The Kloof Conservancy recently announced that Molweni Hiking is back in full swing after the closure of some trails due to torrential rains in April.
The Conservancy working together with the local organisations, Philangethemba Impact, Green Corridors, 1000 Hills Tourism Association, Nogxaza Falls Trail have been doing repairs of the damaged trails.
Over the past few months, trails were fixed while others were put on hold due to financial constrains. The latest trails to be re-opened is the Nogxaza Trails and the popular Granite slide. This has been achieved through the help of Molweni community and the partnering organisations.
Kloof Conservancy chairman, Paolo Candotti said that the trails are on communal land and they need more support from the community to ensure that the trails are viable.
“All hikes are therefore guided by an experienced and qualified Green Corridor guide. Booking via Green Corridors also ensures access to emergency rescue services if needed. We are about to embark on a six month project to train and qualify five local Molweni guides. We would also like to remind hikers that alcohol is not allowed on the trails. We also encourage residents to join the hikes and help the Molweni community to make a success of this eco-tourism initiative,” said Candotti.
Candotti encouraged hikers to first check the start time, distance, duration and difficulty of the trails as some of them require fit hikers only.
“The Nogxaza Falls Trail is about four kilometres, duration is three hours and it is only suitable for hikers. This trail is not suitable for people that have a fear of heights. The trail starts at the Overock Trails and Campsite. Hikers will enjoy a short walk to a view spot from where they get a view of the Nogxaza Falls from above. The scenery is stunning and with a bit of luck you may spot the resident pair of Lanner Falcons or African Crowned Eagles which nest nearby. After retracing their steps for a short distance, the trail winds its way down to the bottom of the gorge through a dense scarp forest before reaching the bottom of the Nogzaxa Falls for a short rest and photos. The return trip is mostly via the same route as the descent and is very steep,” he said.
Candotti also added that hiking has now been scheduled every weekend to the end of September. She has urged hikers to make bookings and check the trail maps to prevent getting lost.
For more information email, frontdesk@greencorridors.africa or call 031-322-6026 or 081-268-3787.
