The Queens Rose Hiking Trails has been re-opened under new Custodians to manage these trails.

The new base camp for the trails will be the beloved Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin, with all the trails starting and finishing at the Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin, this is mainly for the hikers staying over at the Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin.

As for day visitors and visitors wanting to park at the farm, the hike starts at the farm, with a distance to the start of the trails of about 1,8km. It is also possible to drive to the Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin and start the visit from there.

The trails will be maintained as before, with the same signs along the trails.

The Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin, are still the same as before.

Note: that the access road entry point has changed (as per the map below), as a result during the rainy season it is recommended that only 4×4 & SUV vehicles are used, due to some sections of slippery deep clay on uphill areas. During the dry season most vehicles should be able to pass. (contact management before booking and arrivals, for road condition updates). Furthermore, this is the bush so cell signal is limited, but as indicated on the map there is one area that cell reception is available. Take note that you are entering the SAPPI plantation, and any form of fires are prohibited.

Amenities that are available for visitors, are as follows:

• Matumi Camp Site, for campers and off-road trailer or caravans. (no electricity available)
• Matumi Log Cabin, consisting of 4 spacious rooms with beds, and electricity (for charging devises only)
• Ablution facilities, consisting of 3 separate toilets (bush TV type) and 3 separate hot water showers.
• Spring water for drinking.
• Boma for fire and braai.
• Fire and Braai wood are available with prior arrangements.
• Braai Packs and Pre-cooked meals can be provided, with prior arrangements.
• Radios for emergencies only.

The map below shows the dirt road to be followed to the farm, from where you may access the QRHT and Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin. Signs on this road will lead you to your destination. A pin location for the entry point will be made available before your arrival. Take note that you are entering the SAPPI plantation, and any form of fires are prohibited.

For day visitors to start there hiking there is the farm trail of 1,8km, or for visitors wanting to park at the farm. This is a leisurely hike of 3,6km to the Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin and back, with a rise in elevation of 22m.

The Cupid Trail provides a moderate hike of 8,6km along a dirt road with steady inclines, with a rise in elevation of 218m. The way back will be a breeze as its downhill all the way.

Matumi Trail, the legendary trail of Queens River, will provide you with challenging hike of 10km, along the majestical Queens River leading you along a trail with steep sections, all the way to the Cupid Falls for a well-deserved picnic. But don’t worry the way back are a lot easier as you descend all the way to the Matumi Bush Camp & Cabin. Your ascent on this one will be 241m.

OuKraal Trail is the one trail to provide you with breath taking views, with a distance of 9,6km and a climb of 433m, you know, you will get those panoramic outlooks you have been looking for. Great panoramas of Queens Nature Reserve and off coarse Cupid Falls, (just look back when you are taking a break ascending the steepest part of OuKraal).

There are currently 3 Trails to chose from, providing you with 3 days of relaxing, soul replenishing hikes:

1. Matumi @ 10km
2. OuKraal @ 9,6km
3. Cupid @ 8,6km

Video

Link to video here

Matumi Bush Camp

The Matumi Lane Cabin is the place to stay. The Matumi Lane Cabin looks like it has been plucked straight from the pages of a fairy-tale. The hut is built on stilts with 2 outside ablution facilities with solar lighting, a gas geyser, a flush toilet and a wash basin each with a great view of the indigenous bush while utilising the ablution facilities. There is solar electricity for lighting and cell phone / camera charging in the cabin rooms. 4 x rooms with 2 x bunkers beds and 3 x single beds (able to sleep 7 people per room) with mattresses and fitted sheets, bring your own bedding. Each room has crockery and cutlery for the 7 occupants. A gas two burner and a kettle, pots and pans under the cabin. A braai area in the Boma in the next-door Matumi Lane Bush Camp. Please bring your own food, toiletries and towels.  Bring your own camping gear or enquire about ours.
Matumi log cabin Room 1 – Sleeps 7
Matumi log cabin Room 2 – Sleeps 7
Matumi log cabin Room 3 – Sleeps 7
Matumi log cabin Room 3 – Sleeps 7

Camping at Matumi Lane Bush Camp

For the nature lovers! Matumi Lane Bush Camp is situated 7 km from the Queens River Base Camp in the Queens River Nature Reserve. It is a 2500 square meter fenced off camp on the banks of the Queens River. The surrounding natural forest has a mystic look and feel. There are ample spots for the brave to have a swim in our cold mountain water. The camp has a large boma to sit around the fire at night and share stories about the day or previous adventures. The ablution area is camped off with an enclosed flush toilet and a gas heated shower, both are open to the canopy. There is no electricity but lots of fresh spring water on tap. Bring your own camping gear or enquire about ours. The Matumi Lane Bush Camp is very popular with those who have roof-top tents or 4×4 caravans. Campers report to the Caretaker at Queens River Adventure Camp and a vehicle will accompany you down to the Matumi Lane Bush Camp. Please note only 4×4 vehicles will be able to travel to and from the Bush Camp. Booking is essential!

Rates:

Matumi Cabin

2 night’s or more:

• R280.00 pp.pn – Adults
• R250.00 pp.pn – U/12 Yrs

1 night Accommodation:

• R350.00 pp.pn – Adults
• R310.00 pp.pn – U/12 Yrs

Camp Site:

2 night’s or more:

• R230.00 pp.pn – Adults
• R200.00 pp.pn – U/12 Yrs

1 night Accommodation:

• R270.00 pp.pn – Adults
• E240.00 pp.pn – U/12 Yrs

 Day Visitors:

• R100.00 pp – Adults
• R80.00 pp – U/12Yrs

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 – once off per reservation