Reaching the River

After a few days of exploring the land around the reserve, our curiosity naturally turned to the Usdelela River. We knew it was out there, tucked between steep hills, and we were eager to see it for ourselves. So, we planned a route and began the slow, tough process of cutting a trail through the thick bush.

But after three days of pushing through dense vegetation, it became clear that this approach wasn’t going to work — the terrain was simply too rugged, and the hills too steep. So, we changed plans and decided to approach the river from the other side, starting from the area we call Highland Fling North.

This time, after a challenging hike — a few slips, a few laughs — we finally broke through the last bit of bush. And there it was: the Usdelela River. It was even more impressive than we had imagined.

The river surged through the valley, strong and fast-moving, with a series of waterfalls — some small and playful, others plunging into deep pools below. It felt incredibly rewarding to finally reach it, especially after the effort it had taken. We took a break, unpacked lunch, took some photos, and simply soaked it all in — the sound of the water, the stillness of the surrounding bush.

This area has huge potential and will make for an amazing hiking trail. Walking alongside the river, exploring its pools and waterfalls — it’s exactly the kind of experience we’re excited to develop and share.

On our way back up the hill, already brimming with ideas, a Tawny Eagle caught our attention, circling overhead and calling out across the valley. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day.

We’ll keep you posted as the riverside trail takes shape — there’s a lot to look forward to!