wanderlustdudes

[wanderlustdudes]

Another enjoyable hike done at one of our favourite places, Kaapsehoop!

[wanderlustdudes]

The scenic Queen Rose hiking trail

The Queen Rose hiking trail is situated on the Nelshoogte plantation and the Barberton forest, on the R36 between Barberton and Badplaas, Mpumalanga. The trail is surrounded by lush landscape, mountains and rivers; this is where the Montrose and Queen rivers meet. Its characterised by crisscrossing the two rivers, waterfalls, grasslands and lush forests with a diverse species of flora. If you’re lucky you’ll spot wildlife too, including, leopard, warthog, baboons, snakes, frogs and many bird species. The trail offers the most spectacular views and one can be easily distrusted by the scenic landscape and nature sounds.

The trail is mostly along the river banks and can be very slippery. More bridges would be a welcome addition.

The trail is about 28 kilometres, divided into two-day sections. The first is the Montrose trail, which is 17 kilometres – this is mostly downhill and the second section is uphill and the hike is about 11 kilometres. The trail is advertised as 26 kilometres, divided into 16 and 10 kilometres respectively, but using accurate GPS measurements it turned out to be 28 kilometres.  

There are two waterfalls, the Alvin and Cupid falls. The Alvin fall can easily be missed as it is about 50 meters off the Montrose trail, and the Cupid fall can be seen along the Queens river cascading down the slippery rocks. The Alvin fall is a perfect spot to swim and have a picnic. Because the trail is along the riverine, there are several pools to dip your feet or swim. The waters are nice and cool but expect humid temperatures.

The two overnight huts are well kept and can accommodate up to 20 people at a time, the Queen and Delfonte Hut. Delfonte Hut is spacious, has a shower, kitchen fully kitted out, braai area and the hut is powered by gas and solar, which the Queen has electricity, braai facilities and ablution blocks – there’s little to no cellphone coverage. The beds have sheets but bring your own blanket and pillow.

While the trail is clearly marked, they could provide hikers with a map or landmark kilometre. These could be handy to ensure hikers keep to a pace and time.

Pack enough food, water and drinks – ask for slackpacking to transport your bags between overnight spots. Slackpacking costs R150, and if you plan to have a braai they also sell wood for R50. Be very clear with questions and answers with the hosts to avoid confusion.

Please feel free to leave all your questions and suggestions on the comment box. Thanks for reading

[wanderlustdudes]

#breakfast is served #strawberry and #cream #flapjacks https://www.instagram.com/p/CForcseH8wU/?igshid=3utcavs1ap2e

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#saturday #night #steak and #chips https://www.instagram.com/p/CFnLhDQHhsh/?igshid=42sxryuw18nl

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Heritage day meal - Asia meets SA. Korean Gochuhang chicken, asian coleslaw and spekboom and couscous salad #heritageday #spekboom #dinner #southafrica https://www.instagram.com/p/CFh0t2tn5_m/?igshid=waghkqvw23iw

[wanderlustdudes]

Just a normal Friday evening braai! Dry aged rump steak, Chimichurri and a refreshing Cous-cous salad #yum #braai #southafrica #friday https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyKyeXH9Kj/?igshid=1gvsr1ktre31z

[wanderlustdudes]

Because every day should be Braai day during #lockdown #covid19 #southafrica https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVu7rPHCEN/?igshid=9pho0c1tqcma

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Day 1 of lockdown 🔒 https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PsF1XHukO/?igshid=16tuwcpmfpmsc

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Marloth Park Bush Retreat

Marloth Park is a wildlife sanctuary on the periphery of the famous Kruger National Park. The park boasts soft game and other wild animals such as Impala, Kudu, Zebra, Giraffe, Nyala, Warthog, Bushbuck, Banded Mongoose, Monkeys, Bushbabies, Lizards and Birds just to name the few. Dangerous animals like elephants and lions are restricted from the park - so guests can walk or mountain bike on the various dirt roads.

This wildlife paradise is close to two Kruger Park's gates; Crocodile Bridge Gate and the Malelane Gate. The Crocodile River creates a boundary between Kruger and Marloth - ideal to view the game in their natural habitats. There's a restaurant overlooking the Crocodile River, a perfect spot to take in the scenery, with a cocktail on hand. You might even spot animals by the river coming for their afternoon dip or a drink.

The park is a true bush experience - the environment remains unspoiled and filled with nature. Wild animals roaming free, you are sure to have them visit you whilst having a Braai or morning Coffee on the stoep - or maybe just listening to the beautiful bird songs and view of spectacular birdlife.

There is a shopping center for those much-needed items, you might have forgotten, a garage, restaurant, liquor store, laundry and deli.  The only necessity that we would suggest is the lack of a Pharmacy, so stock up on emergency medicine in case of need.

lolIf you are planning your next trip here - remember to book a lodge or guesthouse with a swimming pool, as temperatures can soar to 40 degrees in summer. The park is situated in a malaria zone area, so take precautions.

This unique experience shows that animals and humans can live harmoniously in the wild.

We once again made use of the wonderful Airbnb mobile app to book a beautiful fully furnished house with an amazing pool in these beautiful surroundings.  

You can also book your own local or international accommodation by using our link and then getting R825.00 off your first reservation! This was how our Wanderlust Travels started with an R825.00 discount on our first booking! What do you have to lose? Click on the link to get your discount and travel to a place you have always wanted to explore or experience!  

https://www.airbnb.com/c/charlw56?currency=ZAR

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Another awesome Wanderlust trip, this time we visited #baliindonesia more updates to come! Here's a short teaser of our #crystalbay visit. https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ehl0lHonM/?igshid=t3mohvdk65kp

[wanderlustdudes]

Echo in the caves The Echo Caves is situated in Ohrigstad, Limpopo province - the caves were discovered by a farm in 1920s. This historical monument so called because the local people used the stalactites as drums to warn of any approaching Swazi. The sound could travelled for long distance and people could take refuge in the caves. The tour is about 2km long of the tunnels, one of the rooms is nearly 60 meter high - an amazing underworld experience. The caves has impressive stalagmites and stalactites, with discoveries include the Madonna and the Crystal Palace. The Echo Caves are the least well known of the limestone caves. The tour guide is well informed and explains everything. The end of the cave is yet to be found, and adventure seekers are urged to explore the underworld, but it can be claustrophobic and oxygen levels are low. Situated in a dirty town - this hidden gem's sound waves is sure to make you listen. #travel #limpopo #caves #southafrica #wanderlust #dark #echo #echocaves #mpumalanga #mpumalangatourism #discovermpumalanga (at Echo Caves) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rNpf5lbl7/?igshid=f8q67scodlzv

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 J.G. Strydom Tunnel - a superb piece of engineering built in 1959 and named after former South African Prime Minister Johannes Gerhardus Strijdom now a tourist stop for those travelling along R36 and the Abel Erasmus Pass linking Limpopo with Mpumalanga. The road lined with vendors and crafters selling souvenirs or a stop to take in the beautiful mountains and tunnel. #tunnel #tourism #limpopo #roadtrip #road #southafrica (at J G Strijdom Tunnel) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2R7XOnlXdM/?igshid=1wcqoepln7spb

[wanderlustdudes]

#sushisunday with the @wanderlustdudes all #homemade and totally #delishious #happy #yum #foodporn #sunday https://www.instagram.com/p/B2J17bQnbZj/?igshid=1sj9h3jo7ct4l

[wanderlustdudes]

#sushisunday for the @wanderlustdudes all #homemade and totally #delishious #happy #sunday #foodporn https://www.instagram.com/p/B2J1iFbnUQO/?igshid=c4uvx20khvuo

[wanderlustdudes]

Just what's needed on a cold evening. #homemade #zucchini #soup with a warm crusty #ciabatta #bread. Go ahead and spoil yourself Wanderlust followers! https://www.instagram.com/p/B2HmAN1HeZX/?igshid=6nat6jrrli76

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Our latest adventure with two good friends. We did the famous Jock of the Bushveld hiking trial in Graskop South Africa. This is just a short snippet of the fun we had🙌🏼 https://www.instagram.com/p/B1lX-NoFj_Q/?igshid=tnsckhy1rah

[wanderlustdudes]

Congratulations to @janadup1 and @yonelamagazi for following the rules to a tee. Your t-shirts and a extra special something is on it's way! The extra something is a prelaunch item that we will be launching soon. Enjoy your prizes! https://www.instagram.com/p/B0q9FkWFFfA/?igshid=nloyluzzpsbj