Where Adventure, Nature & History Meet on the Mpumalanga Drakensberg Escarpment.
Welcome to High 5 Hiking Trails
Welcome to High 5 Hiking Trails, one of South Africa's premier inland hiking destinations, proudly operated by Escarp Adventures.
Nestled on the spectacular Drakensberg Escarpment of Mpumalanga, between Machadodorp and Badplaas, our award-winning trail network offers an unforgettable outdoor experience only 2.5 hours from Gauteng.
Formerly known as the Num-Num Hiking Trail, the High 5 Hiking Trails have been thoughtfully transformed into an even more diverse, flexible, and rewarding hiking destination.
Following the acquisition of the historic Five Assegais property in 2018 by the owners of the award-winning Mount Komati, extensive renovations, new trail developments, upgraded camps, and improved facilities created what is now known as the High 5 Hiking Trails.
Today, hikers can explore almost 100 kilometres of beautifully maintained hiking trails spread across four neighbouring properties, offering endless opportunities to build a personalised hiking adventure suited to every fitness level and experience.
Our Story
The story of High 5 Hiking Trails began with a passion for conserving nature while creating unforgettable outdoor experiences.
In 2018, the team behind Mount Komati acquired the former Five Assegais property together with the famous Num-Num Hiking Trail. Rather than simply preserving the trail, they invested heavily in transforming it into something even more spectacular.
- Every hiking camp was renovated.
- New sections of trail were developed.
- Mount Komati was incorporated into the hiking network.
- Modern trail signage and professionally designed maps were introduced.
- Accommodation was upgraded while maintaining the authentic wilderness experience.
The result is High 5 Hiking Trails—a modern hiking destination that still honours the heritage and natural beauty that made the original Num-Num Trail famous throughout South Africa.
Today, High 5 continues to build on that legacy while offering visitors a far more flexible, comfortable and diverse hiking experience than ever before.
More Than Just Hiking
High 5 Hiking Trails forms part of Escarp Adventures, an outdoor adventure destination offering far more than multi-day hiking.
Visitors can also enjoy:
- Scenic Horse Riding Trails
- Romantic Horse Riding Experiences
- Fishing for Bass, Trout, Carp, Yellowfish & Bream
- Trail Running
- Rock Climbing
- SAHPA Registered Paragliding Launch Site
- Nature Photography
- Bird Watching
- Comfortable Mountain Accommodation
- Self-Catering Lodges
- Weekend Escapes
- Family Holidays
- Team Building Adventures
Whether you're planning a hiking expedition, romantic getaway, family holiday or outdoor adventure weekend, Escarp Adventures has something for everyone.
The High 5 Hiking Experience
High 5 Hiking Trails is unlike traditional hiking routes.
Instead of following one fixed trail, hikers enjoy an extensive network of interconnected linear and circular routes that can be combined in countless ways.
This flexibility allows every group to build their own itinerary based on:
- Fitness level
- Hiking experience
- Available time
- Desired challenge
- Group size
- Accommodation preferences
Choose from adventures lasting:
- 2 Days
- 3 Days
- 4 Days
- 5 Days
- 6 Days
- Or even longer
- No two hiking experiences need ever be the same.
Nearly 100 Kilometres of Incredible Trails
Our trail network stretches across four adjoining mountain properties and showcases some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in Mpumalanga.
Explore:
- Indigenous forests
- Crystal-clear mountain streams
- Hidden valleys
- Deep kloofs
- Sandstone cliffs
- Scenic mountain ridges
- Rolling grasslands
- Waterfalls
- River crossings
- Rocky outcrops
- Open escarpment viewpoints
The diversity of landscapes means every day's hike offers something completely different.
Flexible Hiking Options
Backpack Hiking
Traditional backpack hiking allows guests to carry everything needed from camp to camp, creating a true wilderness adventure.
Carry your:
- Sleeping bag
- Clothing
- Food
- Water
- Cooking equipment
- Personal gear
Perfect for experienced hikers looking for the authentic backpacking experience.
Basecamp Hiking
Prefer travelling light?
Stay at one camp for several nights and enjoy different circular day hikes returning to the same accommodation every evening.
Ideal for:
- Families
- Beginner hikers
- Photographers
- Birdwatchers
- Relaxed outdoor enthusiasts
Slackpack Hiking
Enjoy all the adventure without the heavy backpack.
Our popular Slackpack Service transports your gear between camps while you simply enjoy the trail carrying only a light daypack.
Your equipment can be packed inside:
- 85-litre transport containers
- Cooler boxes
- Our shuttle delivers your gear safely to your next overnight camp, allowing you to hike freely while still enjoying multi-day adventures.
Award-Winning Hiking Destination
High 5 Hiking Trails continues to receive recognition for offering one of South Africa's finest hiking experiences.
We are proud to be:
- Route of the Year for Candlewood
- Green Flag Graded
- Pristine Member of HOSA (Hiking Organisation of South Africa)
These accolades reflect our commitment to maintaining exceptional trail standards, environmental conservation, guest comfort, and unforgettable hiking experiences.
Unique Hiking Camps
Each of our hiking camps offers its own distinctive character while maintaining the same commitment to cleanliness, comfort and practicality.
Pongola Express Coach Camp
Sleep inside beautifully restored 1911 vintage railway coaches that transport guests back in time.
Features include:
- Historic railway accommodation
- Fully equipped communal kitchen
- Indoor and outdoor braai facilities
- Spacious dining area
- Comfortable shared facilities
Aloe Kaya Camp
One of South Africa's most photographed hiking camps.
Famous for:
- "Loo with a View"
- Open-Air Canyon Showers
- Spectacular sandstone formations
- Wooden mountain huts
- Solar lighting
- Incredible sunsets
Candlewood Camp
Perched overlooking the magnificent Uitkomst Waterfall (Bride's Leap Falls), the second-highest waterfall in Mpumalanga.
Highlights include:
- Panoramic waterfall views
- Epic sunsets
- Donkey geyser hot showers
- Eco-friendly solar power
- Short hike to the waterfall base
Mount Komati Camp
Hidden in a peaceful gorge beside the Komati River, this camp combines rustic charm with modern comfort.
Offering:
- Hiking huts
- Tarentaal Chalet
- Kudu Cottage
- Scenic river setting
- Wildlife
- Mountain views
- Comfortable communal facilities
Bermanzi Camp – Die Stalle
Bermanzi, managed and owned by Attie van Niekerk, functions independently while collaborating with High5, serving as a vital component of the extensive High5 trails network.
Guests can take in stunning views of the escarpment from the property. The accommodation features four rooms with bunk beds, along with a welcoming kitchen that includes stoves, refrigerators, and a microwave.
Please contact Attie van Niekerk at attievn@gmail.com or via phone at 082 856 1942 and 076 387 7658.
Comfortable Mountain Accommodation
Guests wanting additional comfort can stay in our beautiful self-catering accommodat
Kruger House Lodge
A carefully restored historic outpost once used by President Paul Kruger.
Accommodating up to 12 guests, this elegant lodge features:
- En-suite bedrooms
- Spacious living areas
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Fishing ponds
- Mountain views
- Central access to hiking trails
Kudu Cottage
One of our newest additions.
Offering:
- Two bedrooms
- Loft accommodation
- Open-plan kitchen
- Large glass windows
- Private verandah
- Braai facilities
- Stunning natural surroundings
Tarentaal Chalet
A charming family chalet overlooking:
- The Komati River
- Beautiful gardens
- Swimming pool
- Drakensberg mountains
- Ideal for couples, families and small groups.
Fishing, Horse Riding & Outdoor Adventures
Escarp Adventures offers much more than hiking.
Guests can enjoy:
- Bass Fishing
- Trout Fishing
- Carp Fishing
- Yellowfish Fishing
- Scenic Horse Riding
- Romantic Horse Riding Picnics
- Engagement Horse Riding Experiences
- Trail Running
- Rock Climbing
- Paragliding
- Nature Walks
- Bird Watching
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-filled adventures or peaceful moments in nature, there's something for everyone.
Our Commitment
At High 5 Hiking Trails, we believe that every guest deserves an authentic wilderness experience while helping preserve this remarkable environment for future generations.
We are committed to:
- Exceptional guest service
- Well-maintained hiking trails
- Comfortable accommodation
- Environmental conservation
- Respect for nature
- Safe hiking experiences
- Continuous improvements
- Sustainable tourism
Our carefully developed hiking code encourages visitors to leave nothing behind but footprints and take nothing home except unforgettable memories.
Experience High 5 Hiking Trails
Whether you're looking for a challenging multi-day backpacking adventure, a relaxing basecamp escape, comfortable mountain accommodation, or simply an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
High 5 Hiking Trails offers one of South Africa's most rewarding outdoor experiences.
Come and discover spectacular mountain scenery, breathtaking waterfalls, rich wildlife, fascinating history, and almost 100 kilometres of unforgettable hiking trails waiting to be explored.
