The Kaapsehoop Wattles hiking trail is situated in the Ngodwana/Kaapsehoop area.
Although the trail is on plantation ground it doesn't lead through the pine forests very often. The plantations don't go right to the edge of the cliff, they leave some space for grassland and other indigenous trees and plants.
The first part of the trail descends down into a little valley with pine and indigenous forest. The trail follows the valley for quite a while before it makes a steep short exit. Now it contours along the cliff edge for a long time (mainly going slightly downhill). When the Starvation Creek valley has been reached the trail follows those contours but now it is all slightly uphill. A good lunch spot is the top of the waterfall of the Starvation Creek. From here it is further uphill, through some pine forest, a group of tree ferns and a wetland before you reach the Wattles hut.
The second day first leads you to the top of the plateau with mainly grassland before descending gradually partly through pine and blue gum forests. Then the trail joins the first part of the first day in reverse, going through the valley again.
Due to forest work the trail might be rerouted but is always well marked.

The Kaapsehoop Wattles hiking trail has good facilities at both Barretts Coaches and Wattles Hut.
Barretts Coaches has the special setup of the train coaches being the sleeping accommodation. There are electricity, hot showers and a big braai area.
Wattles Hut has hot water/shower (provided by a so-called donkey), no electricity but also a braai area.
The white markers for the trail have recently been painted over so there is no problem in following the trail.

Area of Kaapsehoop Wattles Hiking Trail Map