Queen Rose Hiking Trail

Between Badplaas and Barberton, Mpumalanga

Situated 30km from Barberton and about 380km from Johannesburg lies this beautiful hiking trail, tucked away among the beautiful mountains of the eastern escarpment and at the confluence of the Queens and the Montrose rivers. The trail runs mostly across Komatiland forestry land although it is run and maintained privately. It is a backpack trail and needs a moderate degree of fitness.

         
 

There are two overnight hiker's  huts, the Queens View and the Makesh. Its possible to start the trail from either one or other. We started our trek from Queens View. Queens View Hut is an old forestry house and caters for up to 20 hikers at a time. It has electricity, beds and mattresses and modern ablutions inside and in a nearby ablution block. There are braai facilities.

  
 
         
 
 

The trail to Makesh Hut is 13km long and is predominately downhill. However, to start off with there is quite a steep uphill, through Pine Plantation. This eventually gives way to a descent to Alvin's Falls and an ideal spot for a morning swim.

 
         
 

The water is tempting and the shade of the trees inviting!

  
 
         
 
  The Trail continues along the river banks, sometimes on the left and sometimes on the right bank. Be careful of the river crossings as the stones can be very slippery.  
         
 

The vegetation along the way is dense in places and the indigenous trees and plants are a joy to any aspiring botanist.

  
 
         
 
 

The last part of the trail is through open grassland which eventually brings the hiker to Makesh Hut.

  
     
 

Makesh Hut is well maintained and equipped, with solar powered lighting, refrigerator, braai, hot water showers and braai. There is also a natural pool to swim in about 200m from the hut.

    
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         
 
 

The second day of the trail is 8km long and consists mainly of a climb through indigenous bush and riverine forest up along a valley back to Queens View Hut. An early start is advised as the walk can be very hot and humid.

  
         
 

Fine examples of Mingerhout/Matumi and False Horsewood are to be found along the river banks.

  
 
         
 
 

Along the way, there is a foefie slide for those brave enough to attempt it. Please note that the use of this is entirely at your own risk.

  
         
 

There are several other places along the route for a quick dip. The suspension bridges along the way are quite unlike any others that I have seen on any other trail.

  
 
         
 
 

Up to a beautiful waterfall and we are nearly home! This is not an easy trail despite the distance being only 21km over two days.

  
         
 

Back at base camp and time to relax, have a braai and a shower before leaving for home.

The trail owners are in the process of developing a group camp for schools and church groups that can accommodate larger parties of people. If you like the idea of bringing the larger party to this beautiful place then contact the  booking office. There is also provision for mountain biking.

  
 

 

Click on map for larger image

 

Conclusion

Certainly  a trail that should appear on anyone's hiking calendar. However, heat and humidity can be a real problem so care should be taken to choose the right time of the year to do it. If needed, enquire about transport of packs from one end to the other and back when booking.

Booking

Queen Rose Hiking Trail

Booking Office Marie Kotze +27(0) 83 545 0900

Footprint Hiking Club

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