambling sections: Suddenly the hike felt like an adventure.

• Sheer cliff-edge moments.

  
  

And then there’s the famous wooden bridge—the Instagram celebrity of Rustig. I’d been stressing about it since the car park, but it was the easiest thing I did all day.

"The Bridge"

Rustig may have kicked off with gate chaos, but it ended on a high note. The trail was challenging, scenic, and actually satisfying.

With Rustig finally ticked off my list, the range is officially complete. Magalies, it’s been real—but it’s time for new areas, new scenery, and fresh mountains… she said, for the umpteenth time.

Trail Information

AREA - Hekpoort

COST - R 150

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Tough, technical, and inclined.

Towards the end, there’s a cheerful little decline—nicknamed something like "Rocky Staircase"—so yes, you get the picture. Lots of ladders. Think less Sunday stroll, more real-life PlayStation adventure level.

But is it the most difficult of the family? In my opinion—no. Rustig isn’t just about clawing your way up an endless incline only to tiptoe down precarious declines. It’s got both, sure, but it also throws in some interesting “breather bits” along the way. Hard? Absolutely. Soul-destroying? Not quite.

TRAIL LENGTH

Multiple route options available, including a 2-day hike for the truly adventurous.

There are also a few “opt-out” detours along the way—rudely called The Chicken Run—just in case you wanted to feel even worse about yourself for bailing.

TRAIL MARKERS 

Good for the most part… but with our Trusty Leader? Absolutely foolproof.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS 

The views. The scrambles. And yes, that famous wooden bridge.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

I’m very glad we tackled it in cooler weather—because in summer, this beast would be downright cruel. Bring all the water. Cooler months are your friend.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Children’s play area, restaurant, wedding and corporate events.

Accommodation ranging from backpackers to farmhouses and self-catering bungalows.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

We saw zero wildlife. Some people spot vultures. Me? Just black smudges in the distance that may or may not have been clouds..

NOTE TO SELF

I’ve signed so many indemnities lately and been warned about finishing on time—or else the rescue team has to come fetch us—that I’m starting to think the real danger isn’t the trails—it’s me and my questionable trail choices.

Definitely double-check those decisions with a responsible adult… actually, on second thought, maybe don’t.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Children are not allowed on the 9 and 13 km hikes.

PET FRIENDLY

No dogs allowed. Sorry, Fido.

ON A FINAL NOTE

A huge thank you Sage… another dream realised. Oh—and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my MVHP!

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO.

Best enjoyed with a team—preferably one with a sense of humour AND a Trail King.