16/04/2024
Fanie Botha
3Day/2night Trail
Ceylon Hut- Maritzbos- Stables Hut- Ceylon
Hut
Contact details: 013 754 2724
Reservation email: [email protected]
Area: Sabie Mpumalanga
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eaG7qaYPP4BiHChaA?g_st=ic
Booking required: Yes
Payment via EFT
Trail distances: 8km/13km/9km
Slackpacking : available at an additional cost
Pet friendly: No
Well marked: Yes
Moderate to Difficult
Braai/picnic area: Yes (wood available at huts)
Ablutions: flushing toilets
Secure Parking: Yes
Huts: bunks beds for +/- 24 pax. Cold water (solar geyser but we had no sun). Kitchen sink has running water. No electricity. Huts are clean and well maintained. Cellphone coverage good at the huts, but poor reception on hiking trails.
Access: dirt road leading up to parking near Ceylon Hut, manageable for small cars
Day 1 Ceylon Hut - Maritzbos Hut 8,3km
We arrived and parked our cars at Ceylon hut on Friday to immediately start hiking 8km to Maritzbos hut. We hiked up the trail without stopping at an elevation of 430m in under 3hrs, this was to avoid arriving after sunset.
Fortunately we chose to slackpack, so we arrived to find our backpacks delivered inside the hut by Bab’Hlongwane.
Day 2 Maritzbos Hut - Stables Hut
Our hike began early and on time, with great excitement few meters into the hike we could hear the gushing of water from the river. Little did we know that there will be multiple river crossings. I lost count at river crossing number 8, a little frustrated at having to take off our boots every few meters to cross over streams and rivers. But was appreciative of the great weather and shaded forest that kept us cool. This trail was the most difficult with an elevation over 1000m, we negotiated the slippery rocks as best as we could and some soft earthy paths were better walked barefoot. I never thought the sound of water could bring so much anxiety - because it would require walking a shaky bridge or plunge into flowing water - but to be honest taking off my boots to feel the cold water was a blessing.
Once we were literally out of the woods we saw a board saying we had 6,3km to go to the Stables hut or alternatively go via ANOTHER waterfall. At this point we had had enough of waterfalls and chose the flat 6,3km walk to the hut. In total it us 8-9hrs to finish Day 2. It left some of us with dents and scratches from the slippery falls, sore muscles from the “treacherous” trail and pure relief and gratitude to have made it safely after also encountering a berg adder.
The evening was spent recounting the day’s events, reflecting and processing the emotional rollercoaster ride of the hike itself. It is with pride that I can safely say that Vafambi’s teamwork is what made the day a success. As a collective our mental and emotional strength pulled us through. Our prayers and faith in the Almighty calmed our anxiety and fears. For that I am forever grateful.
Day 3 Stables Hut - Ceylon Hut
We expected the final day to be pleasantly cruising down the hill, only to be slipping and sliding on dewy algae covered rocks. One couldn’t lose focus, every step had to be intentional, either step on dry grass or else you would find yourself flat on the floor. 9km later down we arrived safely back where we started at the Ceylon hut.
Safcol can do better in maintaining the shaky bridges and putting ropes or chains to make river crossing safer.
The huts could have donkey geysers so we can have hot showers.
The slackpacking service was excellent and on time, kudos to the gentlemen who were patient with us as a group. We had some members who didn’t hike some days and they were accommodated with hospitality.
