The “Lutima Kitchen” Hike

In some roundabout way, the "Lutima Kitchen Hike" landed on my list.

My hiking partner was Rosemary, who is usually our Chief Navigator, but this time her services were not required.

This was a guided hike leaving from Lutima Kitchen, the most unpretentious, relaxed little suburb in Waverley in Pretoria.

A Warm Community Vibe

What first hooked me about this hike was the whole sense of community vibe.

When I first called, I learned the hike used to be hosted by "Respek" Coffee Shop, but is now being hosted by Lutima Kitchen.

I had sent a message to Lutima asking how it worked and received a prompt (love that) reply.

It takes place every Saturday.

Meet at Lutima Kitchen 7:00 AM sharp.

It's free, "but hey, maybe grab a coffee afterwards to support the coffee shop?"

Support a coffee shop?

After a hike?

Well, if you insist.

The Crew

The forecast threatened rain (again), but a quick check-in revealed that unless it’s pouring, the hike still goes ahead.

Bless them.

And my beast of a hiking bud, Rosemary - always game.

I left home under the kind of gloomy clouds that practically screamed, “Go back home,” grabbed my obligatory garage cappuccino (because priorities), walked back out… and bam - suddenly the sun’s out like it’s been waiting for its cue.

Oh, universe. Sometimes you really do understand the assignment.

At 7:00 AM, our guide gathered the group: four hikers, Rosemary, and me.

There’s a loyal bunch who’ve been hiking since the original days, and they’re hoping to grow the group slowly and organically.

Friends of Magalies

The hike is linked to Friends of Magalies, the heroes who guard the fauna, flora, and archaeological magic of the Magaliesberg.

I’ve done this trail from multiple directions—or… at least I think I have.

Hard to say, really. My brain treats information like spam emails - filtered straight to oblivion.

So don’t quiz me.

Unexpected Incline

We strolled through Waverley’s serene neighbourhood to reach the gate.

And then - WHAM. Immediate incline.

Once at the top, Rosemary and I exchanged quiet, dignified whispers about how we kept moving, because apparently dignity is more important than oxygen.

Turns out pride is an excellent temporary fitness enhancer.

The shongololo next to my boot

We huffed. We puffed. We lived.

Pretoria From Above (Again, but New)

You never really tire of that panoramic view of Pretoria sprawled beneath you - same mountain, different angle, still showing off like a legend.

Also: Monkey’s Tail plants. Like, an entire city of them just decided to move in.

I’ve never seen so many in the same place.

Uplifting Conversations

Our guide completely blindsided us with his depth of knowledge—politics, the economy, actual good news about South Africa (yes, it exists!).

The kind of uplifting conversation that feels illegal in this era of permanent doom and gloom talk.

Back at Lutima, we tucked into honest food - the kind where you can still recognise the ingredients - and prices that don’t require a financial advisor.

A Neighbourhood That Feels Like a Hug

Waverley charmed us completely. Old houses with charming gardens.

It feels like the suburb remembered how to suburb.

This hike is a hidden gem tucked inside a wholesome, salt-of-the-earth community - and honestly, Rosemary and I were "this" close to relocating and living there forever.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Pretoria

COST

Free

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

A spicy incline—but short-lived

TRAIL LENGTH

10 km

There are a few other route options if you want to go further.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Peace, nature, and that “wilderness yet still in suburbia” feeling

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Little to no cover.

ABLUTIONS, PARKING AND AMENITIES

All at the coffee shop.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Apparently buck and dassies…We saw none—just dassie poop.

So much poop.

Outside their luxury stone apartment block.

Oh, and the biggest shongololo I have ever laid eyes on.

And just to make it magical, at the very end, wild majestic horses.

So yes, we saw things.

Weird things.

Unexpected things.

Poop-related things.

NOTE TO SELF

Find someone - anyone - who can explain why the N3 Northbound at Linksfield was randomly excavated, butchered, half-patched, and then abandoned by whoever started the job.

Was it a breakup? A scandal? A mid-life crisis?

Maybe an attempt to impress the G20 delegates with our… unique approach to road maintenance?

Sabotage? Budget drama? Aliens?

Honestly… aliens feels like the only explanation that makes sense anymore.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Depends on the family

PET FRIENDLY

Yes, but on lead

ON A FINAL NOTE

If you can’t travel far, don’t want to pay trail fees or don’t have the budget for a weekend

long hiking extravaganza…this trail is your friend.

No excuses.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO