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High5 Hiking Trails – Aloe Kaya Camp

High5 Hiking Trails – Aloe Kaya Camp

High5 Hiking Trails – Aloe Kaya Camp

High5 Hiking Trails – Aloe Kaya Camp

Off to the next camp, there we went.
Another great adventure was as our biggest intent.
As we drew closer, Déjà vu hit us all.
This place looked so familiar, with giant rocks standing tall.
It looks just like Kaapsehoop, and it feels just like home.
Sandstone boulders and aloes with a magical tone.
And the mist also rolled in, cooling down the hot air.
We were back in the Lowveld, with a tad of Highveld flair 😊

Aloe Kaya, the Highveld version of Kaapsehoop. This is the first thought that popped into my mind as we drove into our next campsite. 

Completely contrasted to Candlewood Camp with its open space and view for days, Aloe Kaya Camp is sheltered between towering sandstone boulders, creating a sense of invulnerability, a stone fortress nestled against the earth, defying the elements and whispering tales of ancient strength.

Here you will find dorm-style huts, able to accommodate 24 people in total. What makes these huts so unique is the fact that they are built into the majestic sandstone boulders, allowing you to feel even more immersed in nature. Just like Candlewood, these beds too proved to be unexpectedly comfortable, allowing us another restful night after a day of meandering.

Aloe Kaya also boasts a well-equipped kitchen, which caters to the needs of all campers. Whether you prefer cooking indoors or enjoying a traditional South African braai outdoors, you’ll find both options available. The convenience of an indoor kitchen ensures your cooking experience remains comfortable, while the outdoor braai areas allow you to savor your meals while soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding Sandstone rocks.

When it comes to the bathroom facilities, Aloe Kaya Camp takes innovation to new heights. The bathrooms are cleverly integrated into the natural formation of the rocks, blending seamlessly with the environment. Imagine taking a shower, or rather singing in the shower and hearing your echo come back to you. This could be your fate in the canyon-style outdoor showers found at Aloe Kaya. This carefully crafted design provides a unique and unforgettable shower experience. And… there is no need to build a fire because Aloe Kaya comes equipped with gas geysers!

If you have been keeping an eye on our social media pages, you might’ve spotted a reel showing Aloe Kaya Camp’s extraordinary “Loo with a View”. Although there are toilets closer to camp, taking a short walk away from camp will bring you to the outdoor toilet, where you will be rewarded with an unrivaled panoramic view. Here you can take care of nature’s call and simultaneously become engulfed in the serenity of the surrounding scenery. 

Whether you are backpacking, slackpacking or settling into base camp, Aloe Kaya will leave you more connected to nature. With various hiking trails leading from, through, and towards the camp, you can explore hidden valleys and stunning vistas at your own pace. And when you need a break, you can take a refreshing swim in the dam just a short hike away.

Keep an eye out for part 3 to 5 of our 5-part series in the new year, when we return to High5 Hiking Trails for some more action-packed adventures. We look forward to telling you more about the adventures that were had and the new ones to come.

Until then…

We love Mpumalanga ♥

Ps. If you missed the intro and part 1 of this series, you can read it here: 

Pps. If a Sociably wellness retreat at Aloe Kaya Camp interests you, please get in touch and we might make it happen!

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