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Things To Do
WALKING, HIKING & MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Without having to leave the property, guests are welcome to walk around the farm and enjoy the sense of space and rural life. There is a large network of mountain bike and trail-running trails within a few kilometres of The Aloes Farm, including the network in the plantations near Grace College (5km away) and the 40-plus km of trails in the Hilton College Estate (access requires a permit). Slightly further afield are the internationally renowned MTB trails of the Karkloof (approx. 30 min drive) and the downhill MTB trails of Cascades (approx. 20 min drive). Ask us for a list of places to walk, run and cycle.
ANIMALS & WILDLIFE
The Aloes Farm is situated within the Umgenyane Conservation Area and we often see warthog, reedbuck, blesbok, hares, and a rich bird life on our farm and the neighbouring properties. We love the fact that we hear jackal and zebras in the distance in the evenings. We also have a herd of beef cattle that periodically graze the farm.
COFFEE SHOPS & RESTAURANTS
Hilton Village has several excellent restaurants if you aren’t in the mood for cooking, and a wide selection of coffee shops, from the ultra-quaint and cosy to franchised establishments. If you find yourself on the run, then there are also several options for take-aways, as well as supermarkets and bottle stores for any provisions you may need. We maintain an updated list of these shops that we send our guests on request.
SPORTING & CULTURAL EVENTS
The Aloes Farm is a stone’s throw from Hilton College and is thus the perfect place for friends or family who are attending The Hilton Arts Festival, Hilton-Michaelhouse Rugby, or other sporting events. Many sporting and cultural events are based in the Midlands and The Aloes Farm is perfectly positioned for families and friends competing in events such as the Midmar Mile, the Duzi Canoe Marathon, the Comrades Marathon, or the Nelson Mandela Marathon.
MIDLANDS MEANDER
The Aloes Farm is in a prime position for guests to enjoy the very wide range of activities found in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, include all those associated with the popular Midlands Meander. We have compiled a list of great places to visit for our guests, or they can find more information on the Midlands Meander website.
WALKING ART TOUR IN HILTON
Enjoy a wonderful one-kilometre stroll along Hilton Avenue, enjoying ‘The Other Side Gallery’ which celebrates street art by a variety of local artists! This gallery is continuously being updated, so it’s worth walking the tour every couple of months to see the new art works. A Google Maps link is available for guests.
SCHOOL EVENTS
The Hilton area is very well endowed with good schools, many of which offer boarding facilities, and The Aloes Farm is conveniently located immediately adjacent to the Hilton College estate and within 10 km of St Anne’s, Laddsworth and Cowan House schools. It is thus an ideal stay for parents who are attending school sports events or other functions, or just visiting their children.