Komati Gorge - A gorgeous adventure lifestyle

 

We recently decided to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and make some space for another adventure, but this time we wanted to go all-out adventure, with a bit of luxury thrown in. Oh, and we wanted our dogs to join us.

 

What we found was the most wonderful 2,500 hectares of private nature just three-and-a-half hours from Johannesburg. We arrived at the Komati Gorge Lodge midafternoon and were instantly happy with our choice of adventure location. The rolling hills sunk steeply into a picturesque valley of red cliffs, green grass, and sparkling river. The only ones happier than us were our two dogs, Bailey and Milo, whose boundless energy was released into an explosion of exploration the second they bounded from the car. We had chosen to stay in a two-sleeper, self-catering cabin, which was pure luxury with its log fire, fluffy blankets, and sunken spa tub.

 

But luxury was for the evenings and we were there for the adventure. The real trick was where to start? The dogs had decided that fishing was a good place and were chasing the jumping trout in the trout dam right outside the cottage. Not being avid fishermen, Laura and I started off with a gentle stroll to see where the hiking and mountain bike trails started, where the rock climbing routes were bolted, where the kayaking was, and where the horse riding and other trout dams were. Our stroll took us down the river to two more spectacular trout dams and past a field of horses in great condition. One of the dams had some kayaks on the bank so we decided to go for a paddle. The dogs decided that the swaying motion of the kayak was too much to bear and promptly leapt into the water, with the excitement of puppies. Quickly enough, the autumn evening began to cool off and we headed back to a warm fire and glass of red wine.

 

The next morning was perfect, with crisp cool air and a clear blue sky. We set off early on what we expected to be a four-hour hike. The route took us up onto the gorge plateau, dropped us back into the gorge, past a beautiful hidden waterfall, then back along the river before crossing up onto the opposite bank and up onto a hilltop overlooking the river and lodge. We then snaked down the cliff side and ended at the trout dams where the dogs could cool off. The hike was excellent - not too challenging, yet interesting walking, with beautiful mountain views and forest trails. Finishing a well-earned lunch and glass of crisp rosé, we decided our hounds had the right idea and settled on the green lawn for a nap in the sun.

 

Waking before Laura, I donned my cycling kit and headed off for a short mountain bike ride. The trail was excellent, parts were very technical as I think I was on more of a hiking trail than a cycling trail, but I had mountains of fun none the less. I was lucky enough to see a lone gemsbok and a herd of eland while slogging along the mountain trails; such special animals to share this space with. Getting back to the lodge, I picked up the dogs and raced them, on my bike, down to the trout dams and back - they were in their element, and so was I.