Hiking Trails of Barberton – The Queen Rose Trail

Hiking Trails of Barberton – The Queen Rose Trail

Nov 19, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit

The Queen Rose Trail is one of the most popular outdoor adventures the small, historic town of Barberton has to offer. Just a short drive away from Nelspruit, the trail is fairly easy to hike and it offers some of the most spectacular views. 

The trail starts in the mountains east of Barberton, deep in the Nelshoogte Forest Reserve. This is a backpack trail that takes about two days to complete and covers around 21 km. It goes without saying that you will need to be fairly fit and have a good pair of hiking boots (mountain bikes are also an option).

The Nelshoogte Nature Reserve is set between Barberton and Badplaas, and the Queen Rose Trail is said to be the most scenic trail in the country.

The landscape in the area is lush between the mountains of the eastern escarpment where the Queens and Montrose Rivers meet. It’s on the banks of the Montrose and Queens Rivers that most of the hike takes place. Here the hike will take you from riverine forest to waterfalls and pools, all amongst a variety of plants and indigenous trees, among them some fine specimens of Matumi, Mingerhout and False Horsewood trees.

This hike is unique in that it is two separate hikes and you can choose to do either first. One trail is known as the Montrose section and is 13 km that starts with an incline but is mostly downhill. You will start hiking uphill and go through a pine plantation before descending to Alvin’s Falls. From there you will be hiking along the river bank, which can be a bit slippery in places at certain times of the year, before reaching open grasslands which will take you to Makesh Hut. Makesh Hut has a pool and the hut itself is solar powered. There is also a flush toilet and a gas shower. Braai facilities are provided, but wood has to be bought.

The other section is known as the Queens River section and this trail is 8 km, mostly uphill. This trail takes you up through indigenous bush and then along a riverine forest that goes along the valley. In the summer this trail can be a rather warm walk as it does get very humid. Despite the humidity, this is a most enjoyable walk that includes a suspension bridge and “foefie” slide for the brave. And when the heat gets to you, there are several pools along the way to cool off in.

Nelspruit Lodge offers some of the best accommodation in Nelspruit and we are the ideal starting point from which to go hiking. Our accommodation ranges from incredibly affordable to something a little more extravagant. Have a look at our accommodation to find out more.

Quick Guide to Malaria Prevention

Quick Guide to Malaria Prevention

Nov 10, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit

Summer is in full swing in the city, and with the humid days and the occasional refreshing downpours comes the plague of mosquitoes that every Nelspruiter simply cannot stand. It is not just that as you’re trying to get to sleep a mosquito will play the song of their people in your ears and instantly have you alert; mosquitoes can be a health hazard.

Everyone knows that Malaria is quite a common illness and that it is not unusual for those living in Nelspruit to get infected. Passed on by the mosquito, Malaria is easily prevented and easily treated, but it is still deadly if it is left untreated. This means, prevention is without a doubt better than cure and in this quick guide, we’ll be sharing few tips on how to stay safe this summer while staying at our Nelspruit accommodation.

  1. Determine how at risk you are
    Even though Nelspruit is in a malaria area, it is by no means the most at risk area. A visit to places further north and to the east are far more likely to result in a malaria infection if you are not too careful. Start your prevention by knowing how at risk you are.
  2. Stick behind a screen at night
    While mosquitoes are not uncommon during the day, they are far more likely to become bothersome at night. This naturally means you are far more likely to become infected with Malaria at night. To stay safe, make sure that you stay behind a screen at night. This means if you are at an outdoor venue, find a place where there is some sort of cover. Our accommodation in Nelspruit has enough screening to keep the mosquitoes away.
  3. Use a repellent
    Mosquito repellent can be bought in just about all of the local shops and is best applied on the skin in the evenings and in the night. Keep it close, as it can be reapplied whenever necessary.
  4. If you can, wear long sleeves
    In the heat of the Lowveld, where the heat hangs around well into the night, it is quite impossible to wear long sleeves but they are one of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes from taking a bite. Wearing long pants as well as socks will also go a long way towards preventing Malaria infection.
  5. Sleep under a net
    A common feature in most Nelspruit accommodation is the “mosquito net” a cover which goes over the bed and prevents mosquitoes from getting close enough to bite you. Nets can be sprayed with a repellent for extra prevention.

If you are headed to an area that will place you at high risk of infection, it might be best to consult with your doctor and get preventative medication. Symptoms can take up to three weeks to present themselves, so if you think you might be infected it is best to go to your doctor to get tested.