Set in the breath-taking Makhonjwa Mountains between Barberton and Badplaas the Queen Rose hiking trail is considered to be one of South Africa’s most spectacular. It winds 26km through mountain passes, indigenous forests and over the Queen River and Montrose Plantation. Along the route you will be treated to a wide variety of indigenous plants and animal species, including the 350 types of birds that are found here.

The beauty of the Queen Rose hike is that anyone can do it, as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness and a pair of sturdy hiking boots. Some of the climbs may leave you a little short of breath and the views from the top will certainly take your breath away!

There is the accommodation. For those seeking the authentic hiker’s experience, the multiple hiking huts provide the perfect ‘basic’ accommodation. 

The Queen Rose hiking trail has it all, the spectacular views, incredible wildlife, entertaining river crossings and perfectly placed natural splash pools. What’s more, anyone can enjoy it from babies in backpacks to spritely senior citizens. Yet the real beauty of the trail is that it enables you to slip away from the stresses of modern day life and reconnect with nature.

Queens River Guest House & Dormitory Accommodation

Dormitory Accommodation

4 x dorms each with its own ablution block with 4 x toilets, 4 x showers and 4 x wash basins. Fully revamped dorms with steel bunker beds, sleeps 50 each.

Hikers House

A modern house, five star in a hiking house standards. Fully self-catering – kitchen with a stove, microwave, two fridges, all pots and pans and crockery, 6 rooms with comfortable beds with mattress protectors, bring your own bedding, 3 toilets and 3 showers, two dining hall tables, gas braai, wood fired braai. 

Old Farm Guest House

An old farm house dating back from the mid 1900’s. a Very welcoming old house that still has wooden floors. Basic but clean and comfortable Fully self-catering – kitchen with a stove, microwave, fridge, all pots and pans and crockery. 4 rooms with comfortable beds with mattress protectors, bring your own bedding, 2 toilets and 2 showers, two dining hall tables and a wood fired braai.

Nelshoogte Forestry Station Log Cabin

An old style forestry log cabin that has been fully revamped inside. Fully selfcatering – kitchen with a stove, microwave, fridge, all pots and pans and crockery, 3 rooms with single and bunkers beds with mattress protectors, bring your own bedding, 1 toilet and 1 shower and a wood fired braai with a big outside area/lawn.

Matumi Bush Camp

For the nature lovers!! Matumi Bushcamp is situated 7km 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 queen’s river. The surrounding natural forest have 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 days hike. 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 water on tap. 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

Hiking Trails

Get lost in the mystic Nelshoogte Forest Reserve… Tucked away just 30 km from Barberton, the Queen’s River Adventure Camp plays host to the Queen Rose Hiking Trail. Easily considered as one of the most scenic trails in the region, several trails starts at queens base camp and leads hikers on an amazing route that traverses over river crossings, pools and wooden bridges, through pine and natural forests. Bird life is in abundance and one has the opportunity to spot one of the 350 plus bird species. Although some degree of fitness is needed to navigate the forest terrain, the tranquility and sublime relaxation experienced is therapeutic. Your body can do anything, it’s the mind that needs convincing… Feel completely safe at Queen Rose, all our hikers are issued with a two way radio that is monitored at base camp. If you should experience any medical issues a vehicle will be dispatched to pick you up where possible. If you are unfit and do not feel capable to finish the trail, don’t stress for a small fee we will send a vehicle to collect you. Slack-packing available on all trails. Several trail options are available.

3km Cupid Trail (Marked with light blue sign boards)

This is a short trail starting at Queens River Base Camp to Cupid Waterfall (a stunning cascade waterfall with a total drop of more than 200m) Ample spots to relax and cool down in one of the natural pools. A downhill trail to the falls and uphill back to camp. 

7km Matumi Trail (Marked with white sign boards)

This trail needs to be pre-arranged as you need to be dropped off at the starting point of Matumi Trail. This trail starts in the Queensriver Nature Reserve and follow the Queens River for 7km back to Queens Base Camp. There is several river crossings with wooden bridges, natural pools to cool down in and a spectacular cascade waterfall. This trail have areas that compare to a scene out of a fairy tale movie.

14km Circular Ou Kraal One Day Trail (Starts with yellow signs & then back white signs)

This trail starts and ends at Queens River Base Camp, It offers a bit of everything, Starting off with a pine forests trail that continues all the way to the top of the mountain, through grasslands and a special rock outcrop (Our very own Stonehenge), passing a spring where you can fill up with ice cold mountain water. It then descents down the mountain with a zig-zag trail, this can be tough going down, we suggest wearing tight shoes or two pairs of socks. The trail then joins the Matumi River trail back to camp for the next 7km.

26km Two day Montrose Overnight trail (Starts with orange signs and back with white signs)

It winds 26km through mountain passes, indigenous forests and with 26 stream crossings (some with wooden bridges), through the Montrose Valley, Queens River Nature Reserve an Nelshoogte Plantation. The first day is a 16km trail with two options on accommodation, for those seeking the authentic hiker’s experience and looking for something special. For those that enjoy being out in nature the Matumi Bush Camp is a fenced camp in the Queensriver Nature Reserve. Situated on the banks of the Queens River which offers a basic camping experience, the brave can cool down in the river pools, a lapa to sit around the fire at night, a flushing toilet and a lots of hot water with a gas heated shower. Tents and mattresses can be rented if needed. The second day is a 10km trail that follows the Matumi Lane Trail back to camp. Along the route you will be treated to a wide variety of indigenous plants and animal species, including the 350 types of birds that are found here. The beauty of the Queen Rose hike is that anyone can do it, as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness and a pair of sturdy hiking boots. Some of the climbs may leave you a little short of breath and the views from the top will certainly take your breath away!

The Queen Rose hiking trail has it all, the spectacular views, incredible wildlife, entertaining river crossings and perfectly placed natural splash pools and waterfalls. What’s more, anyone can enjoy it from babies in backpacks to senior citizens. Yet the real beauty of the trail is that it enables you to slip away from the stresses of modern day life and reconnect with nature.

48km Three to Five day Overnight trail (Starts with dark blue, then orange signs and back with white signs)

This trail can be customised to suit, from a one day to a 4 day trail. This trail starts at the Nelshoogte Forestry Camp hikers Cabin and is perfect for those that don’t want to drive the 7km gravel road to queens base camp. The road to the log cabin is tarred all the way.

2 Day – Queen View Camp to Matumi Bush Camp and back to Queen View Camp

3 Day – Nelshooge Forestry Station Log Cabin to Queen View Camp to Matumi Camp and back to Nelshoogte

4 Day – Nelshooge Forestry Station Log Cabin to Queen View Camp to Matumi Camp to Queen View Camp and back to Nelshoogte

Trail options are:

To stay at the log cabin and explore Devils Knuckles, a mountain edge that divides Nelshoogte and the Barberton Basin. It has similar views to Kaapsche Hoop with views over the Barberton valley, a vertical drop of up to 500m on most knuckles. It also offers two separate dams for those interested in bass fishing.

Hike the 11km Devils Knuckles Trail to Queens Base Camp (It has an option passing a waterfall and a natural pool to cool down), overnight there and then do the 14km Ou Kraal and Matumi day trail. Overnight the second night at Queens Base Camp and hike back the third day to Nelshoogte Log Cabin.

Hike the 11km Devils Knuckles Trail to Queens Base Camp on day one (It has an option passing a waterfall and a natural pool to cool down), overnight at Queens Base Camp and then do the 16km Montrose Trail on day two, overnight at theMatumi Camp/Log Cabins, walk the 10km Matumi Lane trail back to Queens Base Camp on day three, overnight at Queens Base Camp and hike on the 11km Devels Knuckles Trail on day four back to the Nelshoogte Log Cabin.

Options are to add a night before or after at Nelshoogte Forestry Cabin

Rates:

Hiker’s House/Bush Camp/Houthuis/Matumi Cabin:

• R310.00 pp.pn – Adults
• R240.00 pp.pn – 5-12Yrs
• Free – U/5 years

Matumi Cabin One Nights’ Stay:

• R420.00 pp.pn – Adults
• R300.00 pp.pn – 6-12 Yrs
• Free – 0-5 Yrs

Camping (Own tent):

• R240.00 pp.pn – Adults
• R190.00 pp.pn – 5-12 Yrs
• Free – 0-5 Yrs
• R340.00 – 2 Pax per tent

Day Visitors:

• R130.00 pp – Adults
• R70.00 pp – 5-12Yrs
• Free – 0-5Yrs

Dorms for Campers/Hiker per night:

• R240.00 pp – Adults
• R190.00 pp – U/12

Matumi Bush Camp (Own tent):

• R240.00 pp.pn – Adults
• R190.00 pp.pn – 5-12 Yrs
• Free – 0-5 Yrs
• Conservation Fee (Vehicles only)
  • R50.00 per vehicle

Tent Rentals:

• R440.00 per night
• Army style
• Includes pitching and breaking down.

Uber Pick Up:

• R180.00 pp

Other Rates:

• R140.00 pp – Slackpacking
• R50.00 per wheelbarrow of wood
• R10.00 per bag – Ice
• R170.00 – 7km hike drop-off / Pick-up (Min3 / Max 6)
• R100.00 – Mattress hire – bush camp only
• R50.00 – Per Towel
• R30.00 per item – Breakages & Losses

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 – once off per reservation

Queens River Guest House & Dormitory Accommodation

Dormitory Accommodation

4 x dorms each with its own ablution block with 4 x toilets, 4 x showers and 4 x wash basins. Fully revamped dorms with steel bunker beds, sleeps 50 each.

Hikers House

A modern house, five star in a hiking house standards. Fully self-catering – kitchen with a stove, microwave, two fridges, all pots and pans and crockery, 6 rooms with comfortable beds with mattress protectors, bring your own bedding, 3 toilets and 3 showers, two dining hall tables, gas braai, wood fired braai. 

Old Farm Guest House

An old farm house dating back from the mid 1900’s. a Very welcoming old house that still has wooden floors. Basic but clean and comfortable Fully self-catering – kitchen with a stove, microwave, fridge, all pots and pans and crockery. 4 rooms with comfortable beds with mattress protectors, bring your own bedding, 2 toilets and 2 showers, two dining hall tables and a wood fired braai.

Nelshoogte Forestry Station Log Cabin

An old style forestry log cabin that has been fully revamped inside. Fully selfcatering – kitchen with a stove, microwave, fridge, all pots and pans and crockery, 3 rooms with single and bunkers beds with mattress protectors, bring your own bedding, 1 toilet and 1 shower and a wood fired braai with a big outside area/lawn.

Matumi Bush Camp

For the nature lovers!! Matumi Bushcamp is situated 7km 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 queen’s river. The surrounding natural forest have 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 days hike. 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 water on tap. 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

Hiking Trails

Get lost in the mystic Nelshoogte Forest Reserve… Tucked away just 30 km from Barberton, the Queen’s River Adventure Camp plays host to the Queen Rose Hiking Trail. Easily considered as one of the most scenic trails in the region, several trails starts at queens base camp and leads hikers on an amazing route that traverses over river crossings, pools and wooden bridges, through pine and natural forests. Bird life is in abundance and one has the opportunity to spot one of the 350 plus bird species. Although some degree of fitness is needed to navigate the forest terrain, the tranquility and sublime relaxation experienced is therapeutic. Your body can do anything, it’s the mind that needs convincing… Feel completely safe at Queen Rose, all our hikers are issued with a two way radio that is monitored at base camp. If you should experience any medical issues a vehicle will be dispatched to pick you up where possible. If you are unfit and do not feel capable to finish the trail, don’t stress for a small fee we will send a vehicle to collect you. Slack-packing available on all trails. Several trail options are available.

3km Cupid Trail (Marked with light blue sign boards)

This is a short trail starting at Queens River Base Camp to Cupid Waterfall (a stunning cascade waterfall with a total drop of more than 200m) Ample spots to relax and cool down in one of the natural pools. A downhill trail to the falls and uphill back to camp. 

7km Matumi Trail (Marked with white sign boards)

This trail needs to be pre-arranged as you need to be dropped off at the starting point of Matumi Trail. This trail starts in the Queensriver Nature Reserve and follow the Queens River for 7km back to Queens Base Camp. There is several river crossings with wooden bridges, natural pools to cool down in and a spectacular cascade waterfall. This trail have areas that compare to a scene out of a fairy tale movie.

14km Circular Ou Kraal One Day Trail (Starts with yellow signs & then back white signs)

This trail starts and ends at Queens River Base Camp, It offers a bit of everything, Starting off with a pine forests trail that continues all the way to the top of the mountain, through grasslands and a special rock outcrop (Our very own Stonehenge), passing a spring where you can fill up with ice cold mountain water. It then descents down the mountain with a zig-zag trail, this can be tough going down, we suggest wearing tight shoes or two pairs of socks. The trail then joins the Matumi River trail back to camp for the next 7km.

26km Two day Montrose Overnight trail (Starts with orange signs and back with white signs)

It winds 26km through mountain passes, indigenous forests and with 26 stream crossings (some with wooden bridges), through the Montrose Valley, Queens River Nature Reserve an Nelshoogte Plantation. The first day is a 16km trail with two options on accommodation, for those seeking the authentic hiker’s experience and looking for something special. For those that enjoy being out in nature the Matumi Bush Camp is a fenced camp in the Queensriver Nature Reserve. Situated on the banks of the Queens River which offers a basic camping experience, the brave can cool down in the river pools, a lapa to sit around the fire at night, a flushing toilet and a lots of hot water with a gas heated shower. Tents and mattresses can be rented if needed. The second day is a 10km trail that follows the Matumi Lane Trail back to camp. Along the route you will be treated to a wide variety of indigenous plants and animal species, including the 350 types of birds that are found here. The beauty of the Queen Rose hike is that anyone can do it, as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness and a pair of sturdy hiking boots. Some of the climbs may leave you a little short of breath and the views from the top will certainly take your breath away!

The Queen Rose hiking trail has it all, the spectacular views, incredible wildlife, entertaining river crossings and perfectly placed natural splash pools and waterfalls. What’s more, anyone can enjoy it from babies in backpacks to senior citizens. Yet the real beauty of the trail is that it enables you to slip away from the stresses of modern day life and reconnect with nature.

48km Three to Five day Overnight trail (Starts with dark blue, then orange signs and back with white signs)

This trail can be customised to suit, from a one day to a 4 day trail. This trail starts at the Nelshoogte Forestry Camp hikers Cabin and is perfect for those that don’t want to drive the 7km gravel road to queens base camp. The road to the log cabin is tarred all the way.

2 Day – Queen View Camp to Matumi Bush Camp and back to Queen View Camp

3 Day – Nelshooge Forestry Station Log Cabin to Queen View Camp to Matumi Camp and back to Nelshoogte

4 Day – Nelshooge Forestry Station Log Cabin to Queen View Camp to Matumi Camp to Queen View Camp and back to Nelshoogte

Trail options are:

To stay at the log cabin and explore Devils Knuckles, a mountain edge that divides Nelshoogte and the Barberton Basin. It has similar views to Kaapsche Hoop with views over the Barberton valley, a vertical drop of up to 500m on most knuckles. It also offers two separate dams for those interested in bass fishing.

Hike the 11km Devils Knuckles Trail to Queens Base Camp (It has an option passing a waterfall and a natural pool to cool down), overnight there and then do the 14km Ou Kraal and Matumi day trail. Overnight the second night at Queens Base Camp and hike back the third day to Nelshoogte Log Cabin.

Hike the 11km Devils Knuckles Trail to Queens Base Camp on day one (It has an option passing a waterfall and a natural pool to cool down), overnight at Queens Base Camp and then do the 16km Montrose Trail on day two, overnight at theMatumi Camp/Log Cabins, walk the 10km Matumi Lane trail back to Queens Base Camp on day three, overnight at Queens Base Camp and hike on the 11km Devels Knuckles Trail on day four back to the Nelshoogte Log Cabin.

Options are to add a night before or after at Nelshoogte Forestry Cabin