Orange Route
Basotho Walk (1–7)
My favourite on a hot day – almost entirely shaded and effortlessly cool. Start at the main gate (1), drift down the leafy path to the tranquil Coot Dam picnic spot (2), cross the stream and follow the water’s edge until you loop to the tractor playground (3). Right beside it sits the windmill peach orchard (4) – pick and eat ripe peaches at the nearby benches (5). Or choose even deeper shade along Duiker’s Way (6), spotting tiny antelope tracks, passing the carved sandstone channels (8), and ending at the secluded Basotho viewpoint (7) – the perfect hidden picnic place.
Yellow Route
Waterway (8–15)
A magical (currently dry) waterway of surprises. Walk uphill from the sandstone channels (8), pause halfway at the Listening Post (9) to hear bells dancing with birdsong, then continue to the string of ponds (10), the glowing Golden structure (11), the sweet Little Basotho nook (12), and the dramatic Staircase Dam (13). On your way back, lose yourself in the maze (14) and let the kids loose on the playground (15) with its jaw-dropping view over Clarens.
Red Route
Stargazer’s way (16–25)
Camera essential – the vistas are breathtaking. Begin at Willow Tree Dam (16), linger at Yellowbill Duck Dam (17), then climb gently to the Earthmother and Zen structures (19–20) – Earthmother’s getting her new outfit soon). Rest under the Pergola (21) after greeting “The Guardian” sculpture, then stroll the easy path up to the Stargazer viewpoint (23) with its clever sundial and compass points. Wind down through the peaceful Spiral Garden (24), pay respects at the Anchor (25), and if you still have energy, take the stone staircase for one final panoramic reward.