On Saturday, 24 September 2024, Venturo hosted a truly unique event—our very first “Hike & Riddle” at the stunning Kings Kloof Trails. With the sun just peeking over the horizon, a group of eager adventurers gathered at 07:30, ready to tackle the easy yet captivating 6km trail. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, especially since many of our participants were first-time hikers. Interestingly, we saw a lot of couples join us for this experience, adding a special touch of camaraderie to the day.
A Journey Through Nature’s Beauty
The adventure began at the Kings Kloof Trails coffee stand, where our Venturo organiser greeted the group with a warm welcome. After a brief overview of the event and a quick safety talk, we set off on a trail that promised breathtaking scenery and a few brain-teasing surprises along the way.
As we zig-zagged through a beautiful forest, the early morning light created a magical reflection on the surface of the dam we passed by. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone why getting up early was worth it. The trail then led us up a gentle hill to a natural waterfall, where the sound of cascading water and the sight of large boulders offered the perfect spot for a quick snack break. Some of the participants took a moment to relax and soak in the serenity of the scene. As we continued, we were greeted by the sight of healthy cows grazing peacefully in a nearby field—nature at its finest.
Riddles & Reflections: A Learning Experience
The event was also a test of our new riddle-based activity. Scattered along the trail were QR codes, each one containing a riddle designed to challenge the mind as much as the trail challenged the legs. One of the riddles that stumped a few hikers was:
“I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?”
The answer? A keyboard!
While the riddles added an element of fun and distraction from the uphill climbs, we learned a lot from this first run. We realised that a few tweaks were needed—fewer QR codes, more riddles per code, and a stronger focus on the environment and fun facts about the area. We’re excited to refine this concept and make future hikes even more engaging.
A Memorable Finish
After the hike, tired but happy participants shared their thoughts, and it was clear that the combination of hiking and riddles was a hit. Many of them took the opportunity to explore nearby activity businesses or enjoy a well-deserved breakfast at the Kings Kloof Restaurant. The day ended on a high note, with everyone looking forward to the next adventure.
Looking Ahead: More Adventures to Come
This event was just the beginning. We’re already planning more “Hike & Riddle” events, with even more interactive elements and surprises. The idea is to bring a fresh twist to hiking, making it not just about the physical journey but also about engaging the mind and learning something new along the way.
Capturing the Moments: Vee’s Debut
We were also thrilled to introduce our mascot, Vee the Squirrel, in a fun new way. Vee made his first appearance as an Instagram Stories filter, where he perched playfully on participants’ shoulders. We encouraged everyone to take photos with Vee, share them to their stories, and tag @Discover_Venturo. The response was fantastic, with participants enthusiastically snapping photos and sharing their experiences.
Feel free to try him out: https://www.instagram.com/ar/489355874043803/
Visual Highlights
Our event was captured in stunning photos, showcasing everything from the initial setup to participants scanning QR codes, the beautiful scenery, and the group enjoying the trail. These images are a testament to the success of the event and the joy it brought to everyone involved.
Website | https:// www.kingskloofvenue.co.za/ |
Contact: | 066-316-0952 |
Operating Hours: | Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 06:00 – 15:00 |
Pricing | R 50 |
Location | Kings Kloof Trails, Muldersdrift, 1794 |