HALF DAY TRAILS

This trail is one of our gems, and exclusive to Vaya Trails. 

To the start of this walk is a 3km drive along a dirt road. 4x4 is advisable. The walk is up the Hholoshini side of Sibebe, which is a totally different view from the ‘regular’ Mgogodla side of granite monolith. Our trail meanders through indigenous forests, up a bit of rock face and open grasslands before reaching the ‘village’ of caves.   

Hiking distance: 5km

Hiking level: Moderate

Picnic provided

We meet at Ngwenya Glass Factory and then take a few km drive to the start of the walk in the Ngwenya side of Malolotja Nature Reserve.  From here we visit the Lion Cavern, which is the oldest mine in the world, and hear about the history of this mine. We then walk along the Ngwenya Ridge which is a linear trail ‘out-and-back’ so a gentle walk for those not wanting to climb the peaks. Moderate if you want to climb a slight peak and challenging for those who want to tackle the steep peak. Exceptional views from the top!

Hiking distance: 2km to 8km

Hiking level: Gentle / Moderate / Challenging

Picnic provided

Our guided walk begins at Emafini Lodge and meanders along the forest roads to the open grasslands.  Then climbs the mountain beside the stream before the last walk up grassland to reach the top of bald rock... where a delight awaits!

We offer breakfast / brunch / lunch / sundowner at the top of the mountain. A perfect opportunity for team building, or a family and friends outing in nature. 

Hiking distance: 6km

Hiking level: Moderate

Picnic provided

This trail begins at the base of Sibebe and traverses up the grassy paths and sections of slightly sloping rock face to the pristine rolling landscapes at the top of the mountain. The walk has about 400m in elevation gain and areas where you can explore the steeper sections of the rock face, or stick to the grassy banks, with amazing views of the valley behind you. 

Hiking distance: 5km

Hiking level: Moderate

Picnic provided

Mgogodla, meaning backbone, is an impressive ridge running parallel to the Sibebe range, offering stunning views of the massive granite dome. 

Mgogodla can be walked in various ways depending on the time and level of effort you would like to spend.

Hiking distance: ranges from 5km to 10km

Hiking level: Moderate / Challenging depending on your requirements.

Picnic provided

We meet at Ngwenya Glass factory and drive 15km along a dirt road to the edge of the forest. Our trail loops in amongst the ancient stone circles which were built by a community known as the Bakoni. The Bakoni villages thrived from 1500 to 1820A.D. Bokoni (meaning 'land of the people from the north') were pre-colonial, agro-pastoral society and generally consisted of centralized, large villages, found on valley hills.

Hiking distance: 5km

Hiking level: Moderate

Picnic provided

A drive along a dirt road to the beginning of the hike, and then follow a stream along the bottom of the hills. We loop around the hills and walk up to the top where we have spectacular views of the valley, On a clear day we can see Sibebe and Mgogodla to the one side and as far as Driekoppies Dam in South Africa on the other side. 

Hiking distance: 5km

Hiking level: Moderate

Picnic provided

To the west of Mbuluzi in the catchment of the Mahebedla River is the remote valley offering beautiful hiking opportunities. Enjoy the dramatic waterfalls and pools for a dip on a hot day. The riverine vegetation is dominated by Waterberry trees, Cabbage trees, Palm-like Mountain Strelitzia Tree Ferns and the grassy slopes have an abundance of Protea bushes. 

Hiking distance: 4km to 8km

Hiking level: Moderate / Challenging

Picnic provided

The best view of Sibebe’s massive granite dome, (the second largest whole granite rock in the world, rising 1480m) is from the Mgogodla ridge. Mgogodla, meaning backbone, is an impressive ridge running parallel to the Sibebe range. 

Our trail meanders along a natural spring on the foothills of Mgogodla gradually rising up to the base of the rocky outcrops of the ridge and along open grasslands to our picnic spot with superb view of Sibebe.  

Hiking distance: 3km

Hiking level: Gentle

Picnic provided

Suitable for people of all ages, including children and seniors, who are in fair condition.

Type of terrain is flat to sloping hills, with little increase in elevation.

Hiking distances range from 2km to 4km.

Hiking time is about 1 to 2 hours.

Only available Monday to Friday.

  Suitable for people of most ages who are in decent condition and have some previous hiking experience. Terrain might include rocks or obstacles with moderate increase in elevation.

Hiking distances range from 5km to 8km.

Hiking time: Allow half a day for these outings as they include either a breakfast or pack lunch, so require time for a break.

  Suitable for people of most ages, who are in good condition, and have previous experience hiking longer distances. Terrain might include rocky sections, river crossings or significant elevation gain.

Hiking distances of 6km to 15km. 

Hiking time: These trails tend to be a full day outing, including a picnic stop.