Ubali Pomegranate Farm : Small Trail, Big Charm

I met a nice human today.

I know - shocking.

I was fairly certain I had already worked my way through the global inventory of decent people, but it turns out there was one left.

Possibly more - I’m still processing.

Choosing The Trail

When it came time to pick a trail, I had one clear objective - nothing hectic.

This wasn’t about the hike - it was about introductions.

I needed to assess her hiking energy - not for her benefit, obviously - for mine.

Because here’s the problem - I say, “I’m not fit,” and people think, "ah yes, performance art".

And then suddenly I’m in a situation where I’m trailing behind someone bounding uphill like a caffeinated mountain goat, while I’m huffing and puffing, wondering why I didn’t just stick to my OG's - those who understand that I AM NOT FIT.

Also, critical test number two - would she survive my obsessive photo-taking?

Critical compatibility metric.

Maybe this is a good time to mention that I discovered she’s a photographer.

Not a casual “I take a decent sunset pic” photographer.

No. A professional.

Which feels…a bit excessive, honestly.

I’ve been quietly relying on my “takes nice photos” personality trait to offset my otherwise questionable social skills for all this time.

It’s one of my very few redeeming features.

A pillar, really.

And now? Undermined - just like that.

So what exactly am I bringing to the table here?

Mild sarcasm?

Laboured breathing?

Fortunately, she wasn’t there to take photos.

She was there to walk - to appreciate nature.

And to watch me pretend I know what I’m doing with a camera.

Why Ubali Finally Made The Cut

For our first hike, I chose Ubali Pomegranate Farm - a place that had been on my list forever, but for two very valid reasons had never happened.

Firstly, they are only open the first weekend of every month  (which requires planning, coordination, and other activities I actively avoid),

Secondly, it’s a disproportionately long drive for a 5 km walk.

But as I’ve learned, every random trail on my list eventually decides to justify itself - and suddenly, it was the obvious choice.

So when it turned out that she has a thing for pomegranates and that she originated from a place that I once seriously considered relocating, I realised that if you connect the dots - and I highly recommend you do - please. I’ll wait - this was clearly the universe doing it's thing.

You’re welcome.

Feel free to follow me for more groundbreaking life insights.

Not directions though - absolutely not directions.

That would be a terrible decision.

The Drive

We met at 8 am - because that’s when they open.

Unfortunately, we were both sent on the “avoid tolls, embrace chaos” route.

I’m used to 6 am drives, you know - peaceful, empty roads, the world still half-asleep and not actively trying to ruin your day.

This? Very much the opposite.

We got routed through an area where every intersection came with complimentary broken glass — because nothing says relax like casually debating whether stopping at a red robot is more of a guideline than a rule.

I was… let’s call it mildly stressed. Not for me - I’ve clearly developed a questionable tolerance for bad decisions - but for her.

She has things to live for.

Aspirations.

A future.

I didn’t want to be responsible for anything going sideways.

The Establishment

But we both made it, and ... she was adorable.

The venue itself? Exactly what I expected - also adorable.

So now I’m dealing with two wholesome, borderline heart-melting things in one morning, which I am absolutely not equipped for and is, frankly - a lot.

Before we even started the hike, I got distracted by this charming little shop.

It sells anything that has ever even considered interacting with a pomegranate.

Food, drinks, probably emotional support items - I didn’t check that closely, but it wouldn’t surprise me.

The Trail

The trail itself is simple.

Easy.

A proper “just a wholesome walk in nature" trail.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

If you live closer - or even Pretoria - it’s a solid option for a relaxed morning outdoors.

But, if you’re coming from further away, you might want to commit a bit more.

Walk it twice, linger in the very aesthetic garden at the coffee shop, maybe buy something pomegranate-related you didn’t plan on needing.

Because a 5km walk alone might not be enough to justify the drive unless you’re nearby.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Google says Pretoria....I'm saying nothing.

COST

R 40

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy

TRAIL LENGTH

5 km, but you can extend.

TRAIL MARKERS

Present, confusing, but it doesn't matter.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

A walk in beautiful nature.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Mostly open

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Coffee shop

Accomodation

Camping

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Yes

NOTE TO SELF

Always choose the toll route

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

No

ON A FINAL NOTE

Lovely to meet a genuinely nice human - apparently they roam among us.

Hope to see you again soon.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(TO)SOLO