The Ngwempisi Gorge, 30km south of the Malkerns Valley, is one of the country’s few remaining untouched environments, with beautiful natural forests and the Ngwempisi River. Adventure-seekers will love the Ngwempisi Hiking Trail, a community-run 33km trail in the Ntfungula Hills on the Mankayane–Vlelzizweni road with two different huts, the atmospheric double-storey Khopho Hut (also known as Rock Lodge because it’s built around massive boulders, a design sympathetic to its environment) and Mhlabeni Hut, by a waterfall. For those who don’t want to do the complete trail, you can base yourself at Khopho Hut, and explore the area from here.
For those who do undertake the trail, it’s recommended you take a local guide (per day E50, plus per hiker E10); you can park your transport in a secure location near reception. You must also take your own food and bedding. Another accommodation option, Horseshoe Estate B&B, is near the trail entrance and can arrange hikes. Self-drivers can arrange to leave their car here and walk one hour (around 4km).
