DATE:   26 – 29 MARCH 2012

TYPE:         3 DAYS BACK PACKING

AREA:   KAAPSCHEHOOP

I decided we needed something with a bit of a challenge again!! And this one proved to be slightly challenging. There had been a huge fire in 2009 and most of the pine plantations were destroyed and the new trees are only about 2 – 3 years old resulting in hardly any shade. I do not remember the long steady uphill’s being so extremely long – but I do think the lack of shade played a major role, especially on day two.

We as usual had a wonderful time with lots of laughs. We spent the first evening at Kaapschehoop hut. The very last little section of the road one needed a 4×4 or a vehicle with good clearance at least; some left their cars at the end of the road in Kaapschehoop and walked the last little bit. The hut has a bit of a view and has all one needs, with a donkey for hot water.

Day one saw us walking to Barrett’s coaches, a small loop at the beginning takes you all the way back though the town of Kaapschehoop before heading towards the coaches. Here we met up with two other groups and the facilities were ok for the larger group – there was electricity and we all crawled in reasonable early after supper.

Day two was a long walk – with lots of lengthy uphills in the sun on our way to The Wattles hut. We lost the trail at some point walking through the plantation, but with the help of the GPS we knew we were headed in the right direction and soon found the trail again. This is an old farm house that has been converted, and here there was no electricity but the donkey once again provided all with hot showers. The different groups all hiked at a very different pace – and this was a help with the showers. We all crawled in quite early.

Day three – the last day we lost the trail going through one section of the plantation and used the GPS to eventually locate it. Back at Kaapschehoop hut we all showered – no hot water this time round and I managed to squash all 7 of us into my daughter’s car to get us from the hut to Kaapschehoop where we all had a bite to eat before heading homeward.

In conclusion I feel this is a hike well worth doing but the markings on the trail need to be addressed in certain areas.

This was a lovely hike – we as usual had lots of fun with lots of laughs.

MAY 18 – 20 : SENTINEL @ R340

We are staying at Amphitheatre Backpackers, 15 people are braving this one – I know not all will hike – some are staying at base and just relaxing. For something that started out as a training session for our Annapurna trip – this has proven very popular.

JUNE 15 – 17 : SUIKERBOSRAND – back packing @ about R80

Once again a very popular choice – this one filled up within minutes (the camp only takes 10) and I do have quite few names for a second group – just need to do the actual booking with them.

JULY 20 – 21 : INGOGO – back packing @ R390

7 already paid, so we will revisit this one – all are welcome to join us – a truly lovely hike. At this stage still just the 7, I will send out an email to the regulars and see if I can interest some more

AUGUST

No longer the Maluti – as most of the hikers that would do this one are doing the Whale Trail – the Annapurna bunch might just revisit the Sentinel (we first want to see how it all pans out this time round)

AUGUST 5 – 10 : WHALE TRAIL – portaged coastal hike @ R1450

We had to book this hike a whole year in advance so this one is already full

DATE:      23 – 25 MARCH 2012

TYPE:              BASE CAMP

AREA:      MACHADODORP

Ah……what can one say – this is just such a lovely venue. Everything is in tip top condition, and one just doesn’t want to leave. The accommodation is superb and the trail has been very well maintained. Oh and then one mustn’t forget the freshly baked bread that the owner Wimpie bakes for you…so delicious. Hmmm can just see the calories settling on the hips!!

We were a whopping 21 hikers for this weekend, and everyone arrived at different times and found themselves a sleeping spot. There is ample wood provided and we had a roaring fire going for a very pleasant Friday evening braai. We didn’t start off very early on Saturday morning, having done this hike before we didn’t want to get back to camp too early. Most of the hikers including all the newies managed this trail easily. Only one of our newies battled a bit. There was a handful that didn’t participate in the actual hike. Saturday evening we once again had a lovely fire going for the usual braai. We had a very international brand and band of hikers, French, German, Romanian and then of course all of us locals. And Florida didn’t disappoint, we had loads of fun with much laughter.

Sunday morning saw a few more opting not to hike, but the rest of us tackled the lovely although short second day. We arrived back in time to all have a lovely hot shower and then set off on the homeward bound journey with enough time for us to stop off for a lunch.

In conclusion, this is a must do hike for anyone out there; even if you are not a regular hiker, the trail is very well marked and relatively easy. This is what one would like all the hikes to aspire to.

TYPE:              BACK PACKING

AREA:      NEWCASTLE

Well this should be a report on hikes done, but this one will be on a hike NOT done. We were all so looking forward to this hike as we had all done it before and knew that it was a very beautiful area.

There were 2 vehicles travelling down, my Hyundai i20 with the 3 ladies from Pretoria – myself, Barbara and Doréth, and then Peters Lavina with 4 hikers, Peter, Carol, Estelle and Nick.

We all arrived safely at the Grey Goose where we spent Friday night. There are quite a few things we feel should be addressed here, which would help encourage more hikers to do this hike. The accommodation is slap bang in the middle of other people living there; you are right on their doorstep. From a hiker’s perspective, we are looking forward to being in the outdoors away from the hustle and bustle and don’t really want someone’s TV blaring in the background. The documentation said there were 6 showers and 6 toilets – there were 3 showers, no shower curtains resulting in water all over the floor, 2 toilets – the doors couldn’t close properly with 2 urinals right outside the toilets.

As hikers we usually like to braai, no problem there, all was provided with wood as well, but there was nowhere for us to wash our dishes, we had to use the hand basin in the bath room. A small kitchenette would be a big plus.

It rained all of Friday night and we were all mentally prepared for a very wet walk on the Saturday. We had specifically asked that we did not need a guide for this walk; we also had to be responsible for transporting Johannes to and from Dunblane, and then on the Permit it says we had to pay him R300 for the weekend, but on the other form it says R300 per day.

All this extra cost makes this a very expensive hike in the end, considering also that we are travelling all the way from Gauteng. We try and hike regularly and the only way this can be accomplished is for the owners / agents to keep the costs down, once again encouraging more hikers to participate.

Johannes is also apparently needed to carry the petrol that is used to get the generator going for the electricity and the pump for the water. Would it not be a much better idea to install a Jojo water tank which Johannes could arrange to be filled during the week some time. Water we cannot do without, but we are more than happy to use our lamps and candles. His payment can then be worked into the fee. We are more than happy to give him something for all his trouble. Also make the guide an option for the newer hikers who are not all that confident in their abilities to find the trail.

We knew which road to take to get to Dunblane but only got part of the way when both vehicles got stuck in the mud on the road which is under construction. On the forms it once again gives two different facts re the state of the road. The one says that a 4×4 is needed and the other one says that a sedan would manage as long as we travelled slowly due to corrugations. There is also the option to be transported. Maybe someone should just have informed us that the road was actually totally impassable especially after heavy rains, and we could then have exercised the option of organising a lift. A gentleman working at the Dunblane estate (Wonder Gardens) came past in his 4×4 and let us know that a tractor was also on its way, and these guys were ever so kind and pulled us out of the mud and swung my car around.

We then made our way back to the Grey Goose, dropped off Johannes and made our way to the pub in Memel where we had a lovely brunch before setting off on the long road back home.

As hikers we really do not ask for much, clean accommodation and ablutions, running water (we have done wilderness hiking where we had to go and find water from streams!!), beds with decent mattresses, and the bare basics in some form of a kitchenette. Electricity is always a luxury for us when on a hike.

We were informed on the Monday by the owner that apparently there was a longer alternative route to the Dunblane Estate, which Johannes was aware of. Surely this should have been mentioned somewhere on the various documents we received.

In conclusion we were very disappointed in not being able to hike this trail, but do feel that the points we have mentioned need to be addressed before we can recommend this trail to other hikers.

It is situated near van Gaalen Cheese Farm at Skeerpoort, but off the beaten track and at the foot of the large koppies to the east of the R560.  The cost was very reasonable and we received a warm welcome from the owners.  Small thatched rondawels surround the pool and lapa, with braai area and there is an enormous kitchen with stoves, fridges, etc.  For the school children that go there, they have a number of challenging activities and we were told that at night one is entertained by the roars of the lions at the nearby Predator Sanctuary.

We had been told that the hike was an unmarked, but easy ramble up the koppies to the top, where a 360 deg. panoramic view awaited us.  Yes, it was unmarked, but “easy ramble”?  Definitely not so for some of us!  Not really difficult, but quite challenging in that one had to watch one’s footing every step of the way up and down.

Because we were such a large group (31 hikers), we split into two groups and set off in different directions, planning to meet at the top, cross over and descend down different routes.  The plan worked and we all had a refreshment break together at the beacon on top of the highest koppie.  To one side of us, a green, fertile valley backed by yet another koppie.  To the other side the stark cliffs of the Magaliesberg and a little to the north, a view of the entire Hartebeespoort Dam.  The satellite tracking station can be seen from there, and also the Voortrekker Monument.   Well worth the climb.

It was a little bit cloudy, but very hot and humid, so a number of us took advantage of the swimming pool after the hike and a few stayed to braai and socialize.  Will definitely go there again.

TYPE:              PORTAGE / CATERED

AREA:      MATATIELE

We all always look so forward to our yearly New Years hike, and this year I think we were so very lucky that we choose this one. Mehloding was probably one of the nicer hikes we have done, purely from the fun aspect. Also deciding to go for the portage and catering is a must, one can then relax a lot more and just enjoy. As always the company obviously also plays a major role, and I think we were just the best.

5 ladies, Flo, Theresa, Doréth, Barbara and Jenny, travelling in 2 vehicles, left Gauteng on 27 December and drove to Nottingham Road where we over nighted at Bellwood Cottages, a truly lovely place to stay, quiet, beautifully clean, with everything and more that one would need. We decided from the outset not to do any catering ourselves, we were after all on holiday, and so with much hilarity set out to find a place for our supper (yeah, I know when do we not end up laughing and giggling!)

28 December saw us doing the last stretch to Matatiele, and all went well (sort of, a bit of getting lost by one of our party before we entered Pietermaritzburg) up until the very last bit of gravel road. Here we met up with Peter and Carol coming from Umhlanga. The Lavina, Hyundai i20 all negotiated the morass of mud, water and huge potholes supposed to be a road reasonably well; including a few slips and slides. The BMW however didn’t fair so well and Jenny and Barbara found themselves totally stuck. We had to send our guide Dan and driver Shadrack in a 4×4, and only after having to go and find a chain did they managed to pull them out. Oh did Queenie earn her name here!

This obviously resulted in us getting to our first nights accommodation Malekgalonyane in the dark. You park your cars at Masakala traditional lodge and are transported in the very same 4×4 that did the rescue. Fitting 7 hikers, our guide and driver into the vehicle as well as all our luggage stacked on top, was another cause for lots of laughs and many photos. Our hostess Nontlantla took excellent care of us, making a feast fit for a king.

Day 1, 29 December, with Dan in the lead, saw us walking to Makhulong a distance of 12kms in very wet and muddy conditions with clouds giving us some respite from the baking sun most of the day. We had some take off our boots river crossings to complete as well. We passed numerous villages and were pleasantly surprised to see the very good condition all the cattle were in. Our hostess Kholu spoilt us with yummy little vetkoek and made sure we had ample and very tasty food.

Day 2, 30 December, Dan warned us was the long day, 20kms had to be walked to Maboloka. A sunny day greeted us and we saw the awesome sight of 2 spans of oxen coming down the mountain side over very rocky terrain each with huge bundles of fire wood being dragged behind. Quite a sight to behold. The lunch spot afforded some of us a chance to cool off in a stream, and later we passed the rock paintings as well. Our hostess Nomsa made the most divine bean soup and once again took more than good care of us. We never get things right – and this was the night we ended up partying a bit.

Day 3, 31 December, saw us leave to do the 15kms to Madlangala with some very ominous clouds keeping us company. We had some more river crossings to get behind us before we ended up walking most of the day in thundershowers accompanied by hail. Drowned rats had nothing on us all.  The sodden and soaked hikers that we were, managed to get most of our clothing relatively dry before the next morning, and our hostess Cindy kept us well fed, and I think most of us crawled into bed shortly after the sun set.

Day 4, 1 January (happy New Year!) was the last days walk out to the 4 x 4 waiting at Qachas Nek. Theresa opted out due to a nasty blister / sore toe and caught a ride with the 4×4 as well. We mainly had contour walking this last day, and when we saw the 4×4 in the distance we were all a little bit saddened that this really beautiful hike with some majestic scenery was almost over.

Once back at our vehicles we made our way to a farm Elandskuil just outside Kokstad for our overnight stay, stopping in Kokstad for a light meal first. We once again made a good call re the accommodation – another gem – well worth keeping in mind for further trips.

In conclusion this is a must do hike and although a certain amount of fitness is needed, Dan sets a very reasonable pace with a few short rest in between, getting you to your camps with ample time to read, relax, do crosswords and chat.

Golden Reef Road Runners Club
Andrew Street, Horizon, Roodepoort
Social Bring & Braai

7 for 7.30 pm

As usual for our first meeting of the year we will have a social evening and bring and braai. Do join us when we will give feedback on hikes recently undertaken and give news of what we have planned for the coming year.

BACK PACKING – Queen Rose, Badplaas/Baberton. Price to be advised.

MARCH 23 – 25:

BASECAMP - Wathaba, Machadodorp.

R290 for members and R320 for non-members

This is a lovely venue and a very nice hike with rivers and waterfalls etc.

APRIL 26 – 29

BACK PACKING - Kaapsehoop, Ngodwana – 3 day back packing hike over the public holiday.

R350 for members and R380 for non-members

If you are interested in the above, please contact

Flo – Cell : 082 785 8165; e-mail : cdc@lantic.net; fax : 086 502 4673
 

DATE:      2 – 4 DECEMBER 2011

TYPE:              BASE CAMP

AREA:      MIDDELBURG

Guess what?? Another gem of a hike. Well have we been lucky this year in finding some truly lovely venues and trails to explore. This is a “must do again” one, and we feel one could arrange a lovely year end hike here as well. The owners are very friendly and make you feel right at home, as do all the dogs around!

The lodge is lovely and there are chalets there that could also be booked, there is a game trail that can be done from here with a guide as there are white rhino around. There are two camps with 6 lion in, 3 in each camp, two females and one male, and we were so lucky to see two of the lionesses relaxing (until they saw the dogs!) right by the fence.

You leave your vehicles at the lodge and are transported on a game vehicle to Korongo camp itself. There is absolutely no cell phone reception at the camp, so if you want to let anyone know you have arrived safely its best to do so at the lodge. We were very lucky to see a lot of game on our way to the camp and Frans the driver was very accommodating in stopping to let us have a look and take pictures.

We oohed and aahed upon our arrival at Korongo – a sprawling lawn, swimming pool with a water slide, and lovely accommodation with everything one would need, even towels. The kitchen is also very well equipped. We opted not to have the generator running which would have given us lights etc, as there were more than enough lanterns around. Gladys and Elias took very good care of us the whole weekend, cleaning, washing the dishes, making the fire and cleaning this afterwards as well – total luxury for us!!

The two trails, blue and yellow, are very well marked and give you a very wide variety, the only small change we would like to see would be making the blue trail a fair bit longer. We walked slowly and dawdled a lot along the way but still got back to camp just before lunch time. We did however have a lovely afternoon around the pool and down the water slide!!

In conclusion we could actually not fault this venue and the trails at all and highly recommend this for any hikers or even for someone wanting a relaxing weekend away.