Breathtakingly beautiful, pet friendly, scenic and safe. Diverse terrain to explore suitable for an intermediate hiker. My fitbit said 7.5kms so this would be perfect for someone who feels they are ready to level up from a 5km but are not sure if they are ready for a 10km. The constantly changing terrain ensures you do not get bored...from veld, to the banks of the Crocodile River, to hills covered in slate, a canopy of reeds, culminating in the more challenging mountain portion of the hike. Have a refreshing beer and a burger at the restaurant once done.
Security and rescue employees available on the site put my mind at ease.
I love that Africaland allows our dogs to participate in this gorgeous experience. I wish more hiking trails would cater to this market. The boys enjoyed being allowed off their leashes and made sure to take a dip in the Crocodile River and get covered in mud.
IMPORTANT NOTES TO PET OWNERS
Please make sure you know your dog's fitness levels. My small dogs are very active and fit but took some strain the last 2kms. If yours are not very fit I would suggest you don't do the full route.
Be sure to pack plenty of water. It gets hot out there!! The last few kms of the walk is not close to the river and is mostly in the sun. Best time to do the walk would be early morning to avoid the worst of the heat.
Please pick up Fido's business...I see a lot of pet owners are not doing this and this explains why so few hiking trails allow dogs.
I absolutely loved this place. I will definately be visiting this trail again! Thank you for allowing our pets and providing such a...
Read moreOur school trip to the Phaladingwe Hiking Trail in Africaland was nothing short of extraordinary. The trail offered a captivating journey through nature, where we had the chance to explore the fascinating world of rocks, encounter playful monkeys, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the local wildlife.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to observe various types of rocks along the trail. The geological diversity added an educational and awe-inspiring dimension to our hike, allowing us to appreciate the Earth's natural formations. The trail's unique features, combined with informative guides or signage, made the experience both enjoyable and enriching.
The presence of monkeys added a delightful element of surprise and wonder to our adventure. Their playful antics and curious nature brought the trail to life, creating lasting memories for all of us. It's not every day that you get to witness such close encounters with wildlife while hiking, making this experience truly exceptional.
The diversity of wild flora and fauna further enhanced the beauty of the Phaladingwe Hiking Trail. Whether it was spotting indigenous plants or marveling at the vibrant colors of local bird species, every step along the trail felt like a discovery.
Overall, the Phaladingwe Hiking Trail in Africaland provided a perfect blend of education and adventure. It's a fantastic destination for school trips, offering students a chance to connect with nature in a unique and unforgettable way. I highly recommend this trail to anyone seeking an enriching...
Read moreEntrance is R80 per person at the gate, which is required in cash. We were told it's safe to let the dogs off lead, but to watch out for baboons on the 2nd half of the trail.
The 7.8km trail (which was mostly single file) was gorgeous, going along the Crocodile River for quite a while, with a nice variety of inclines, descents and flat parts. Besides for some slippery shale heading down to the river (yes, I slipped and fell on my butt) and some slightly more intense inclines towards the end, this was a relatively easy trail. I don't recommend doing it alone, as there were some downhill sections that were much easier with the help of a friendly arm or hand. About 6km in there was also a cemetery with some interesting graves that we took a look at. The trail was very well marked, which we appreciated.
We didn't see any baboons or game, and our doggies were great off leash. We would have struggled to have the dogs on leash on the slippery shale, as they handled it much more easily and faster than we could have.
After a well enjoyed 2.5 hours, we arrived back at the restaurant and sat down for an early lunch. The cheese burger was absolutely superb, the best burger I've had in a while! We will...
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