The Mountain Company - Hiker Sandi Leigh Moore’s journey from athlete to mountain muse

Sandi Leigh Moore arrived in Magoebaskloof in 2008 as a countryside farmgirl at heart, albeit one clad in urban armour: a system-programmed business owner, an athlete and a nature-lover who carried her fast dedication everywhere she went. “Haenertsburg is a beautiful holiday destination to take a break from the real world,” she thought.  "It offers magical mountains to cycle over and crystal clear streams to stop and drink from when trail running" That sure is not what big cities offer.

She had been warned about the mist. They said “It creeps into your head and changes how you view life”. She was told by locals that if she lived on the mountain she would not be able to leave. She did not believe them… but she eventually came anyway. When a mountain calls your name, it is etched in the valley echoes, inscribed in the depths of your heart. Seventeen years later she still cannot leave.

Sandi made Haenertsburg her second home away from Gauteng, visiting every month or two until she bought her “Homeindahills” in 2012. Five years later she had foot surgery and the surgeon said six weeks before she could run again. Being an avid triathlete, cyclist, aerobics instructor and personal trainer, she could not wait to live out that dream in this paradise. She has never run again. But that’s a sad story. Let us focus on what transpired as a result.

Sandi had established The Mountain Company in 2010, focusing on mountain-bike training camps, hiking, trail-running and promoting the region as an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Exploring the vast indigenous rain forests of Woodbush Forest Reserve, the rolling grasslands of the Haenertsburg Louis Changuion Trail, the crags and peaks of Limpopo’s highest summit - the Iron Crown, and the pristine wilderness areas of Wolkberg Wilderness, she discovered that she was not walking through nature; she was becoming one with it. She was being drawn back to her roots.

She started walking barefoot and stopping for photos instead became quiet time to absorb birdsong or to listen to her heartbeat in tune with the wind rustling through the leaves. It became easier to forget about what time she started and finished and instead focus on the journey, the adventure, the sightings, the quiet time: to explore the palpable connection that she felt when in the natural world. 

Sandi discovered that a saying she had considered a cliché “true happiness is found in all that money cannot buy” suddenly made sense when she took time to really appreciate the birds, bees and butterflies or the dappled sunlight through the forest trees. With access to areas not open to the public, she offers a large variety of trails: from routes for the fit hiker wanting a fast-paced 10-20 km mountain trail to first-time walkers venturing gently into a forest. She also offers outdoor walks coupled with art, poetry, meditation, breathwork, tree-hugging, water-therapy, soul-searching, as well as interactive public events or corporate and private group bookings.

Whether you come to Magoebaskloof to challenge yourself with the area’s highest peak; to hike in calm reflection beside a stream; or to simply breathe deeply beneath the canopy of an ancient forest, The Mountain Company invites you to slow your rhythm, to feel your pulse match your footsteps, to notice the shimmering mist as it creeps into your consciousness and changes how you view life. If you feel the mountain calling, you will know you have come home.

Visit The Mountain Company on Facebook, MagoebaskloofmountainCompany on Instagram, email mistymountainvillage@gmail.com  or WhatsApp 082 441 8088

A Dog’s Guide to the Good Life In Magoebaskloof & Haenertsburg

By your four-legged travel correspondent, Lucky the Mountain Mutt

If you’re a dog with a nose for adventure (and have a human who knows how to drive), point your snout towards the misty mountains of Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg. Here, the air smells like pine needles and possibility, and there’s no shortage of sticks, streams, and sunny spots to nap in. With pet-friendly accommodation from lodges to camping and welcoming restaurants, it is a great getaway for you and your humans.  Whether you’re a muddy-pawed explorer, a café connoisseur, or a social butterfly with a wag that never stops, this corner of the world was made for us canines.  And yes, the drive from Jozi is totally doable, even for the most eager tail-waggers.

For the Trailblazers and Stick-chasers

Paws up if you’re a bush-loving hound ready for adventure. Let’s start with the great outdoors - my favourite part of any trip. There are forests, mountains, and sparkling dams to explore, it’s a doggy dream come true. There are endless paths to follow, each one scented with new stories but the streets of Haenertsburg are the perfect start for a gentle morning stroll from where you overnighted at the Pennefather gold miner-style cottages, Art Gallery Guesthouse, Clivia Corner or Toi Home in da Hills.  While your humans sip their take-away Krabbefontein coffee from Bistro, you can patrol proudly, tail high, soaking in the mountain charm.  When you’re ready to stretch your legs a bit more, head up to the Haenertsburg Grasslands - a paradise of rolling hills and wildflowers, where you can feel the wind through your fur.

Stay & Play

For a weekend retreat that combines comfort and adventure, Zwakala River Retreat is a dream. Humans love it for the peace and quiet but there’s also a river for a refreshing dip, shady trees for naps, and open space galore. If your tail starts wagging at the thought of new friends, - human and canine alike - Zwakala Brewery (on the same farm) is the spot. It’s one big open-air playground with craft beer for the humans, grassy stretches for us, and music that keeps everyone’s spirits high.  Your people can enjoy a lovely lunch, while you indulge in more than a little joyful romping with Zwakala’s resident hounds and a motley crew of cocker spaniels, labradors and no-name brands. 

Other spots like Mountain Fly Fishing; Magoebaskloof Getaway; Coral Tree and the Forest & Bird Song Campsites also welcome dogs - perfect if your idea of bliss is exploring forests and dams or snoozing by a campfire while the stars twinkle above.  If you’re more the cottage type (you know, cozy corners and a crackling fire), Boscobel Cottages and The Old Dairy or group-friendly houses like Diggersrest Lodge and Boschoek Farmstay are top picks. They come with plenty of garden space for a quick zoomie session and lots more to explore in the surrounding area.

For the Sophisticated Mutt

Not all dogs are the adventurous type - some of us appreciate a little refinement and scenic views to gaze out onto. If that’s you, get your people to check into Viewpoint Estate Cabins, where comfort meets mountain majesty. The vistas will make your human sigh with happiness while you curl up on the deck, pretending to guard the valley below.  When it’s time for an outing, trot into Haenertsburg where The Eatery, The Red Plate, Bistro, InniBerg and Stella’s Farm Deli serve up smiles and satisfying foodie treats for your human companions.

For the Foodie Furball

Let’s be honest: we dogs love food almost as much as we love our humans. Luckily, these mountains deliver in delicious ways. Krabbefontein Café. at the bottom of the Magoebaskloof Pass, is pet-friendly and has created a Furry Friends Menu which will make your ears perk up.  Try their Woof Loaf with chicken liver, gizzards veggies, oats and eggs.  They even offer other paw-approved delicacies like peanut butter biscuits and a Furry Cocktail of coconut milk, fruit and veg juice if you are the type to turn up your nose at the water bowl. 

For the Social Butterfly (or Should I Say Social Spaniel?)

Apart from the socialising hotspot at Zwakala Brewery, a great option for well-behaved hounds is Blueberry Heights Café where a wooden deck overlooks Stanford Lake.  Your humans can indulge in Blueberry cheesecake after a delicious meal which might motivate them to join you for the Saturday 5km Fun run.  You can even fraternise with a resident herd of sheep in the grassy fields around the blueberry orchards where your humans can pick their own.

And for a true local experience with an outdoor area, pop into the Pot ’n Plow or Magoebaskloof Farmstall, where you’re guaranteed a pat on the head and maybe a sneaky snack if you sit nicely.  The friendly staff and relaxed, tail-wagging atmosphere is always a hit and your two-legged friends will love the extensive menu options.  For a quieter social scene, Cheerio Gardens Café, Inni-Berg Coffee Shop, and Moi Café all make for great meet-and-greet spots - ideal for catching up with locals (and hoping someone drops a titbit or two).

For the Dreamers and Dozers

At the end of the day, nothing beats curling up beside your human on your travelling bed and blankie while mist drifts through the trees outside. There’s usually a fireplace and that unmistakable peace that only the mountains can offer.  And when you dream, as dogs do, it will be with paws scrabbling over imaginary trails, and small contented yips remembering the treats and the friendly faces. Here in Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg, life really is a dog’s life and let’s face it, that’s a very good thing!

Tail-End Tip:

Magoebaskloof is a ‘pawsome’ getaway all about these simple, joyful moments that every four-legged friend deserves. So, hounds, pack up your hoomans, grab your leash and get ready for a holiday filled with great places to explore with tail-wagging joy!

Glamping at AfriCamps Magoebaskloof - Premium Tents

A fresh chapter has unfolded at Cheerio Gardens with the arrival of the new AfriCamps Premium glamping tents, designed to elevate the art of slow travel and restorative escape. These beautifully crafted studio units take the much-loved AfriCamps experience to another level, offering generous space, refined finishes, and a deep sense of calm. Created specifically for couples in search of comfort, connection, and a touch of indulgence, they promise a retreat that feels both intimate and expansive.

Step inside and the attention to detail is immediately evident. The open-plan layout flows from the fully-equipped studio kitchen to the inviting king-size bed, framed by soft textures and natural tones. A stylish walk-in shower provides a spacious, soothing start to the day, while thoughtful touches such as a Nespresso machine, electric blankets, and an indoor fireplace ensure comfort in every season. Outside, each tent features a private wood-fired hot tub, a built-in braai, and a generous 30 square-metre elevated deck with a netted hammock and sun loungers. This is the perfect place to linger with a morning coffee or watch the last light fall across the gardens

Cheerio Gardens has long been known for its charming AfriCamps Magoebaskloof tents, where families and friends enjoy high-quality two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, and welcoming living areas that open to decks with sweeping views. The Premium tents now complement this offering with a dedicated romantic hideaway for couples who want to experience glamping in its most luxurious form. The trend continues to flourish across Europe, and international guests are increasingly drawn to South Africa for this blend of wilderness, comfort, and adventure.

Between wandering through the lush gardens and quiet hours spent beside the dam at Cheerio Café, with its homemade pizzas and famous surroundings, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy  a myriad of activities in the area. These new Premium AfriCamps tents offer a beautiful new way to experience the magic of Magoebaskloof which will linger with you long after you leave.

WhatsApp Cheerio Gardens on 071 771 5152  or email hello@cheeriogardens.co.za