Segwati Safari Quad Bike Trails: When “No Hikers Wanted” Is Merely a Suggestion

So Rosemary and I tackled this trail, which has been on my list since day dot.

But like many trails before it, it was at risk of deletion due to the classic hiking trail problem: zero communication whatsoever.

If a trail doesn’t respond after multiple attempts, deleted.

So I WhatsApped Segwati, and got an instant friendly and helpful reply.

Already invested.

The Warning Chat

The host gently explained that they’re not focusing on hiking right now, as trails are not sufficiently marked, there is weather-related overgrowth and oh yes… "Zama Zamas" on the "other side of the mountain."

She stressed there had been no incidents, but they’d rather not have hikers there until everything was sorted.

You know.....super responsible.

However.

Hi.

It’s me.

I love honesty. I really do.

But I also like to see things for myself.

You know… because fear-mongering times, and because half the trails I adore would never have happened if I actually listened to"stuff".

So I thanked her politely

(read: completely ignored all warnings)

and immediately messaged Rosemary.

And in case you’ve forgotten or you’re new here (what took you so long?), Rosemary is my hiking pal that I can throw anything at.

Poor girl....or lucky girl.

The jury remains aggressively undecided.

Her reply?

"She's in. She'll bring her knife, whistle and super glue"

Perfect.

I agreed to bring my complete lack of common sense and called it a plan.

How Persistence Paid Off

I messaged the host back and explained that we’re not “Karen hikers” — we’re "savage" hikers.

(Obviously, I could say that confidently because I had my personal topographer, Rosemary.)

She agreed - slightly reluctantly, I suspect - and even offered to open half an hour early for us.

We drove up to a charming little lapa where coffee and tea were laid out for us.

Now, let me get this straight:

I forced us onto the property… and they’re serving us caffeine like we’re royalty?

So warm and fuzzy!

Also, mildly guilty for being absolute nuisances.

Quad Bikes First

Her husband arrived - very on brand - on a quad bike and gave us the full rundown.

They focus primarily on quad biking now, which honestly makes sense.

It avoids hikers wandering in just to complain about absurd non-issues and single-handedly tank the reputation of the entire place.

But let me tell you.

Our loss.

The property is massive, mostly flat, with gentle inclines.

Instead of the overgrown chaos I expected, we found immaculate trails

And the trail markers? No more confusing than the ones I encounter every weekend.

The scenery is expansive - open plains, distant mountains, and yes, those mountains where the Zama Zamas hang out… so far away they’d probably affect half the province before even noticing us.

Along the way, the scenery can’t commit.

One minute you’re in a magical jungle, the next you’re back on open plains, and then - surprise - another lapa with a plunge pool, toilets, a massive jungle gym for kids, and braai facilities.

Oh, and herds of wildlife just…hanging around.

Assuming this is used by the quad bike community now.

The Dam

On the way back, we stopped at the dam - exactly what anyone with thoughts needs.

Before this moment of enlightenment, I was obsessively photographing a dragonfly while Rosemary scoped how to get to the other side of the dam.

She snapped me out of my dragonfly trance and asked if there might be “too much” water for me.

It’s a dam Rosemary?? There is water.

I briefly wondered if she had heat stroke, then turned the corner and found a generous patch of sludge.

Oh. That water.

I navigated it beautifully right up until the final leap, where I panicked and landed squarely in the mud, proving once again that confidence is not the same thing as competence.

We sat in complete silence (I know, right?), contemplating life decisions.

We returned to the lapa for more coffee and a little chat before heading home.

Rosemary - thanks for always stepping outside the box with me.

I’m new at this… and definitely need an accomplice.

Company.

I mean company.

RATINGS

Trail Information

Reflecting about my muddy pants at the dam

AREA

Hartbeespoort,

COST

R 70

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy - but possibly a bit long for strict 5 km walkers

(That said, the route can absolutely be custom-designed)

TRAIL LENGTH

We did 10 km

TRAIL MARKERS

Not really

But are there ever??

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

It’s a peaceful farm walk. Two hours, five hours, however long you like.

They’re too nice to kick you out.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

It's mostly open, so hot in summer.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Quad biking

And if it's up to me....hiking trails

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Yes.

We came across herds of wildlife...just there....chilling.

NOTE TO SELF

Google Zama Zama danger vs. fear mongering level.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

No

ON A FINAL NOTE

Should you go?

Absolutely yes — if you’re persistent, respectful, and not a whiner...and don’t mind begging for permission.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

Technically (TO)SOLO, but I wouldn’t.

Getting lost is my personality trait.