An adventure into the Highveld

Dear Lowvelders,

I hope this letter finds you well.

Its me, your Sociably Blogger & Content Creator, Christelle.

I am writing to tell you all about this past weekend and the amazing Sociably experiences Ash and I had, along with our Sociably spouses, Lara and Todd.

This past weekend we crossed the highveld borders where we met with Pieter (aka Pieta), the passionate driving force behind High5 Hiking Trails. If this name does not sound familiar, you might know it better as the old Num-Num trail. You see, in 2018, the owners of award-winning Mount Komati, near Machadodorp, pulled off a daring adventure of their own, acquiring the former Five Assegais property and its beloved Num-Num hiking trail. With this grand acquisition, they embarked on a new escapade, forming Escarp Adventures and breathing new life into the old Num-Num. Thus, this fantastic network of trails was reborn and renamed High5 Hiking Trails.

Our time at High5 Hiking Trails was so packed with incredible experiences that we quickly realized one article and a handful of photos wouldn’t even scratch the surface. So, we decided to introduce a five-part series to truly capture the essence of this hiking haven. In this series, we will dive into the details of each camp, including the two we stayed at last weekend. We’ll also explore some of the diverse trails that cater to every level of hiker, from beginners to seasoned adventurers.

But for now, let us start by telling you how things have changed from old Num-Num days to present day. The new owners of High5 Hiking Trails weren’t messing around when they took over. A great amount of effort went into revamping the camps and constructing new trails that connect to Mount Komati, making the whole experience even more flexible and enjoyable. New signposts were added, and a fresh map was whipped up to guide hikers through the trails.

There are four camps, each with its own network of hikes. While most of the camps might not be a romantic getaway, these havens offer clean, shared facilities and dormitory-style accommodations, perfect for those seeking a communal hiking experience. Camp sites come equipped with both indoor and outdoor braai areas, and kitchens are well equipped with basic utensils, crockery and cooking essentials, ensuring you can still unleash your inner chef and whip up some delicious meals.

Coming here does not mean you hike for days on end, at High5 you have options:

• Basecamp: Imagine setting up camp as your cozy home base for two or more nights, each day embarking on a different circular adventure that leads you back to your comfy haven.

• Backpack: Picture yourself transforming into a true explorer, venturing from one camp to the next, carrying your home on your back – a backpack filled with all the essentials for an unforgettable journey.

• Slackpack: For those seeking a lighter load, High5 will take the weight off your shoulders. You can rent one of their 85-liter plastic containers to store your belongings, and they’ll transport them to your next camp, leaving you free to roam and revel in the beauty of the trails. You can even bring your own cooler(s) if you prefer, and they’ll happily load them onto the shuttle for a small fee.

On the day of your arrival at camp, Pieta will pay you a visit to ensure that you are settled in and have an action plan ready for your hikes. If not, he will brief you on the trails leading from, to and through your camp, ensuring that you feel comfortable with the journey ahead.

The last thing I want to mention for now is that High5 Hiking Trails is a must if you enjoy spending time outdoors. The campsites offer stunning panoramic views that will leave you breathless, and the overall experience will have you high-fiving and cheering throughout your entire stay. Pack your hiking boots and embark on an adventure that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle life’s challenges with a smile.

Keep an eye out for the first article of our five-part series that will be released soon!

www.escarp.co.za

Until then.

We love the Lowveld (and now the Highveld too) ♥