Africaland: Phaladingwe

It was a very freezing 🥶 Saturday morning in Johannesburg and North West. I kept on saying it’s nippy, chilly, and my friend kept on saying, “Moira stop saying it’s nippy or chilly, it’s freezing”. Normally when it’s cold and we are hiking, we warm up within a kilometer, not this time, it took us almost 5km before we can start warming up. Despite the cold, it was truly a beautiful morning for a catch and release moment.

We hiked at a property called Africaland, tucked away nicely next the iconic NECSA(Necleur Energy Corporation). I have been here too many times I couldn’t be bothered to count. The hosts are very welcoming and friendly, and the place has restaurant situated around well-kept garden. The hiking trail has amazing views, pleasant and testing hills here and there, the hike is 7.4km loop trail. I consider it moderate; the trail is well marked, need proper hiking shoes as there is lot of slate stone and it is very slippery. I must say it was very unpleasant to see lots of rubbish along the river. I hope the owners do something about it. It is a shame to see so much plastic along our riverbanks. I do not know why people litter, its mind blowing.

After 5km hike; we found the best spot to seat and have a snack. We were seating on the edge of the rocks overlooking the best spot of the river. I imagined seating there with my book and drink during summertime, if that’s not peace I don’t know what is. While we were seating there listening to the sound of the river (the best sound), we were having conversation about birds 🦅. We were talking about how nice it must be to be a bird, they can fly to as many destinations as their hearts desire😀.How they don’t need a visa or airplane tickets. We tried to imagine how nice their life must be. Lol. It was fun and silly however it just makes my point that when we are in those mountains, “real life” doesn’t exist hence we always feel light afterwards.

It’s a quick hike and we had time to go discover haarties. We went to a place called little Paris for their amazing coffee, then off to my favorite place to pass time in haarties; the Jasymn farmer’s market. It was my friend’s first time at the market, and it is safe to say I created a monster. 🤣🤣

Let me tell you a bit about little Paris. It is located in the heart of Hartebeespoort. Known for the cute little Eiffel Tower replica as well as the love lock bridge. There is also few little cute shops to get some souvenirs and of course food. There is a popular cafe that we got good coffee from; called The French toast coffee cafe.

I have said many times, hiking has opened my eyes in many ways than one. I am learning a lot about myself through hiking. I always come back knowing something new about myself. I have the best sessions with my therapist, nature. It cost me less than R100, 00 per session but get a million-dollar therapy. I have found a coping mechanism in hiking; it brings me peace.

Every morning when we wake up; we are given two things; A choice and A chance. I try to get through my day remembering that.

Until next time Fabtastic people.🤩 Moira