Leopard-Guinea Fowl-Tufa Trail Guide
The Leopard-Guinea Fowl-Tufa Trail has incredible views of Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rovendols just as you start off! This is my favorite hike in the area because there are three incredible swimming holes. Do not miss this hike
Leopard-Guinea Fowl-Tufa Trail Basics:
- 3 hours (including stops) / 7km+
- Difficulty: Moderate 3/4
- Loop, start by 1pm
- Cost per person: R50. Cards accepted.
- Location: Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort
Trail options
The Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort has several trails on its property. You can combo many of the trails together to make your hike longer or you can choose to do the shorter routes. One of the most popular options for avid hikers is the Leopard-Guinea Fowl-Tufa trail combo. The views throughout the hike are incredible and you can take a dip in 2 swimming holes and Tufa Falls.
Check out the trail options here.
Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort Hike Map
I’ve got to learn to take a picture of maps before the hike… The blue highlight starting at “World’s End” is where the Leopard Trail begins.
Leopard-Guinea Fowl-Tufa Trail Guide
You’ll stop at the Blyde River Canyon Resort entrance to pay your hiking fee and to get the map. You’ll also need to register your entry time.
From there, head to restaurant parking. Then, hike up the staircase and take the path to the bus turn around. After 10 or so minutes the trail begins at the end of the road.
Before getting on the Leopard trail, stop to see the Three Rondavels viewpoint (to the right of the Leopard trail). You’ll have these stunning views for most of your hike!
Leopard trail
The trail starts with a descent. Follow the yellow Leopard paw prints on rocks and trees to stay on the trail. Walk with care over the rocks and dust. Look out for the duiker, a cute antelope species that are around these areas. We saw two just as we got on the trail.
I frequently stopped to take photos. The views are incredible.
Guinea Fowl trail
The Leopard trail eventually merges with the Guinea Fowl trail after about an hour. Here, you’ll follow blue Guinea Fowl markings. The Guinea Fowl trail has two lovely swimming hole spots. You’ll cross the first on your left. This is nice but go a couple of meters forward and you’ll find (a mini) heaven with a tiny waterfall.
The water is ICY, and the rocks are slippery. Don’t think about it and just jump into the water to say you’ve done it! On a hot day, this is the best thing you can find. I promise you’ll feel SO refreshed afterward.
The pic on the left is the first swimming hole you’ll encounter, go a little further and this magical pool (pic on the right) will be on your right.
Continue the Guinea Fowl trail until it reaches the Tufa trail.
Tufa Trail
I felt like I was in Rivendell while on the Tufa trail hike. The trail is in the forest along a stream. Water flows over mossy rocks and cascades. Tufa Falls is a small yet beautiful waterfall. You should jump into the waterfall pool here. It’s also icy… but so worth it.
After your dip, you’re almost at the end of the hike! Tufa trail begins its ascent back to the resort and you’ll end up back at the restaurant.
Leopard-Guinea Fowl-Tufa Trail Tips
The hike took us 3 hours as we stopped for lunch and two jumps into the waterfall pools. More motivated hikers can likely do the trail in 2 hours.
Hike in your swimsuit so you can jump in the water at any time.
Bring around 1.5 liters of water per person on the hike
Read the All-Trails reviews of the hike here.
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