Saamrus Hike: The Dog Friendly Hiking Trail (Off-Lead Approved)

My hiking pal for the weekend was my spirit animal, Rosemary.

It felt like forever since we had last hiked together—and whenever we do, it’s never just a hike. It’s hours of uninterrupted nitter-natter about things only we seem to understand.

The kind of conversations that would make any outsider tilt their head like a confused Labrador.

Oh, and she’s also my topographer? Without her, I’d still be circling the parking lot, pretending I was “exploring alternate routes” but wondering where it all went wrong.

Now, I run a very technical hiking calendar. And by “technical,” I mean it’s basically a desperate attempt to make sure I’m out on a trail every Saturday and Sunday, like my sanity depends on it (because it kind of does).

So when a free weekend popped up, I did what any responsible adult/serial hiker would do—I immediately messaged Rosemary to see if she was free on the Saturday or the Sunday.

Her reply? “Both.”

Both?? Who even says that? I think I’ve officially found myself another live one.

Rosemary being schooled on the route

Saamrus Hiking Trail: Worth the Drive?

Saamrus had been sitting on my list forever, but because it’s a bit of a drive for a shorter trail, I always imagined it as part of a camping weekend—wake up in nature, coffee in hand, smugly patting myself on the back for dodging another long Sunday drive before hiking the next trail.

But alas, my world-class lack of campground-research skills sabotaged that brilliant plan. (Shoutout to the commenters who later schooled me with better info—saving it for next time)

So instead, we said: fine, let’s just drive through on Saturday, and then make Sunday’s trail a little closer to home.

First Impressions at Saamrus: From Sand Roads to Raw Honey

I had fully braced myself for “rustic farm chic,” where ablutions mean a shovel, a bush, and a prayer. But nope—the sand road was surprisingly civilized, the staff member was genuinely warm, and we were welcomed by Lulu, the resident fluffball greeter.

Lulu 🥰 (who wouldn't keep still long enough for a decent photo)

Then I spotted it: raw honey at the tuck shop. That was my official “yes, the universe has delivered me to the right place” moment.

Don’t ask me why—trying to explain would lead me down a chaotic tangent that nobody signed up for.

The Bathroom Test (Because Yes, It Matters)

Everyone’s got quirks. Some people collect fridge magnets, others hoard keyrings. Me? I rate places by their bathrooms. Always have. Airports, restaurants, hiking trails—no loo escapes my inner critic.

And the bathrooms at Saamrus? Honestly… charming. So charming that I momentarily forgot how socially questionable it would be to start posting

potty pics on the internet. Okay fine—you’ve been warned. Toilet pics may be coming. Brace yourselves.

Hiking The Saamrus Trail: Easy, Pretty, and A Little Magical

The trail itself isn’t long, but it’s delightful. Think gentle inclines, non-scary paths, and a surprising forest section alongside a river. Sure, coming out of winter the water was more “lazy pond” than “sparkling stream,” but it still felt atmospheric. In summer? This place will glow up

It’s the kind of trail that doesn’t test your endurance but still gives you the feeling of a hike in beautiful nature.

Rosemary

Dog-Friendly Hiking in Magaliesburg: Bring Fido!

The biggest win? This trail is dog-friendly. Off-leash, no less! We went dog free this time, but if I had a pup, they’d be living their best life here.

So, if you’re up for a drive or lucky enough to live closer: Saamrus is worth it. Take your dog, enjoy the peace, and maybe—just maybe—start rating toilets like me.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Magaliesburg

COST

R 75

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy but not flat

TRAIL LENGTH

The paths range from 2  km to 8  km. But you have the flexibility to choose a shorter stroll or a longer adventure.

TRAIL MARKERS

Decent enough, you won’t get lost (unless you’re me without Rosemary)

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Surprises: Bridges, swings, random ooh-and-ah moments

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Mix of open and covered—summer-friendly

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Self-catering farm cottages

Each unit is thoughtfully set up with little extras, that include a dog bowl and a poop scoop.

And how do I know this? Well… let’s just say when a unit is standing vacant, one has no option but to briefly trespass. Purely in the name of research, of course. You’re welcome..

When the accommodation says, “We see your dog as a guest,” you know you’re in the right place..

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

No wildlife, but bird nerds will be happy.

NOTE TO SELF

At this point, it’s official—I can’t keep pretending this toilet-rating thing is just a passing quirk. I might as well own it.

Because nothing screams serious hiker quite like a camera roll full of scenic mountains… and toilets.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

A loud, proud yes

ON A FINAL NOTE

Saamrus is peaceful and charmingly low-key.

If you’re after a dog-friendly getaway, book into the lodge, let your pups run wild (off-leash heaven), and soak up the views

No dogs? Still just as cosy.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

Personally (NO)SOLO