On Saturday 4 April 2009, 7 members of the Florida Hiking Club set off to the lower reaches of the southern Drakensburg to hike this slack packing trial i.e. Giant Cup hikeathon, in a world heritage site, close to Himeville and Underberg area.
After travelling almost 640km we all met after 17h00 at our 1st overnight lodge Briar Lea Lodge in Himeville. We spent two nights at this lodge. The lodge, the original farmhouse that is well over 100 years old has been newly renovated. Still reflecting the old big rooms, big deep baths, gas stove, huge veranda this place had a very special character to it.
Our hostess Judy ensured we did not go hungry; we sat down for a full dinner and breakfast each day. We were also given a packed lunch whilst on-route.
Our guide Mathew Wiggill picked us up at the lodge with his Land Rover and shuttled us to the Sani Pass start of the trial. With the view of Giant Cup, Salt and Pepper pots and lots more we started our hike. After walking with us for about 3 km, sharing his knowledge of the veldt with us he turned back to fetch his vehicle. We progressed faster without our guide and managed to finish the 13km well within time.
A candid camera moment was when we all had to cross a stream in full flood on a wooden, very lapidating bridge. No doubt that we reported this bridge to Matthew that evening. Luckily after crossing the stream we all had a good laugh, although it was serious crossing at the time.
After a day of spectacular views of sandstone cliffs, valleys, pools, streams and waterfalls we ended day one at Cobham reserve where Mathew met us again and shuttled us back to Lea Lodge. We sat down for a well-earned supper.
Day 2 started early knowing we had to hike 18km.We started hiking at 8’o clock after Mathew shuttled us back to where we ended the previous day. Mathew joined us again only for the 1st few kilometres. He showed us some rock art and parted from us at the magnificent tortoise formation like rocks. The footprints for the trial were easy to follow accept for the one after the cabin where we stopped for lunch. Although worried we were on the correct route. Later the afternoon clouds started to build up and we experienced the feeling of different weather patterns in the berg on the same day. About 5km from the end it started raining. Having put on our rain gear we had no choice than heading to the end. There was a stage where we were all a little worried but luckily we reached the end with only some of us been more wet and more cold than the one’s with proper raincoats.
Paul Colvin met us on the road in the rain. We were all very pleased to see him just to be told his vehicle cannot carry all 7 of us. At the 1st hill 3 of us had to get out of the car. At the river crossing another surprise awaited us. The river was in full flood and we could not cross. After a while, also been desperate, we managed to walk over the river. Once again all the hikers could not get into the car and 3 was left at the foot of the hills. After dropping 4 of us Paul went back to fetch the 3 unlucky, cold and wet, still walking hikers.
Arriving at the hut Orchid Valley we were welcomed by no electricity. Daryle started to get the fire going. All safe and sound at last, we did some bed moving to at least ensure privacy for all.
Supper proofed to be another surprise; nothing had been prepared as yet. I’m sure to Paul’s delight Roddie and Amanda started with supper and between the 3 of them we ended having a superb supper.
The 3rd morning we all awake to a cold misty day and hiking the last day had to be cancelled. The electricity was back on.
Roddie, Pat and Maryke decided to start with the journey back home. Paul suggested us doing a shorter hike close by and Amanda, Daryle, Cheryl and I joined him – after we packed our lunch – for a 6km hike, the Pillar Cave trial which started at the Drakensburg Gardens Resort. The scenery on this route was different to the scenery of the 1st 2 days – it was also beautiful and we were all please to end the trial on this high note. For a second, when the mist clear on the one side we were able to see Rhino Peak.
When booking slack packing hikes in future I will ask more questions ensuring what the write-up says is what you get in the end. The hike itself was very good but the catering and organization of it all could do with some improvement and more imagination, which is what we paid for.
Taking the correct gear for a hike in the Drakensberg is important and one should discuss all possible emergency situation and how to deal with it prior to doing the hike.
Everybody had a great time, it was a great bunch of people to hike with and we would definitely tackle another slack packing trial.