HIKING DESTINATIONS

EASTERN CAPE HIKES
BEN MACDHUI HIKING TRAIL - Rhodes
The Ben Macdhui Hiking Trail is situated in the vicinity of the picturesque little town of Rhodes, 60 km from Barkly East and some 400 km from both Bloemfontein and East London.
Rhodes is situated at an altitude of 1 845 meter above sea level and also boasts with the highest mountain pass in South Africa (Naudés Neck Pass: 2 500 m above sea level). The hiking trail winds along the foot of the highest mountain peak in the Cape Province (Ben Macdhui: 3001 m above sea level), while the Hooggenoeg overnight hut, at 2 535 m above sea level, is the highest on a hiking trail in South Africa. The rare Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer), which is only found in the high Drakensberg and Lesotho, can be seen in the area. In summer, a special kind of flower, the Dolos Dobo Lily, can be found on the higher slopes, where it grows only from an altitude of 2 450 m up 103 200 m. If you are seeking silence, unspoiled scenic beauty and true peace for your soul, you will find it on the Ben Macdhui hiking trail

Although the hiking trail is routed out in the Drakensberg. It is not very steep. Parts of the route, however, runs over rough terrain, giving it a moderate to somewhat high degree of difficulty. The trail is not recommended for inexperienced hikers or unfit people (also due to the risks arising from the weather). The route is marked with yellow paint on rocks and fence poles. Hikers must keep to the marked route, because the entire route runs over privately owned land. Also be sure to pay attention to the markers and look out for changes in direction. The accompanying map must be used throughout, because of the possibility that markers may be covered in snow.

Overnight Facilities: In Rhodes, the Exodus NG Church camp is available to hikers to spend the night in before they take to the trail. The overnight huts on the trail are each equipped with beds, mattresses, drinking-water, longdrop toilets, a gas stove (3 burners), kettle, cooking pots, wash basin, bucket and garbage bin. In each overnight hut a coal stove has been installed for heating in winter. Coal is provided. The huts can accommodate 24 hikers.
Reservations and enquiries: Mnr G. van Zyl, Ben Macdui Hiking Trail, PO Box 299, Barkly-Oos, 5580. Tel. (04542) vra 9212 of 7021

KOMPASBERG HIKING TRAIL - Between Middelburg and Graaff Reinet
Situated in the Sneeuberg range between Middelburg and Graaff Reinet, some 350 km from Bloemfontein. The area is dominated by the impressive Compassberg, which stands out from the surrounding mountains and resembles the Matterhorn in the Alps. The area offers an interesting variety of Karoo scenery, fauna, flora, rock formations, as well as signs of dinosaurs and Bushmen presence of earlier ages. A variety of trail options are available, offering a two or three day trail, a day trip to climb Compassberg, as well as a short day walk.
Number of Days: 2-4
Total distance in km: 30+
Max number of hikers: 12
Reservations and enquiries: Mrs I Sheard, PO Box 205, Middelburg, 5900. Tel. (04924) 22418

LAMMERGEYER HIKING TRAIL - Lady Grey
Situated near Lady Grey in the Witteberg range of the North Eastern Cape, some 280 km from Bloemfontein. This route offers the hiker magnificent mountain scenery with crystal-clear streams, wooded valleys, fascinating sandstone formations, high basalt cliffs and views that will really take your breath away. The area has a kind of Drakensberg character. Snowfalls occur quite frequently in winter on the high-lying areas. This areas is still home to the rare Lammergeyer while rhebuck are seen frequently.
Number of Days: 1-5
Total distance in km: 35+
Max number of hikers: 15
Reservations and enquiries: Mrs M. Isted, PO Box 123, Lady Grey, 9755. Tel. (051) 6891491

OTTER TRAIL- Storms River Mouth - Nature's Valley
This famous trail - flagship of hiking trails in the parks - traverses 42 km of rugged coastline, with the booming breakers of the Indian Ocean on the one side and fynbos and indigenous rain forest on the other, crossing 11 rivers on route to Nature's Valley.
The Otter Trails runs through the Tsitsikamma National Park which stretches for 80 km along the scenic southern Cape coast and 5,5 km out to sea. The Storms River Mouth rest camp, at the start of the trail, provides overnight accommodation and has a shop and a restaurant, information Centre, swimming pool for resident visitors, caravan and camp sites. Accommodation for the nights prior the and on completion of the trail, is not included in the trail reservation and should be reserved separately.

The five-day trail with four overnight stops is undirectional - from the Storms River Rest camp to Nature's Valley. The trail starts just west of the oceanettes at the western end of the Storms River rest camp and is clearly marked with blue otter signs and painted otter spoor in rocky areas.

There are two overnight huts at each of the overnight stops. Each contains sleeping bunks with mattresses for six persons. Barbecue facilities and chemical toilets are provided. Firewood is left the the huts of at the roadside from where it has to be carried to the huts. Water is available at the huts of in nearby streams. Trailists are advised to fill their water bottles at the streams they cross. Trailists have to carry the essentials, such as gas stoves, cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and sleeping bags, themselves. Trailists should be reasonable fit as the Otter trail follows a rugged coastline with steep inclines. Several rivers and estuaries also have to be crossed. No person should hike alone. A minimum of four people is recommended. Weather conditions should always be taken into consideration as it could range rapidly.

Distance: 42 km
Duration: 5 days
Rating: Difficult
Permit: Book 12 months in advance (National Parks Board 012 - 43l99l or 021 – 222810)
Features: (Coastal walk crossing various rivers with a rich variety of bird- and animal-life - magnificent views over ocean.
Reservations and enquiries: Pretoria: PO Box 787, Pretoria, 0001 Tel. (012) 343 - 1991. Cape Town: PO Box 7400, Rogge Bay, 8012 Tel. (021) 22-281

STRANDLOPER TRAIL - From Kei Mouth to Gonubie
The Strandloper Trail running from Kei Mouth to Gonubie truly is a spectacular trail. Between silver beaches and pit-stop hotels are a few natural obstacles - like the Kwelera River with its sharp rocks underfoot. The Strandloper is not only about beaches. The trail takes in estuaries, high cliffs with panoramic views and fecund coastal forests which buzz with birds and insects
The distances are as follows: Day 1- 8,75 km, Day 2-6 km, Day 3-10 km, Day 4-18 km and Day 5-14,5 km.
Reservations can be made through: Wild Coast Holiday Reservations, PO Box 8017, Nahoon, 5210 Tel. (0431) 43-6181, Fax (0431) 43-6188 or e-mail meross@iafrica.com. Alternatively you can contact the Strandloper Hiking Trail, PO Box 18361, Quigney, 5211.

TSITSIKAMMA TRAIL - Nature's Valley Caravan Park to Storm's River Bridge
The trail traverses the slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the opposite direction from the coastal Otter Hiking Trail, crossing streams which later become rivers as they enter the sea.
Much of the hiking is through open fynbos which will make you appreciate the small forests with their cool, leafy fern glades and the colourful fungi which create fairytale scenes. The attractive wooden huts are scenically situated, offering panoramic views. For those with limited time, shorter options of the trail can be hiked. Group size Minimum 2, Maximum 30. The overnight huts along the trail have bunks and mattresses. Linear route.

A full-colour trail map with useful information on the history, flora and fauna on the reverse is available and one free copy is forwarded with your receipt and permit - After heavy rain river crossings can be difficult, demanding careful negotiation. The trail commences at the Groot River Camp about 0,5 km east of the turnoff on the R102 to Nature's Valley.

Distance: 64 km
Duration: 5 days
Rating: Average
Permit: SAFCOL (042) 3910393
Features: Indigenous forest, crossing rivers and mountain range with rich fynbos, animal and bird life.

WITTEBERG SKYWALK - From Lady Grey to Rhodes
This is a challenging route for the fit and adventurous backpacker, following the crestline of the Witteberg range from Lady Grey to Rhodes. It is basically a wilderness hike with no fixed overnight spots or facilities. Tents must be carried. This hike offers the backpacker some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country and include peaks like Balloch, Snowdon and Ben Macdhui.
Number of Days: 7-10
Total distance in km: 110
Max number of hikers: 15
Reservations and enquiries: Mnr T. Ellis, Posbus 7, Lady Grey, 9755. Tel. (051) 6031106
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All hiking trail information supplied by:
Wilhelm van der Hoven of South African Hikes