THE ROCK AND TREE TRAIL
A guest post contribution by Johna Turner
The Soutpansberg is a 2000 million year old sandstone massif, exposed and beautifully sculptured by faulting and erosion into wonderful diverse terrain and rock formations which today supports one of South Africa’s regions of Floristic Endemism.
There is no better way to appreciate this than participating in Sigurwana’s Rock and Tree Trail.
With Peter as guide, I participated in the inaugural trail in June 2026 together with two Mother and Daughter combinations. The trail extended over a weekend with hikes on the Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning starting and ending at the lodge where we spent each night. The hiking routes showcased the beauty and diversity of Sigurwana and the Soutpansberg.
Due to the good rains this year, there was lots of water around. Routes varied with distances measured in time rather than kilometers, ranging from 2.5 to 7 hours. There was plenty of time to enjoy the environment and listen to Peter’s explanations and stories, not to mention the chatter between hikers. The trail route wound its way up kranzes, past the lodge waterfall, up and down valleys, over crystal clear streams, past rock pools, through Syzgium and other forests, across open grasslands at the top, over spongy wetlands which are headwaters to some of the streams, through weird rock formations covered in lichen, stopping at two interesting San rock art sites and providing panoramic views along the route. The last section of Saturday’s route was a non-compulsory up and down Lajuma Mountain allowing those not keen on doing the most strenuous part to still enjoy everything else.
Water was available in a couple of streams which reduced the amount that needed to be carried. The Saturday packed lunch and lodge food was excellent, and weary legs could be soaked in cold rock pools or a hot bath back at the lodge.
It is difficult to describe one of the features of the trail – the quietness of the wilderness at the top of the Soutpansberg or as Sigurwana translates – being close to heaven. Even the physical beauty is difficult to explain so I have included some photos. Enjoy them but put the trail on your to do list.
