So I hear you're a rugged Mens Health type (or Shape for the beloved females on the net) and you want to both show and test your skills of resilience and strength by engaging in a 'hardcore' hike, or maybe you just want to go for a walk,never fear- I hear you. And I got a list of trails sorted.
P.S. some you don't have to walk, you can 4x4, canoe or even rope in a horse.shhhhh. Its our secret.
Dlangala Reservations
Canoeing, Hiking/Walking, Horse Trails, Canoeing,4x4. Situated in the Umkomaas valley 45 min from Pietermaritzburg and 90 min from Durban. Tel:(039) 8340029/0832700403 e-mail:cattle@iafrica.com
Ngele Hiking Trail
Hiking/Walking In The Weza State Forest, Southern Kwa-Zulu Natal Between Harding & Kokstad A 5 Day Circular Route. All 5 Trails Are Less Than 14km Each. Group may not exceed 10 People. You fellow hikers must have a steady supply of food and equipment. You may see different species of both Antelope and Raptors. Did I fail to mention the various trees?hope not.
Tel:(039) 5530600
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve Trail
Hiking/Walking
There are 6 trails. Baboon View, Is A Short Walk Of 1km, Hoopoe Falls - 7km, Samango River - 1,5km, View Trail - 9km, Nkonka Trail - 5km and Horseman's Point - 4,5 Km Trail. You've got some great views and thick forestry to look forward to. As well as the Gorge which is 24km long, 5km Wide and 400m deep. Baboons, Vervet And Samango Monkeys might be spotted. Call (039) 6791644/0832849326
Skyline Nature Reserve Trails
Hiking/Walking
Palm Beach Area
Now this is for those of us who like the idea of a walk but don't want to spend our entire day doing so. Don't be ashamed this is a good 1hour walk. Long enough methinks.Plus in your one hour you get to view indigenous and exotic trees, a variety of bird species and small game.
Uvongo Nature Reserve Trail
Hiking/Walking
A slightly longer walk [2 hours] but definately do-able.hehe for us slackers I mean. Plus we can stop on the trail to gorge ourselves with food [picnic and braai areas available] You should see loads of birds too. Tel:(039) 7055448/2013126
Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve
Hiking/Walking
Near Umzimto, this walk you'll need to arrange beforehand. You'll have a guide leading you through wooded valleys.A minimum of four and a maximum of eight per trail is allowed
Enjoy! Pack loads of water, and sugar in any shape or form and good luck!