High Five Hiking Trail (Formerly: The Num-Num Trail) — Attraction in Emakhazeni Local Municipality

I recently did a hike here as a scouts expedition, and we had a spectacular experience at high five trails. Pieta, the manager, was very involved in giving us the best experience possible, and gave us a lot of advice to enjoy his property to its fullest potential. The hikes were well maintained, and easy enough to follow. The huts were kitted out with everything we needed! Gas stoves, pots and pans, utensils and plates and bowls, you really don't need to take any of your own cooking equipment! We stayed at Candlewood, where we used a donkey geyser, with free wood to heat it up. At Aloe Kaya everything runs off gas, with brilliant hot showers!! We particularly enjoyed the Aloe Kaya hiking hut, it's a must visit if you're at high five! It sleeps 24, in 2 double storey cabins that are wedged between the 6m tall rock pillars that form a maze around the huts. The outdoor showers, and "loo's with a view" are brilliant. If you can, climb up on top of the rock pillars with some drinks (which you can buy at the honesty shop at Aloe Kaya), for the most gorgeous sundowner experience! My group was enthralled by Rafiki's Cathedral, located on the hike down to Pongola Express coming from the Candlewood side. The Cathedral is a a great slit about a meter wide and 15m tall , closed at the top, that you walk through, formed by part a large slab of rock detaching from the face of the cliff. In the area around the Cathedral there are also many caves formed by huge rocks that have fallen from the cliff, which we found great fun in climbing around in. Our group also did the Hell's Bells loop from Aloe Kaya, 6km long and with ~350m of elevation loss and gain, it is a challenging little walk! Best to budget 4 hours for this loop, especially if you want to properly enjoy the waterfalls with swimmable pools, views, and tranquility of this hidden valley. Our group had great fun doing the Canyon cute loop out of the Candlewood hut, a 1,8km loops that takes you through a mini gorge. We did this as the start of our day, without our bags and just enjoying the early morning calm. All in all, it was a spectacular spot, and I hope to return in...

Embarking on a 5-day hiking odyssey along the High Five Hiking Trail was nothing short of a breathtaking journey that left us in awe of nature's grandeur. From start to finish, every step along the trail was a testament to the splendor that the great outdoors has to offer.

The facilities provided by High Five Hiking Trail were nothing short of exceptional. Nestled amidst the wilderness, each campsite felt like a cozy oasis, offering a harmonious blend of comfort and rustic charm. The thoughtfulness put into every detail, from the well-maintained accommodations to the spotless washrooms, was a testament to the dedication of the staff.

Speaking of staff, the owner of High Five Hiking Trail was a beacon of warmth and hospitality. Their genuine passion for the trail and its visitors was evident in every interaction. We were met with a constant willingness to assist, a trait that proved invaluable when we realized we had left our LED Lenser headlamp behind. The owner's honesty and commitment shone through as they personally delivered the headlamp back to us, ensuring that our adventure remained illuminated.

But it wasn't just the owner who impressed us. The entire staff exhibited a remarkable blend of friendliness and professionalism. Their genuine camaraderie and willingness to go the extra mile made us feel like cherished guests, adding an extra layer of joy to our hiking experience.

As we traversed the High Five Hiking Trail, we were treated not only to picturesque vistas and challenging terrain but also to the warm embrace of a community that values nature, camaraderie, and the pursuit of adventure. The memories forged during those 5 days will forever hold a special place in our hearts, thanks in no small part to the wonderous facilities, the incredible owner, and the exceptional staff of High Five Hiking Trail. If you seek a hiking experience that seamlessly marries nature's majesty with human kindness, look no further than this...

We had a wonderful time hiking the circular trail in 2,5 days! The trail was a very nice mix of adventure and wilderness, but also clear markings, ladders etc. where needed. We also very much liked the many options the trail network offered, from short trails and shortcuts for those without much time or experience, to long trails and detours for those seeking a challenge or extra adventure. No matter if one afternoon or one week, fit or not so fit, you will find something right for you.

The accomodations are simple/rustic (some more than others), but clean and with a lot of charm. We especially loved the beautiful Pongola Express, as well as the very special sanitary installations at Aloe Kayak. Every camp has a communal kitchen, an honesty shop with some drinks, snacks, firewood and such, as well as shared restrooms and warm showers. The beds are simple but comfortable enough, and come without bedding. If you go in the winter as we did, be aware that you will need a warm sleeping bag. We had light frost outside and about 5°C inside in the early morning. There is no heating.

Special thanks to Pieta, whom we sadly never met in person, but who went above and beyond helping us with...