Spekboom Tours

04/03/2025

💎 Exploring the Jewel of Mpumalanga

Wakkerstroom, a historic gem founded in 1859, is brimming with stories from South Africa’s past. On our guided walk, Rita brought history to life, from the Bank Gallery—a former Nationale Bank turned vibrant art and artifact museum—to the beautifully restored Victorian homes lining the upper roads.

We visited landmarks like the mosque in the historic Indian quarter, where the imam welcomed us to admire its 1973 prayer carpet, and learned quirky tales about the Old Court House, a national monument with no cornerstone thanks to a fiery local feud.


Wakkerstroom’s charm lies in its rich history, preserved and celebrated by passionate locals ensuring these stories endure.

04/03/2025

☕️ Coffee and Community at Theressa’s Roastery 🌟

Day 3 of our Wakkerstroom Slackpack started with a visit to Theressa’s Roastery—a cozy haven where coffee lovers find their bliss. Theressa, a powerhouse of entrepreneurial spirit, transitioned from baking bread to roasting award-winning coffee. Her dedication paid off, earning her Coffee Magazine’s Community Café Award for 2024!

Theressa doesn’t just roast coffee; she’s on a mission to show the village what a truly great cup of coffee should taste like. We sampled 4–5 of her finest Arabica blends, each sip more delightful than the last.
Caffeinated and energized, we were ready to dive into Wakkerstroom’s rich history with our next guide, Rita Wiesemann.

27/02/2025

On the Wakkerstroom Slackpack, you’re bound to meet the village’s remarkable locals, and Bindura Brewery is no exception. Post-hike, we found ourselves at this little slice of heaven, created by overachievers extraordinaire: Paul Lessing (chemical engineer, pilot, and nephew of author Doris Lessing) and his talented ceramist wife, Julia.
Together, they’ve turned their passions into a thriving craft brewery, herb and iris farm, and vibrant pottery studio—all set against a dreamy English garden backdrop.
The lunch? Oh, it was as memorable as the company:
🍹 Homemade ginger beer & minted cordial
🥧 Seasonal veggie & hummus galettes
🍫 A deconstructed chocolate biscuit, lemon curd & meringue pie
While the cordials were divine, it was the craft beer that stole the show. One enthusiastic hiker summed it up best: “I’m ripped to the tits!”

27/02/2025

On the Wakkerstroom Slackpack, you’re bound to meet the village’s remarkable locals, and Bindura Brewery is no exception. Post-hike, we found ourselves at this little slice of heaven, created by overachievers extraordinaire: Paul Lessing (chemical engineer, pilot, and nephew of author Doris Lessing) and his talented ceramist wife, Julia.
Together, they’ve turned their passions into a thriving craft brewery, herb and iris farm, and vibrant pottery studio—all set against a dreamy English garden backdrop.
The lunch? Oh, it was as memorable as the company:
🍹 Homemade ginger beer & minted cordial
🥧 Seasonal veggie & hummus galettes
🍫 A deconstructed chocolate biscuit, lemon curd & meringue pie
While the cordials were divine, it was the craft beer that stole the show. One enthusiastic hiker summed it up best: “I’m ripped to the tits!”

21/02/2025

🌄 Day Two: Rolling Hills, Waterfalls, and Rupert’s Charm! 💧✨

Our second day of slackpacking took us to a nearby farm, where the rolling grassy mountains stretched endlessly, untouched by plows and gently grazed by free-range sheep and cattle.

Leading the way was Rupert, our sprightly 70-something guide and Wakkerstroom’s unofficial MVP. A former businessman turned community hero, Rupert’s retirement is anything but quiet. From volunteering to rallying locals, he’s the glue that holds this vibrant village together—and the energy behind our hike’s success.
Under the Wakkerstroom Walking Association’s banner (a lovely local group), Rupert guided us on an 8 km trail to a hidden gem: a waterfall nestled in a rocky amphitheater. With natural “seating” for our weary legs, we soaked in the serenity of this untouched paradise. 🥾🍃

16/02/2025

🎒🍷 Slackpacking = Eating Well! 🍴✨
Let’s face it, one of the best parts of slackpacking is the food! On the Wakkerstroom hike, we indulged at The Red Rooster Restaurant with dishes like Middle Eastern aubergine bakes, creamy prawn linguine, and panko-crumbed moussaka, all paired perfectly with crisp wine. 🍷🌿
The culinary magic comes from chef and owner Denise Schuil, a French Canadian who found her calling in Wakkerstroom. Seven years ago, she transformed a failing pub into the beloved family-friendly spot it is today. “A Canadian flag adorned one wall, emblazoned with the Latin motto, Inter Flumina et Montes—“Between Rivers and Mountains.” It was a message from the universe that she couldn’t ignore, a sign that this place was meant to be her home and her canvas.”

14/02/2025

After a hearty farm-style breakfast, we grabbed our walking sticks and set off on a gentle 13km adventure through Wakkerstroom’s breathtaking wetlands. Led by Lucky Ngwenya, a BirdLife-qualified guide with 20+ years of experience, we discovered a world of avian wonders—Rock Martins, Red Bishops, Longclaws, and more, all brought to life by Lucky’s passion and incredible bird-spotting skills.
We strolled through grassy paths Lucky knew from childhood, passing delicate wildflowers and roads nicknamed “wet bum roads” for their muddy splashes. Atop a rocky koppie, we paused for snacks and enjoyed sweeping views of the Utaga River winding through the Natural Heritage wetlands.

The highlight? A picnic at the Clive Beck bird hide, where Lucky unveiled a telescope, giving us an up-close look at Squacco Herons, Swamp Hens, and other waterbirds in their natural habitat.

The day ended with a stroll along historic boardwalks and the Paul Kruger Bridge, blending nature, history, and culture into an unforgettable journey. Two heritage sites, vibrant wetlands, and endless birding magic—Wakkerstroom truly is a paradise for nature lovers! 🌾🐦 Credits to Linda Eedes photography https://www.lephoto.co.za/

07/02/2025

☀️ After two weeks of gloomy skies and endless rain in November, Wakkerstroom welcomed me with brilliant blue skies—perfect for embarking on our the slackpacking tour!

Our base was the idyllic Forellenhof Guest Farm, perched above lush green hills overlooking the village. As the group of 11 adventurous women arrived, the buzz of excitement was contagious. Some snapped photos of the farm's adorable animals 🐓🐑🐱, while others relaxed with a well-deserved gin and tonic after braving the Johannesburg traffic.
The best part of slackpacking? All the logistics, meals, and planning are handled, leaving us free to enjoy the magic. 🥾✨

04/02/2025

☕️ Coffee and Community at Theressa’s Roastery 🌟

Day 3 of our Wakkerstroom Slackpack started with a visit to Theressa’s Roastery—a cozy haven where coffee lovers find their bliss. Theressa, a powerhouse of entrepreneurial spirit, transitioned from baking bread to roasting award-winning coffee. Her dedication paid off, earning her Coffee Magazine’s Community Café Award for 2024!

Theressa doesn’t just roast coffee; she’s on a mission to show the village what a truly great cup of coffee should taste like. We sampled 4–5 of her finest Arabica blends, each sip more delightful than the last.
Caffeinated and energized, we were ready to dive into Wakkerstroom’s rich history with our next guide, Rita Wiesemann.

04/02/2025

My first encounter with this little gem was back in 2019 during my honeymoon, and I was instantly smitten. 🥰 With its rustic charm, beautifully preserved Victorian homes, and top-notch yet budget-friendly restaurants, Wakkerstroom stole my heart. Surrounded by rolling grassy landscapes and pristine wetlands, it’s a paradise for any nature and bird lover. 🌾🦆

Fast forward five years—I'm still happily married (yay! 💍), and my love for Wakkerstroom love-affair has only grown stronger. At my husband’s very wise suggestion, I’ve created a three-day slackpacking itinerary to showcase its magic.

In November last year, I was lucky enough to host an amazing group of 11 dynamic ladies to sample this adventure! Over the next three days, I’ll be sharing some juicy details and unforgettable highlights from that trip. 🥾✨ Check out the full itinerary on my website:

A fully inclusive 3-day slackpack hike in Wakkerstroom

03/01/2025

Slackpack! 🌿

📅 When: Thursday, 27th February – Sunday, 2nd March 2025
💰 Cost: Only R6300 pps (this year’s experience at last year’s rates!)
✨ Why join?

No admin stress—we’ve got the group covered!
Incredible hikes through the stunning Midlands, complete with amazing views and summer vibes.
🚶‍♂️ Only 6 spots left, so don’t miss out! Email me at [email protected] to book your spot today. Let’s make memories on the trail! 🥾🌄

30/12/2024

🌿 Hey fellow slackpackers! 🌿
Dreaming about your next epic getaway? While you're scrolling, why not lock in some adventure? We've got a scheduled Karkloof Midlands slackpack lined up from Thursday, 27th February to Sunday, 2nd March 2025, perfect for individuals to join. No group hassle—just you, the trail, and good company! 🥾✨
Only 6 spots left, so don’t wait too long to decide. Let me know if you’re keen, please drop me a whatsapp

24/12/2024

24/12/2024

🌟 Looking for the perfect post-Christmas escape once the festive madness winds down? 🌟

Join us for an unforgettable Karkloof Falls to Falls 3-Day Slackpack from Thursday, 27th February to Sunday, 2nd March 2025. 🥾✨

🌿 What’s in store?

Fully guided hikes through breathtaking Midlands landscapes
Visits to hidden waterfalls each day 💧
All-inclusive comfort and adventure for just R6300 per person sharing—this year’s experience at last year’s rates!
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Email me at [email protected] to book your spot. Let’s chase waterfalls together! 🌈💦

The Old Mushroom Farm@

05/11/2024

Spring is the perfect time for a walking adventure! 🌼🌿 Sure, you might have to dodge a few rain showers or the occasional hailstorm, but trust me, it's worth it—Nature is in full bloom! This October, I had the pleasure of taking a fabulous group of ladies on the Midlands Falls2Falls hike, and it did not disappoint.

The Clivias may have been saying their goodbyes, but we were treated to the early beauty of orchids like Eulophias, Merwillas nervosa, and the stunning Pelargonium luridum. And oh, that sweet scent of Cape Honeysuckle in the air? It made me feel alive and younger than ever! 🍃✨

For those wishing to do the Midlands Falls to Falls we have a scheduled tour 13th-16th March 2025.

30/10/2024

Finally writing a blog of all the hikes and slackpack Spekboom Tours have completed in the past 7 years. Wow its been quite a journey!!

Back to nature Slack pack hiking in the Dargle Valley KZN Midlands. An introduction to the mysteries of the Mist-belt forest

20/10/2024

Even though we're at the tail end of Clivia season, I was ecstatic to discover a stunning new pocket of orange Clivia gardens on some of the fresh trails opening up in Shawswood! With over 300 hectares of indigenous Mistbelt forest to explore, we’re in for an amazing floral treat this Spring! 🌸✨

Can’t wait to share this beautiful experience with everyone!
conservancy

16/10/2024

This past month, we had the joy of taking 20 children from Lions River Primary into the magical Mistbelt forest in the Dargle. With binoculars in hand, they eagerly spotted the majestic Knysna Loerie and the elusive Starred Robin 🦅. Along the forest trail, they discovered animal tracks like porcupine and bushpig and let the peace of nature wash over them.

We ended the day with a picnic at Crab Apple—chocolate cake, birdsong, and bubbling streams creating the perfect moment! 🍰🌳 Huge thanks to Apple Cottages and and for making it all possible! 🙌

program