The Num-Num Hiking Trail

About The Num-Num Trail

The Num-Num Trail is a 5 day slack-packing hike near Nelspruit. Located between Machadodorp and Badplaas. The trail is set in the Highveld and offers basic overnight huts.

The Num Num Trail is a circular route and is classified by Green Flag as a moderate to difficult hike. The duration of the full hike is 5 days, however, there are also 3 day and 4 day trail options available. The 5 day Num Num Hiking trail covers a distance of 36.5 km.

 The ingredients are all present to make The Num-Num Trail one of the best around…Getaway Magazine September 2010.

Description of hike

Day 1 – The Bergbas Roete (7.5km)

This day is a 400m climb up the Skurwerand through forests and past ancient stone ruins. There are intriguing geological formations including red shale cliffs and sandstone rocks and some dramatic views down the Komati Valley. You end your day at Aloe Kaya which is snuggled into sandstone rocks.

Day 2 – The Bladdernut Track (9.5km)

The trail descends into Hells Kloof where one can enjoy waterfalls and forests. You climb up to the moonscape of sandstone rock formations with views across the Komati Gorge.  You then descend into the Bankspruit Gorge through pristine Grasslands. The end of the day is a steep climb along a track built by the Boers to Bermanzi Camp.

Day 3 – The Milkplum Path (6.2km)

A beautiful day to be taken at a gentle pace. You go downhill through the Lord of the Rings forest and narrow passages. Most of the day is spent criss-crossing the Bankspruit River enjoying cool pools and ancient ferns. The final stretch passes old graves and a deserted mining village from the 1890’s.

Day 4 – The Pom-Pon Way (6.3km)

The start of this trail takes you through a small kloof with pretty waterfalls. Most of the day is a steady downhill through cool forests. Keep an eye out for the caves after the Dinosaur Pit. Mystery abounds at Albert’s Tumble. The day ends at Waterbessie next to the Schoonspruit river.

Day 5 – Die Kokoboom Pad (7km)

The pretty day has a myriad of waterfalls. You climb up the Skurwerberg to enjoy panoramic views. You meander through the Schoonspruit Gorge. Make sure you take the scenic detour to Mac Falls before a final walk through indigenous forests to Pongola Express.

Highlights

• Lots of beautiful waterfalls, including the second highest waterfall in Mpumalanga
• Opportunities to swim in the crystal clear water
• Indigenous forest and from June to August, a stunning display of Aloe flowers
• Grasslands & Gorges
• You could see zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest, blesbok, monkeys and possibly a klipspringer.
• A wonderful birding spot

Booking

This hike must be booked in advance. Please call 082 889 6757 for rates, inquiries and bookings.

Take With

• Hiking boots and socks. 
• Walking stick
• Rain gear
• Hat & sunscreen
• Fleece, especially in winter
• Swimming costume
• Sleeping bag, pillow and a towel
• Water bottle
• Torch & matches/lighter
• First aid kit & insect repellent
• Food and drinks for 5 days 
• Extras – camera, binoculars, batteries, mobile chargers, book, cards etc.

Please Note

No persons under the age of 12 may do this hike. The water on the estate is safe and delicious to drink provided you do not fill up your bottle from stagnant pools.