Our group hiked the Waterkloof trail on a warm day in late spring. It is an out-and-back trail which is marked as 9km, but our group measured it between 10 and 12km. About 5km out and 5km back. We started from the picnic area next to the campsite.

The trail follows a path beside a stream, which we crossed again and again. Some tried to keep their feet dry as long as possible, but after the first few kilometers everyone had wet feet. We hiked under the cover of thick trees, passing under large ferns, bigger than a person, which grow up the sides of the kloof.

500m before the waterfall, there are two options: a short, steep clambering route up and over an outcrop, or a short swim through the deep river. Both options take a few minutes. Our group split up here, but we were able to stay in earshot of each other.

The waterfall is a great place for a picnic and swimming. It was only a water trickle this time, but we have seen it flowing, and there have been some instances when the hike was closed due to flooding. Always check with the park before going.

We crossed the stream multiple times, so shoes like the Merrell Agility Peaks are great to have. The Vibram soles prevent slipping in wet conditions, and they are lightweight, so they dry quickly.

The trail is marked at the entrance of the kloof, and then nothing after that. There are a few rock cairns here and there.