Right this way to the Wild Spirit Waterfall Trail.
After a previous day of soft steady rain I braved out in the cool morning air onto the Waterfall Trail at Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge.
I walked slowly with purpose so as not to slip on the moist trail yet reveled in the drops of water that clung to the dense growth.
So many little things to distract me on the way.
I’d been told to go past the first small waterfall.
But of course I lingered there for quite a while taking photos and enjoying the sound of the water.
Plus just ahead was a rather treacherous looking bridge with only a tiny string to hold on to. I always think about hurting myself while out hiking alone and wonder when someone would miss me and come looking. But I braved across with the utmost of caution.
I have to say the little pool looked inviting for a quick dip if the sun had been overhead to warm me afterwards.
Yet I wandered on and suddenly the big waterfall was ahead. Falling 262 feet (80 m) over rocky walls surrounded by lush rainforest, I sat lost in time taking in the magical energy.
Then suddenly it dawned on me that I couldn’t lollygag here all day as I was going with other guests on an outing to Monkeyland so had to return across that bridge and up the trail.
And somehow I missed the sign and ended up following the creek pushing my way through the forest.
I didn’t go far before realizing my mistake and was about to turn around when the little people set me straight.
I was almost back to the Lodge and hurrying a bit when one foot rolled into a hole and off the trail going down on my bum. I sat for several seconds to make sure all body parts worked and happily didn’t even twist an ankle, which I am prone to do. Most important I saved the camera and took a photo to document my low view. Of course this 30 minute walk took me nearly two hours, but what else is new.
When I return, as I must, I will spend an afternoon at the waterfalls and swim, and soak in the sun surrounded by this magical forest.
What a gorgeous hike to the falls! I’m surprised it only took you two hours. Definitely worth visiting more than once!
I am entranced by this place.
Oh my, you know how I LOVE waterfalls. This one and the entire hike are gorgeous. Even the bridge is scary/cool. It even has little people to protect ankle breakers like me. Just perfect!!
I knew you’d like this place. I’m sure glad the little people were there to watch over me.
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!!! I would also take hours and even more if I took the Waterfall trail. What a wonderful sight–well all sights were wonderful. ‘Oh take me back’! MB
Planning to return. Want to go?
I wanna go!! I’ve only been there in spirit. MB
Heading back in January. 🙂
Where is this? We have a trip to South Africa planned for 2015. This looks like our kind of place.
Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge is in Nature’s Valley. Check out this post to learn more. https://geogypsytraveler.com/2013/06/19/exchanging-energy-at-wild-spirit-backpackers-lodge-south-africa/ You’ll love it!
Great hike and post thanks
What a glorious trip! Thanks for sharing the trip, even the fall!
It really is a magically beautiful place … yes, when a place speaks to you this way, you must definitely go back.
I will definitely spend more time at Wild Spirit and all that embraces it.
This is such a stunning place Gaelyn!! I could have spent the whole day there myself and if it was warmer, a dip in the pools would have been fantastic. What an ideal place to take a picnic basket to and just relax with nature surrounding me!! We have to go back there for sure.
I am pleased you did not hurt yourself when you fell. Those slippery trails can be hell to navigate.
We will go back. They love to work on trade.
Beautiful hike, Gaelyn. Although I am not sure I could do the bridge. 🙂
A definite challenge.
I live for the 30 minute walks that turn into two hours.
On my little geocaching adventures, especially in strange surrroundings in other states I’ve often thought, this is great. There is not a soul on earth that has any idea where I’m at. Kind of scary though.
I’m pretty good about letting someone know where I’m headed, most of the time. But it can be exciting to think no one does.
Interesting place though I have to admit I am kind of missing posts about adventures near the North Rim.
I’ve been working a few canyon posts. Unfortunately I’m not there right now but hope to be back for fall colors.
Beautifully seductive photos. Not sure I’d have crossed that bridge, though. Am not so sure-footed!
It wasn’t as bad as it looks.
So magic! It looks you did the most out of it but ready to go back for new discoveries.
The forest does look magical. I love the waterfall photos. So beautiful. I can see why you want to go back.
I could hang out in this area for quite awhile. In fact, I believe it would be a great place to horseback ride on beach and in mountains.
You really have me interested in visiting Wild Spirit and with every post about it I’m getting more of an itch.
This is an affordable place to take the family with so much to see and do nearby. Get on it. And tell them Hi.