For years, I’ve looked out from New Hanover towards the Blinkwater, wondering what lay beyond those rolling hills. Strangely, few locals seemed to know much about it. But when I realised I had an acquaintance farming nearby, I knew it was time to explore.
Early Friday morning, we set off from Kloof with the Beer Troopy, taking the scenic back roads through the Umgeni and Dusi Valleys—also known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills—towards New Hanover, Seven Oaks, and the Umvoti Vlei before reaching our farming friends.
In New Hanover, we made a compulsory stop at the New Hanover Butchery—a proper institution in these parts—to stock up on biltong and a few German speciality meats. It’s always worth a stop!
Nestled at the far end of the Karkloof mountain range, the Blinkwater Nature Reserve is a stunning mix of indigenous forest, grasslands, and commercial plantations. It’s not freely accessible, as it falls under the management of private landowners—Sappi, Mondi, and KZN Ezemvelo. Permits are required for day walks and overnight hikes, ensuring the area remains protected.
Our host, Wolfgang, took us on a drive through the vast timber plantations managed by Mondi. He also showed us the remains of an old narrow-gauge railway line, built in the early 1910s, which once transported natural timber from Blinkwater to New Hanover. From there, he led us to the edge of the indigenous forest.
The recent rains had left the trails muddy and treacherous, and, much to my dismay, I soon found myself in a rather precarious position—one I couldn’t escape without some serious help. Enter my brother-in-law, Vic, who thankfully lives just 30 minutes away and came to my rescue.
By the time we wrapped up our adventure, we were exhausted, and all thoughts of camping for the night had long been abandoned. Instead, we made our way back to Kloof, content after a day of exploration, laughter, and a fair share of slippery lessons learned.
Douglas Smith Cottage, found in the southern section of the reserve, is a replica of the original Smith family homestead, built in 1905, alongside a well-constructed cattle kraal that still stands nearby. The Smiths used this cottage during seasonal cattle treks from their colder Mooi River farm to the relatively warmer pastures of Blinkwater. The surrounding arboretum includes trees planted by the Smith family around the same time the Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg were being established—offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era.