Crowned Crane Route - 12km

From the Old Cheese Factory walk via the Garden Route passing the farmhouse. Cross the second little bridge through its gate and pass the old stone hut. At the next gate make a right turn and follow the dirt road as it zig-zags up the mountain. Along the way enjoy a brilliant view of the ranch. When you reach a gate at the top continue past it for approximately 50m were you will reach a Y-junction. At the junction choose the path on your right.

Follow this route all along the side of the mountain. You will pass crystal clear streams and a swimming hole where you may enjoy a dip in the water. Continuing on the path, you will make a natural left curve along the border of the Ntsikeni Nature Reserve where wildlife and birdlife may be spotted.

Approximately 10km into the hike a small dam will be reached. The gate entering the dam has a bucket attached to a rope. Pull the bucket down to lift the gate and close the gate by pulling it down behind you.

At this dam one can relax and appreciate the diverse birdlife found here in the Southern Drakensberg. Cranes such as the Wattled Crane and the Blue Crane may be seen. One may also see a few geese and duck species and many more. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Following the path over the dam wall you will reach another junction. Turn left, passing through a gate and continue straight on the trail. Follow this route past a Eucalyptus forest, all the way down, turning nowhere, until the very bottom where the path meets a dirt road. Turn left here and continue back to the gate, passing the old stone hut. Cross the small bridge and follow the Garden Route back to the Old Cheese Factory.