Fill up, Fresh up and Get up! Get outdoors this summer season and have your own microadventure close to home.
Microadventures are local and affordable trips that are very exciting but attainable to enjoy including busy people, or people with families or other commitments. FreshStop wants to be part of that journey by making it easy to grab the fuel and snacks you need along the way, making it easy to pop out for the day and have a microadventure of your very own!
Her are some hikes around you that you can enjoy on a day out with your friends or family.
Cape Town : Skeleton Gorge
The Gorge takes you from one side of Table Mountain to the other. The trail starts off in the serene Kirstenbosch Gardens, arriving at the steep ascent of Skeleton Gorge. Don’t forget to enjoy the view on this hike, which may sometimes be behind you, so turn around and take a moment to wander! Enjoy streams, fynbos and rock formations before arriving at the highest point on Table Mountain. Right on top is the perfect spot to unpack your lunch and have a picnic with a view.
This is quite a challenging uphill hike, but is suitable for children and for dogs to go along. It is important to note that part of the hikes uses ladders.
Avoid the trail in the winter as the trail will be slippery.
KZN: Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve
This trail running along the lagoon is the perfect weekend outing for your family to enjoy. You can find it right on the edge of Umhlanga, and it is packed full of wildlife to allow you to escape the city.
The walk begins at the gate, across from the Beaker Hotel and heads down a wooden boardwalk before cutting into a wonderful section of coastal forest. Look out for the 500 Year old White Stinkwood along the route.
This is a flat, short hike that is suitable to all ages, and fitness levels. The distance is 2km.
Gauteng: Sugarbush Day Trail
Sugarbush is an easy day trail, and located close to the city, just outside the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. It starts at Robert Broom Drive.
The rail is a mixture of private land and nature reserve and has a few tricky climbs over rocky outcrops, a serene valley of sugarbush and finally a climb to the awesome view of Magaliesberg. Once you’ve managed to climb a series of rocky outcrops. The trail takes you through the valley, rich with Sugarbush (Protea Caffra).
Be sure to take care to wear a hat and sunscreen as the trial offer little shade. Part of it is located over an old mine, so children and pets will need supervision.
Eastern Cape: Kettlesprout falls
This landscape will allow you to get lost in the beauty of it. Shrouded in mist, glittered by fresh rain; this is the ideal location for romantic hikes. This hike begins at the Hogsback arboretum. Along the way you will see breathtaking white mini-waterfalls and pebbled bed streams. The highlight of this hike is most definitely going down the mountain’s edge.
The hike last 2-3 hours and is suitable for children and dogs.
Garden Route: Elephant walk
Did you know Knysna used to be teeming with elephants? Explore their ancient territory with this tranquil hike. This fun forest walk that can be done in 3 sections:
- The 9 Km that is marked with black Elephants.
- The 8 Km that is marked with white Elephants.
- 5 Km that is marked with red Elephants
You will need to get a permit in Knysna and grab a map to follow the route. The trial starts in Diepwalle Forest Station, Knysna, Garden Route. It is good for the entire family to enjoy.
