Vafambi

Rain or shine, as Vafambi we hike!

Vafambi’s first hike for 2026 was on Sat 7th Feb at Harties River Hiking Trail. Inspite of the heat, dry air and off-road bikers on the trail, managed to do the 10km route.

Children from a very young age should be taught that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West, that if you point your right hand to the East, your face will face North and your back will face South, that the direction of the water in a river is the direction towards the sea, that the Moon rises in the East and sets in the West, that if there is no moon there is a star that indicates the north and your latitude, that the more to the horizon you see the Polar Star, the closer You are from Equator, if you see a bird in the middle of the sea it is because there is land where it flies.

Respect and love for animals, trees, the earth and the elements that give us life.

Teach them all this before giving him a cell phone because the cell phone runs out and the signal is lost... wisdom is never lost.
Let's not let them lose connection.

~ Author Unknown

Suikerboschfontein hiking trail is in Carolina Mpumalanga, about 250km from Gauteng. We arrived on Friday and spent the night at the first camp, Rooikrans. This camp is hidden within the rocks and it blends beautifully with the environment. It accommodates 21 people. There are 4 units 3 of which sleep 6 people and the 4th one 3 people. There are beds and matrasses in each unit. The camp is self-catering. The cooking facility has a braai area, pots, a gas stove and chairs. The bathrooms have flush toilets and hot water is provided by donkey-fired geyser which was the highlight for me. Saturday morning we started the 10km hike from Rooikrans camp to Oom Japie camp. This trail needs a certain level of fitness because there's lots of ascending and descending, climbing up ladders and walking through gorges. The views and scenery are beautiful. It took us about 6 hours to reach Oom Japie camp, a one unit house which also accommodates 21 hikers. The facilities are the same as Rooikrans camp.
Sunday morning we headed back to Rooikrans camp, another 10km hike. The trail is beautiful. We saw beautiful rock art and Bobbejaanhotel which can be accessed by going up a ladder. The hike was another 6 hours to reach Rooikrans camp where we left our cars.
This was a challenging trail but the hiking with Vafambi always makes it easy. There's lots of laughter and support. Sitting around the bonfire in the evening until late chatting and laughing about the day's hike is something special.

By Vuyiswa Poppy Bolani-Matlanyanein

We all have that friend that drags us on a hike—and it's more to your benefit than you might think. 🥾

If you're participating in the popular recreational activity this summer, chances are you're getting a lot more out of the experience than quality family time, beautiful vistas, and a breath of fresh air.

Hiking provides a host of mental and physical health advantages unmatched by other forms of exercise. Learn more about why the upsides of hiking are worth climbing for at https://on.natgeo.com/4eXKX4K

Photograph by Frans Lanting

Big shout out to our newest top fan! 💎

Buti Seipei

Fanie Botha
3Day/2night Trail
Ceylon Hut- Maritzbos- Stables Hut- Ceylon
Hut
Contact details: 013 754 2724
Reservation email: [email protected]
Area: Sabie Mpumalanga
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eaG7qaYPP4BiHChaA?g_st=ic
Booking required: Yes
Payment via EFT
Trail distances: 8km/13km/9km
Slackpacking : available at an additional cost
Pet friendly: No
Well marked: Yes
Moderate to Difficult
Braai/picnic area: Yes (wood available at huts)
Ablutions: flushing toilets
Secure Parking: Yes
Huts: bunks beds for +/- 24 pax. Cold water (solar geyser but we had no sun). Kitchen sink has running water. No electricity. Huts are clean and well maintained. Cellphone coverage good at the huts, but poor reception on hiking trails.
Access: dirt road leading up to parking near Ceylon Hut, manageable for small cars

Day 1 Ceylon Hut - Maritzbos Hut 8,3km
We arrived and parked our cars at Ceylon hut on Friday to immediately start hiking 8km to Maritzbos hut. We hiked up the trail without stopping at an elevation of 430m in under 3hrs, this was to avoid arriving after sunset.
Fortunately we chose to slackpack, so we arrived to find our backpacks delivered inside the hut by Bab’Hlongwane.

Day 2 Maritzbos Hut - Stables Hut
Our hike began early and on time, with great excitement few meters into the hike we could hear the gushing of water from the river. Little did we know that there will be multiple river crossings. I lost count at river crossing number 8, a little frustrated at having to take off our boots every few meters to cross over streams and rivers. But was appreciative of the great weather and shaded forest that kept us cool. This trail was the most difficult with an elevation over 1000m, we negotiated the slippery rocks as best as we could and some soft earthy paths were better walked barefoot. I never thought the sound of water could bring so much anxiety - because it would require walking a shaky bridge or plunge into flowing water - but to be honest taking off my boots to feel the cold water was a blessing.
Once we were literally out of the woods we saw a board saying we had 6,3km to go to the Stables hut or alternatively go via ANOTHER waterfall. At this point we had had enough of waterfalls and chose the flat 6,3km walk to the hut. In total it us 8-9hrs to finish Day 2. It left some of us with dents and scratches from the slippery falls, sore muscles from the “treacherous” trail and pure relief and gratitude to have made it safely after also encountering a berg adder.
The evening was spent recounting the day’s events, reflecting and processing the emotional rollercoaster ride of the hike itself. It is with pride that I can safely say that Vafambi’s teamwork is what made the day a success. As a collective our mental and emotional strength pulled us through. Our prayers and faith in the Almighty calmed our anxiety and fears. For that I am forever grateful.

Day 3 Stables Hut - Ceylon Hut
We expected the final day to be pleasantly cruising down the hill, only to be slipping and sliding on dewy algae covered rocks. One couldn’t lose focus, every step had to be intentional, either step on dry grass or else you would find yourself flat on the floor. 9km later down we arrived safely back where we started at the Ceylon hut.

Safcol can do better in maintaining the shaky bridges and putting ropes or chains to make river crossing safer.
The huts could have donkey geysers so we can have hot showers.
The slackpacking service was excellent and on time, kudos to the gentlemen who were patient with us as a group. We had some members who didn’t hike some days and they were accommodated with hospitality.

Look for River Dance for accommodation options

Please share!
No more hiking but we still do have some AWSOME Accommodation for you!!
Please go and search and like River Dance to make sure you dont miss anything!!

Happy weekend guys!