I have wind in my hair and warm sun on my skin. I am breathing the freshest of air. Like a child, I feel free, not a care in the world. Pure bliss is what it triggers in me. And at night the moon glows as the night sounds arise It’s a symphony that gently flows. Black-backed jackals and crickets and soft evening breezes. And stories of ghosts in the thickets.
I write to you today, eager to delve into part one of our 5-part series all about High5 Hiking Trails and what they have to offer. For the first part of our series, I’ll paint you a picture of Candlewood Camp, a place where adventures unfolded and lasting memories were made.
If you read my poem captioned above, you might be wondering about the ghost stories. So, before I introduce this amazing camp to you, let me tell you about the legend of what happened right across from it, at the Uitkomst Waterfall, also know as Brides Leap Falls.
There are a few versions of this legend but all boil down to the tragedy that allegedly happened in the 1950’s when a newly married couple were having their photos taken near the edge of the waterfall. Some say that a gush of wind caught the brides dress, swooping her over the edge to her untimely death. On the anniversary of her death, her widower visited the waterfall and leapt to his death as well. Other versions of this legend tells that the couple parked close to the edge, leaving the handbrake off, resulting in the whole car tumbling down.
Upon hearing this legend and then hearing the black-backed jackals howling in the distance, we made sure to go to the loo in pairs for the rest of the night.
Now, let me tell you all about this amazing campsite. The very one that had our hearts feeling instantly free.
Arriving at Candlewood Camp, the first thing you will notice is the wide-open space and hills as far as the eye can see. The next surprise will of course be the magnificent view of the Uitkomst waterfall cascading down in the distance. This camp really creates an atmosphere of seclusion and awe.
The camp consists of two dormitories with bunk beds, each sleeping 10. Mattresses have sheets and are surprisingly very comfortable. A well-equipped kitchen provides all the basic amenities needed to prepare a delicious meal for you and your fellow adventurers. There are also both indoor and outdoor braai facilities. One thing to take note of when coming here is that the ablution block geyser is a coal-powered one so be sure to stoke a fire before attempting to take a hot shower at one of the many outdoor showers.
Shortly after arriving, my Sociably spouse and I set off on a rather late hike to Uitkomst Waterfall while waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive. Let me start by saying that this hike is not for sissies, especially not if you are rushing back up the hill before it gets dark, however this waterfall is absolutely worth the effort. The trail meanders through fields where you are sure to pass some interesting sites bearing ancient stone ruins. A zigzagging path takes you down into the gorge where the sight of this 85m private waterfall will have you feeling minute. A short two ladders further down will bring you to an icy cold rock pool where you can take a well-deserved swim. This hike is suitable for beginners, but I would suggest that enough time is set aside for a slower walk back up!
As nightfall casted shadows over the landscape, the air was humming with the echoes of laughter and camaraderie, interrupted by the occasional eerie cry of a jackal adding a touch of wild mystique to the tranquil night. Pieta’s timely visit had left us well equipped for the day ahead, and as the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of fiery orange, we felt a surge of excitement for the adventures that awaited us.
Candlewood promises an unforgettable experience for all nature-lovers, and it has surely not seen the last of the Sociably team. From the exhilarating trails to the cozy dormitories and endless views, every aspect of the camp is designed to provide a serene and immersive retreat. Keep an eye out for part two of the series where we will be featuring Aloe Kaya Camp – another unique and unforgettable campsite.
High 5 Hiking Trails – Part One (Candlewood Camp)
High 5 Hiking Trails – Part One (Candlewood Camp)
Dear friends,
I write to you today, eager to delve into part one of our 5-part series all about High5 Hiking Trails and what they have to offer. For the first part of our series, I’ll paint you a picture of Candlewood Camp, a place where adventures unfolded and lasting memories were made.
If you read my poem captioned above, you might be wondering about the ghost stories. So, before I introduce this amazing camp to you, let me tell you about the legend of what happened right across from it, at the Uitkomst Waterfall, also know as Brides Leap Falls.
There are a few versions of this legend but all boil down to the tragedy that allegedly happened in the 1950’s when a newly married couple were having their photos taken near the edge of the waterfall. Some say that a gush of wind caught the brides dress, swooping her over the edge to her untimely death. On the anniversary of her death, her widower visited the waterfall and leapt to his death as well. Other versions of this legend tells that the couple parked close to the edge, leaving the handbrake off, resulting in the whole car tumbling down.
Upon hearing this legend and then hearing the black-backed jackals howling in the distance, we made sure to go to the loo in pairs for the rest of the night.
Now, let me tell you all about this amazing campsite. The very one that had our hearts feeling instantly free.
Arriving at Candlewood Camp, the first thing you will notice is the wide-open space and hills as far as the eye can see. The next surprise will of course be the magnificent view of the Uitkomst waterfall cascading down in the distance. This camp really creates an atmosphere of seclusion and awe.
The camp consists of two dormitories with bunk beds, each sleeping 10. Mattresses have sheets and are surprisingly very comfortable. A well-equipped kitchen provides all the basic amenities needed to prepare a delicious meal for you and your fellow adventurers. There are also both indoor and outdoor braai facilities. One thing to take note of when coming here is that the ablution block geyser is a coal-powered one so be sure to stoke a fire before attempting to take a hot shower at one of the many outdoor showers.
Shortly after arriving, my Sociably spouse and I set off on a rather late hike to Uitkomst Waterfall while waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive. Let me start by saying that this hike is not for sissies, especially not if you are rushing back up the hill before it gets dark, however this waterfall is absolutely worth the effort. The trail meanders through fields where you are sure to pass some interesting sites bearing ancient stone ruins. A zigzagging path takes you down into the gorge where the sight of this 85m private waterfall will have you feeling minute. A short two ladders further down will bring you to an icy cold rock pool where you can take a well-deserved swim. This hike is suitable for beginners, but I would suggest that enough time is set aside for a slower walk back up!
As nightfall casted shadows over the landscape, the air was humming with the echoes of laughter and camaraderie, interrupted by the occasional eerie cry of a jackal adding a touch of wild mystique to the tranquil night. Pieta’s timely visit had left us well equipped for the day ahead, and as the first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of fiery orange, we felt a surge of excitement for the adventures that awaited us.
Candlewood promises an unforgettable experience for all nature-lovers, and it has surely not seen the last of the Sociably team. From the exhilarating trails to the cozy dormitories and endless views, every aspect of the camp is designed to provide a serene and immersive retreat. Keep an eye out for part two of the series where we will be featuring Aloe Kaya Camp – another unique and unforgettable campsite.
Until then, we love the Mpumalanga region ♥
Ps. If you missed the introduction to this series, you can read it here: https://sociably.co.za/high-five/.
Pps. If a Sociably wellness retreat at Candlewood Camp interests you, please get in touch and we might make it happen!
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