Non-profit organisation, Kloof Conservancy is excited to announce that the hikes in the Lower Molweni will resume soon following the damaged caused by April floods. Trail repairs are currently underway and one of them from Overock to Nogxaza Falls has been repaired and is now ready for visitors, with a planned re-launch hike expected to take place on Sunday, 17 July.
The hikes in Molweni were started with an aim to benefit the local community of Molweni as they benefit from looking after the trails and also selling coffee and water to tourists who come down to the Valley.
Kloof Conservancy Chairman, Paolo Candotti said that they are excited because the potential for tourism in Molweni is great. “We were just gathering momentum when the floods hit the area so it will be great to get going again. One of the heartwarming things is that the community is very supportive and they are looking forward to engaging with tourists and welcoming them into the Molweni Valley,” she said.
Candotti also said that the repairs to the famous Granite Slide trails are progressing well but they are currently experiencing financial issues due to an amount of work that needs to be done to recover from flood damages.
“Unfortunately we have run out of funds for a full five person team so we are down to two workers at the moment with some additional support from the Kloof Conservancy team. We hope to have this trail ready in August, but hikers can enjoy the current ready trails. Reuben Nokhihlika who looks after the trail to the Nogxaza Falls has worked exceptionally hard to not only repair the trail but to improve it. Some of the walkways have now been replaced using treated wood poles which were funded by Green Corridors and 1000 Hills Tourism Association. In addition there is a new section of trail to make the hike more interesting. The hike is quite short 2km one way but the return is a very hard climb so it is only suitable for fit hikers. The views from the top of the escarpment are magnificent and the bottom of the falls it is a magic place with the waterfall and the towering cliffs. With a bit of luck hikers might also spot a pair of nesting Lanner Falcons,” said Candotti.
