Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

So, the Sunday after Pepper and I had hiked , I had my human GPS and backpack mule, Salt, with me again.

We decided to tackle the Bokmakierie Hike in Heidelberg, located in the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.

Not a long drive from Johannesburg, and considering our recent long-distance escapades, this was practically in our backyard.

I was pleasantly surprised to find such a huge nature reserve in the middle of Heidelberg, of all places. Sadly, it’s down the road from a landfill and not far from some pylons spewing who-knows-what into our already disgustingly polluted air, but I chose to focus on the splendor and beauty of this reserve.

On arrival, there’s an impressive entrance, and everything is just so well-organized. Once we got into the parking area, we needed to decide which trail to follow. We and another couple had to find someone to ask where we needed to start. But once we found that, the trail was incredibly well marked throughout.

Despite the vast and unobstructed (aka booooring) terrain towards the beginning of the trail, there was a dense and beautiful section. This, of course, didn't last long, and we only encountered it again at the end of the hike.

I found this reserve incredibly peaceful. No traffic noise like our hike from yesterday. Just us against the world (with one or two humans showing up now and again).

The views seemed to go on for days, and they were panoramic.

Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any wildlife on this hike. But then again, it isn’t a petting zoo; sightings are a matter of luck.

Pack wisely, especially in summer, you will need lots of hydration..... and enjoy the sprawling views.

Here's to discovering hidden gems even in the unlikeliest of places.

My Hiking Hag Ratings:

AREA: Heidelberg

COST: R 35 pp

DIFFICULTY - HARD

After exiting the initial denser part of the trail, the path decided to test our fitness levels with what felt like a never ending gradual ascent the whole way until we finally descended near the finish.

This might be an ideal hike for many, but for me, it's an out of breath burning chest ordeal that makes me contemplate my life choices and swear off hiking forever. Yet, once it's over, I pat myself on the back and start scouting for the next hike.

We did get another brief reunion with the denser vegetation at the end, just to remind us what we were missing.

It was a crazy uphill ride… but, as always, worth it.

In my opinion, any fairly active old goat can manage this; it’s just a matter of how long it will take.

LENGTH -12.6 km

TIME TAKEN - 3 HOURS

ELEVATION - 457 m

Once again, a slow and strenuous ascent.

MARKERS - Extremely well marked.

AMENITIES - None that we saw....... even with Salt there nothing really showed itself.

I do remember seeing some kind of a museum though.

ABLUTIONS - Again, never used them........odd weekend!!

Safe parking a plenty.

Well done, Heidelberg.... Who would ever have thunk it?