Made on Earth Hiking Trails — Attraction in Gauteng

5 of us were robbed at gunpoint by 3 armed men on The Red trail at Made on Earth Hiking Trails in Erasmia Pretoria. It was a terrifying and harrowing ordeal. My reason for the share, is that since this has happened, the owners have lied about the truth, which really is unacceptable.

I share the email sent to the owner, with no response, and since then my posts about the incident have been deleted on their FB page. The owner's comment on their FB page also said that it was a couple that "broke away from their group" So many lies, at the risk of innocent people...

My email as follows:

"It's Arisha, one of the 5 people that were robbed at gunpoint on the red trail yesterday, 02 March 2024. Just wanted to give you some feedback after you directed us to Erasmia Police Station yesterday. At Erasmia, we were told that Made on Earth Hiking is NOT part of their jurisdiction. We were then taken to Atteridgeville Police Station (which was traumatic in itself, and left there). Here, they also refused to take our statements and also insisted that your area is not part of their jurisdiction. We then found our way back to Erasmia (with difficulty, considering we did not have phones or money) The Sergeant there took pity on us, and assisted, but we still do not have a case number.

Here are a few points that I would like to make you aware of: When we called you from the top of the mountain asking for assistance to get back down, your lack of knowledge of your own hiking trails was shocking, the length of time it took for your security to get to us was even more horrifying. Then, your security even had great difficulty in helping us find our way back to the parking lot (it is our understanding that the red feet markers were moved or hidden coming up to "Eye of the Tiger" so that hikers could be ambushed, which is terrifying in itself. When we arrived at the police station, both the Commander and the Sergeant asked us why the owners of the hiking trail did not call the police to the scene, as it was not a simple mugging, and rather a crime scene of an armed robbery. We were traumatized and terrified, and did not think of doing this,I would like to know why you did not choose this course of action? You let us leave without money or cellphones and simply verbally directed us to the police station. Would it have been too much of an incovenience for you to offer us your cell phone to possibly call a family/friend (which one of the police reservists kindly offered to us, or arrange for you or your security to at least escort us to the police station. I know its not your responsibility to do this as a business person, but how about just on a human being level? Would this have been ok if this were you and your child, husband? Your mom was more focused on trying to show us your social media and how safe your trails are, and that apparently by us signing at the front gate, that was indemnity for us taking responsibility for the risk of being robbed at gunpoint ((which left me speechless in itself) Would you have appreciated this response if you and your family had a gun pointed at you, and robbed of your belongings, not knowing if one of you were going to be shot? The police told us there have been incidences before. In fact even an online review has a comment of a mugging last week! So why did you tell us this was the first time? There is a payment for your hikes, there is access control and security, which gives one a sense of security, which, as I have learnt now (the hard way), is simply not true.

We reached our homes at 6h30 pm shaken but safe, and very despondent at the behaviour of our fellow human being. I end this email to you with a simple suggestion, please can you just try to be better, do better.

Please be safe...

Today we visited Made on Earth Hiking Trails (Hennops River Valley) and this is definately one my favourite hikes we have been on to date.

We did the "Humbler trail" which is roughly 4.3km and is definately suited for fit hikers and dogs. The start of the trail takes you through beautiful, lush, green vegetation while you listen to the roar of the Hennops River to your right. The forest area then opens up to two small caves. The caves have historical significance as they were used in The Anglo Boer war. After that the trail starts living up to its name. The steep climb is rewarded with expansive and beautiful views once you reach the summit. After admiring the views and catching our breath we descended to the main cave. This is what sets this hike apart and takes it from beautiful to extraordinary! You enter the main cave by navigating your way down rope and ladder. If you are adventurous you can crawl under a rock to see the bats and the full magnitude of the cave which then consists of different alcoves or "rooms".

If the "Humbler trail" is too daunting there are other trails available. A shortcut trail to the main cave is suitable for novice hikers. Recently the "Garden of Eden trail" was added to the 3 existing trails. Further trail development is underway.

The trails are home to indigenous and rare plants, trees and flowers. We went with a former tour guide (I know nothing about plants) who pointed out interesting finds such as Baboon tail, Kiepersol trees and Old Man's Beard to name a few.

I love the extra effort. The "hiking playlist" is an ingenious little attention to detail. Avi, Angie, Tina and Lexi's hospitality is unparalleled. They really go the extra mile to ensure their guests leave relaxed and happy.

This venue is really unique and I have no doubt it will become one of the top hiking spots close to Jozi. There is currently no restaurant on site but picnic baskets are available. As the venue gains popularity further expansion is expected. Entrance is R100 per person.

I recommend booking here as they only allow a limited amount of hikers a day. Please make sure you get directions from the owners as the one entrance often floods and becomes inaccessible. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Dogs should be on leash at all times. Visit in small groups to be safe especially considering the terrain. Remember your torch for the caves!

This is really a must do hike. The hospitality, attention to detail, uniqueness, diversity and beauty of this hike ensures that it is one to remember. I can't...

Our visit on 2 March 2024 was our last as we were held up at gunpoint on the red trail. It was my family of three and a married couple, who were unfortunately at the exact point as us, when 3 armed men approached and robbed us all of our phones, cash and the couple's wedding rings. They assaulted the man and fled off back down the trail path where we had come from. After that harrowing experience, we unfortunately had no support from the owners of the premises. They could not give us directions on the quickest route back to the car park, they could not get security to us quickly enough and they did not call the police to the scene. As we were leaving to report the incident to the police, they reminded us that we signed an indemnity form upon entrance and that absolved them of all risk. Furthermore they will be closing off 2 of these trails and only leave the others open where no incidents occurred. The facts are that they have no idea how the thieves got into the premises nor how they had fled away and yet they promise that their trails are safe and secure. It is even advertised as such on their site and social media. It is a fallacy that I would caution against for anyone thinking of using these trails as your hiking option. You will notice a Facebook post for today blatantly falsifying the facts and indicates that it was just the couple that was assaulted. No mention of me and my family. Why? Guess the optics look better when it's just 2 people so make sure you come in bigger groups next time! The least you would expect is some humanity, support and compassion after such an incident. Alas the owners had instead choosen the opposite and confirmed that this place should actually be renamed to...