For this past weekend's hike we decided to venture to the north-west. Hennops is around a 45 minute drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria, close to Haartebeespoort and definitely far enough out to feel like you're in nature proper. As we got closer to the trail the mountains started to surround us. Safe to say, I was in my happy place. There are few things better than mountains all around you :)
The route we decided to do was the 11km. We were told that a suspension bridge as well as a cable car was involved, so excitement levels were high. The path started along the river, covered in trees and the with the light shining through made for a hell of a walk. We soon hit an incline leading to a cave and a viewpoint. Within 30 minutes in we were already in our element.
After enjoying the view and walking through the cave, we decided to head back onto the trail. We head down and followed the path along the river, crossing a suspension bridge before making our way up the next incline. The path is well kept, and has some awesome technical parts, and is steep enough to get your heart rate up.
After we arrived at the summit of the next peak, the plains opened up. There is something very special about the South African veld. It's dry, it's harsh, it's unforgiving - but it has such a beauty about it.
There are many peaks and troughs to this hike and the 11km takes you all around the park. We started down the final descent, enjoyin the relative ease and taking in the scenery. Before we knew it we were on the flat final stretch through overhanging trees, on this amazing path that broken through the grassland. At the end of the path, we had to pull ourselves across the river in a cable car which was a pretty fantastic experience. The two lovely ladies joining me seemed to have the most fun.
Hennops is a fantastic hike and really very close to the city. This is probably my favourite hike since being back in Johannesburg, followed closely by Suikerbos and Klipriviersberg. If you're keen on a great run with around 350m elevation, making for around 900m total elevation gain definitely give Hennops a shot.
