Activity-based destinations are the way of the future, but the ultimate holiday spot is still one that offers you both adventure and a space where you can slow down and catch up with yourself. Only 3 hours from Johannesburg, Five Assegais Country Estate in Mpumalanga is the perfect place to spend hours on the stoep or step out and conquer the 5-day Num-Num hiking trail, which has been dubbed the “interior Whale Trail”.

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The Five Assegais Country Estate spans 1,500 hectares of conserved indigenous forests, ancient grasslands, and sandstone labyrinths in the beautiful Skurweberg, between Machadodorp and Badplaas. Following an extensive land restoration programme, the estate has introduced wildlife and built a number of hiking trails that meander through this scenic territory, into shady gorges and past the lulling gush of waterfalls. The hikes are moderate to difficult, ranging from a few hours to 5 days, so you’re bound to find the perfect trail to suit your holiday adventure levels.

 

The Num-Num 5 Day Trail

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If you’re in the camp of “go big or stay home”, the Num-Num Trail joins the ranks of the Otter, Fish, and Whale trails, and is the first 5 day hiking trail on private land in South Africa. The circular trail navigates the lip of the African Escarpment, traversing different terrains from forest to grasslands, and shamelessly shows off some of the country’s most striking countryside, with views stretching from the Komati valley to Swaziland. The amount of steams casting themselves off the edge of the escarpment still need to be verified, but those in the know believe there to be about 1,000 waterfalls along the trail.

If 5 days of hiking sounds daunting for your untrained legs, you’ll be pleased to find that there are shorter options. You’ll also LOVE the fact that Num-Num is a slackpacking trail, where a shuttle service magically whisks your food, drinks, and baggage to each overnight camp. The slackpacking option is recommended to all hikers, unless you have the genetic gifting of a superhero, as it makes the trail a far more safe and enjoyable experience.

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The Num-Num trail is a circular route, so hikers can start from any of the 4 overnight camps. The Num-Num Trail also hosts an annual trail running challenge and welcomes trail runners throughout the year with specific routes that last 1 to 3 days. For more info, contact Francis Darvall on 082 889 6757 or email [email protected].

 

Num-Num Trail Highlights

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  • Waterfalls: The Uitkomst Falls are the second highest in Mpumalanga with a drop of 276ft. There are loads of places to swim, with a favourite being under the waterfall at the Wathaba Rainbow Falls.
  • Forests: There are over 109 species of trees, including yellowwood, cabbage tree, knob thorn, and wild pear. The aloe flowers are a spectacular sight from June to August.
  • Grasslands: These ancient biomes have plants that are hundreds of years old and a stunning variety of small flowers.
  • Gorges: The Bankspruit Gorge is one of the most scenic of these secluded havens, surrounded by indigenous forests, creeping vines, and crystal clear rivers and pools. Red stone cliff formations provide beautiful cover.

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  • Wildlife: Various animals can be spotted along the trail, including wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest, blesbok, klipspringer, jackal, and civet. You’ll also find troops of monkeys and baboons.
  • Birds: There are plenty of birds to spot, including fish eagles, bald ibis, blacksmith plovers, crested eagles, red winged starlings, Knysna and purple-crested louries, and black gorge ducks.
  • History: Paul Kruger is the first registered owner of a large portion of the property, and Hell’s Kloof was on the route for bandwagons to get to the mine fields in Barberton. Mysterious stone terraces and ruined kraals are found at a number of different sites. Observant hikers will find gun holes in the sandstone. Little is known about who built these structures, but there are plenty of theories from aliens to miners.

 

Hiking Camps

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Each of the 4 hiking camps offers a unique, comfortable experience with shared facilities. All the camps have hot water and both indoor and outdoor braai areas.

  • Pongola Express Camp: Enjoy an antiquated sleep in renovated railway coaches from 1954. The cabins sleep 2 or 4 people.
  • Aloe Kaya: The 2 double-storey huts are set in spectacular sandstone formations. Each room sleeps 8 people in bunk beds.
  • Bermanzi Camp – Die Stalle: You’ll love the views across the escarpment. There are 4 rooms with bunk beds.
  • Candlewood Camp: Get back to basics with a wood burning geyser, gas stove plate, and lanterns. That’s right, there’s no electricity, so just relax and enjoy the outdoors!

 

Num-Num Fast Facts

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  • The trail opened on 1 April 2010 thanks to the collaboration between Five Assegais Country Estate and Bermanzi.
  • Albert Bossert designed the trail.
  • Num-Num is Green Flag accredited by the Hiking Organization of Southern Africa (HOSA).
  • It is named after the ‘Forest Num-num’ tree (Carissa bispinosa), which is easily identified by its forked thorns that resemble a walking stick.

 

 

The Five Assegais Lodge

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The Five Assegais Lodge is a beautiful stone farmhouse where you can enjoy a luxurious 4-star retreat. Aside from the extensive hiking trails, you can put your feet up and enjoy the laid back sports of trout fishing, braaiing, and Jacuzziing.

 

If you’re looking for a good dose of activity and relaxation for your next holiday, consider a hike on the Num-Num Trail before resting your feet at The Five Assegais Country Estate.

 

Images courtesy of the Num-Num Trail and Five Assegais Country Estate