The Grey Rhebok Hiking Trail

Transcription

Jacana Travel Marketing and Reservations
Your Gateway To Nature
Jacana News
The Grey Rhebok Hiking Trail
These beautiful day trails are situated in the mountains between Amersfoort and Piet
Retief, (on the Donkerhoek road). Hikers will be able to experience the untouched
beauty of nature in the valleys and gorges of this farm. There are numerous water
streams and interesting rock formations allow for stunning photographs to be taken
of your memorable hiking weekend. Several clear rock pools offer excellent swimming opportunities and three waterfalls invites you to linger al bit longer.
A big variety of indigenous plants include Proteas, Sugarbush and some of the oldest tree ferns. More than 200 bird species have been identified, including secretary
birds. Small game may be seen on the trails.
October 2013
Look out in our next issue of Jacana news about this
amazing trails and some photo...
Location:
Mpumulanga
Amersfoort
1
Kranskloof Day Trails
New day trails opened earlier this year, including a 6-7 hours relatively strenuous
walk for those who like their hiking to be challenging. There are four day trails to
choose from, one of which takes one to the Komati Gorge Lodge and back. At the
Lodge one can visit the bar for an ice cold drink. The first leg of this trail explores
some beautiful forest and gives some beautiful views from the heights.
The trails are well planned and pass beautiful view points, involve some steep climbing, explore the banks of a beautiful stream with rock pools and waterfalls. The ruins
trail is a short walk of about 2 hours and takes the hiker to some fine example of
ancient kraals. More information on the rock formations in this area available on request. Richard, manager at Kranskloof, can also give a guided tour to the Kranskloof
Rock formations.
Location:
Mpumulanga
Carolina
Kranskloof trail:
Total number of hikers is 24.
Length/Duration:
Day trails from Kranskloof:
• Cliff walk 4.5 km and Gulley walk 5 km (These two walks combined makes up one day trail);
• Ruins walk 4 km; and
• Aloe trail 8km.
Overnight facilities:
Kranskloof:
• 3 huts with 8 beds each;
• Lapa.
Ablution facilities:
• Donkey boilers for showers;
• Flushing toilets; and
• Basins.
Undercover kitchen:
• 2-plate gas cooker
• Pots, pans and 3 legged potjies,
• Braai facilities and wood.
Pertinent information:
• Supply own lights;
• Tick repellent;
During heavy rains, water is released from the Nooitgedacht Dam, flooding the bridges for about an hour.
4x4 vehicles are recommended for access to Kranskloof base camp or sedan vehicles with high axels.
Location of trail:
• 30 km from Carolina;
• 250 km from Gauteng.
October 2013
2
Hennops Hiking Trail
Location:
Gauteng
Hartbeespoort
Dam
In the heart of busy Gauteng, virtually on the doorstep of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, hikers can
now experience one of the few unspoilt nature areas near the Hartbeespoort Dam.
The Hennops hiking trail consists of two day trails setting out from a base camp. At the beginning
and end of both trails, the route meanders along the Hennops River before veering away into the
surrounding mountains.
The Krokodilberg trail followed on the first day is 11, km long and traverses the mountainous area of
the farm, while the second day’s Zebra trail, 6.15 km long, traverses the fenced game camp. The Hennops trail will thus be ideal for both short and long weekend breakaways. Day hikers are welcome.
The Hadeda base camp is situated on the banks of the Hennops River where there are many swimming holes. At the picnic area there are two big swimming pools where hikers can cool down and
picnic after a good day’s hiking. The original stone farmhouse and rondavel make up Hadeda camp.
The camp has excellent facilities to ensure a pleasurable base from which to undertake the hikes.
Two unique features on the trail are the river crossings - a suspension bridge and a cable car. There
are interesting historical sights along the trail, amongst others an old field (veld) hospital used in the
Anglo Boer war. Aspiring historians will enjoy seeing an underground cave where “Pruimpie” lived,
traces of old settlements and the old dolomite mines and the ovens in which the rocks were heated
to melt and extract the lime. Apart from the 9 mammal species in the game camp, kudu thrives in this
area and may be seen all over the farm. The indigenous trees along the river, the gorges and plateau
areas make this an outstanding area for bird life.
At times the trail feels so remote that one can hardly believe that both Johannesburg and Pretoria are
less than 45 minutes away! This venue is ideal for a family outing – the energetic members can go on
a hike while other family members can stay behind at the picnic area at the swimming pools where
there are excellent braai facilities. The Hennops hiking trail will appeal to all hikers, even nature lovers who are not dedicated backpackers.
Length/Duration:
•
First day 11,33 km, second day 6,15 km.
Degree of difficulty:
Krokodilberg trail:
• Average – difficult. (Not recommended for
children u/12 or unfit adults)
Zebra trail:
• Easy to average.
October 2013
3
Overnight facilities:
Hadeda camp:
• 18 people.
• Bungalow with 2 rooms and rondavel. Each
room has 3 bunk beds, sleeping 6 people.
• Communal veld kitchen with electricity,
fridge, kettle, two-plate stove, pots, pans
and “potjies”. Ablution block with 2 basins,
showers and toilets.
• OWN LINEN, TOWELS, CUTLERY AND
CROCKERY
Day hikers:
• Proceed to Hadeda camp for parking.
• Braai facilities at picnic spot.
SELF CATERING COTTAGE @ HENNOPS
• 1 bedroom
• 2 sleeper thatched cottage, bathroom with
shower, basin and wc,
• Fully equipped kitchen, small fridge, 2 plate
stove, microwave oven, cooking and eating
utensils, toaster and kettle.
• bed linen and towels provided.
• Own swimming towels.
• Private lapa.
October 2013
4
KAMEELKOP
HIKING TRAIL
Description of route:
Location:
Free State
Marquard
Kameelkop is a 2 day hiking trail, meandering through a mixture of Acasia Karoo thickets (Mimosa/
Soetdoring), Wild Olive (Olienhout), Kiepersol and Gwarrie bush. There are also large stands of
exotic invaders such as Bluegum and Popular trees.
Day 1 – 12km:
The trail runs from Rietfontein (an exceptionally majestic old sandstone farmhouse), in a south/eastern direction towards a towering “Inselberg”, known as “Die Banke”, or Makathi (the “Big One”in
Southern Sotho). The elevation at Rietfontein is 1520 meters and the trail climbs slowly (initially), and
then precipitously up to 1850 meters at De Hoek Bluff. The first few kilometers run through dense
stands of Arcasia Karoo – below the Rietfontein Ridge (1620 m), and is a great birding area. After 2
kilometers the trail comes out on top of the ridge – with great vistas of Warden’s Tower (1809 meters
on the left hand side). After about 3 km, the first point of interest occurs – “Gaudi’s Skilpad”, (deminisant of the famous “La Sagrada Familia” in Barcelona – where Gaudi used tortoise statuettes to
anchor the pillars of the stunning “nativity façade”), using a little imagination of course. 15 meters to
the right of Skilpad Rock is a flat outcrop which has an abandoned crested eagle nest, with a great
view over a dolerite dyke (Slanghoek Valley) with the Makati massive/ De Hoek Bluff (1850m) in the
background. A further kilometer on the trail reaches “Pofadder Alley” – where a steep descent into
Slanghoek Gorge via a narrow chute awaits the hiker. An alternative route is available for the less
adventurous (or more discerning) individual – by traveling 250 meters to the left, until a gentle cattle
path takes one into the Gorge – following the path to the right once inside the gorge until linking up
with the trail again. The trail dips through a spruit before reaching a stand of Blue Gums on the left.
This is “Andy’s Afsaal I” – a shady glade for a short rest and very good birding – the beautiful Drakensberg Rock jumper and Fiscal Flycatchers among numerous other species. The trail then climbs over
a Hogsback ridge (1700metres), before reaching the next point of interest: “The Dinosaur Footprints”
– which can be clearly seen in shebt or dolerite magma. The trail then plunges down a precipitous
incline to the bottom of the Dyke or floor or Slanghoek “Rift Valley” in all about 120 meters. Once out of
the severely eroded floor or Slanghoek Valley the trail meanders through a beautifully wooded gorge
in a southerly direction through the farm “Twyfelpoort”, before crossing the (S379 road between Ficksburg and Marquard.). The trail passes a couple of dams (good birding), before climbing up a saddle
towards the Makathi Massiv. A fairly steep horseshoe incline takes the hiker up the north/easterly
October 2013
5
flank of De Hoek Bluff – firstly along the “Petit Balcon” – a 250/300 meter corridor with great views
of Wardens Tower in the north, and Rietfontein far below. Before reaching the top of De Hoek Bluff
(1850 m), - challenging feature: “The Grand Balcon” can be accessed via a short circular ledge under
the lip or brow of the bluff. This is not for the fainthearted or vertigo sufferers. – but great photo op’s
await those who venture along the balcon. The trail then turn south/east along the flat top portion of
De Hoek Bluff – before dropping down to De Hoek cottage at the trail end – which lies nestled in the
top end of ‘Swawelkrans” valley. Hot showers and a bath are available and a wonderful outdoors
cold shower for the extra hot weather.
Accommodation:
Klein Rietfontein Base:
• Electricity;
• Stove;
• 2 bathrooms;
• 4 bedrooms;
• Lounge;
• Fireplace.
• Kitchen:
• 2 plate gas stove;
• Basic pots & pans;
De Hoek Overnight:
• Gas;
• 8 people;
• 2 Showers;
• Bath.
Kitchen:
• 2 plate gas stove;
• Basic pots & pans;
October 2013
6
Eyeview
Hiking
Trail
The Eyeview trail is situated no more than 2
hours’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria between the North West Provincial towns of Koster
and Rustenburg on the R52. Both the hiker’s
camp (Dapper Stapper Bush Camp) and the two
self-catering chalets are situated on the crest of a
hillside overlooking the vista that stretches down
to the Selons River on the neighbouring farm.
From your perch near the chalets it is possible
to view Giraffe and a multitude of other game as
they feed away seemingly unaware of your eyes
focused on them (a pair of binoculars is a good
thing to have with you. The 2 private chalets have
an almost 180 degree view –one can see Hartbeespoortdam, Olifantsnek dam and Derby in the
distance on a clear day.
Location:
North West
Koster
in summer should have water. Among the trees
on the higher areas of the farm, you may come
across Blue Wildebeest taking shelter from the
sun. The Leopard trail is 5km.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Game viewing with your own 4x4 - more than
30km dirt roads
Game drives with owner
Quad bike trails – only 4x4 utility bikes allowed
Mountain Bike Trails – bring own bikes
Swimming pool
Excellent star gazing at night!
Panoramic views you will never forget!
Eye View Game Farm offers a wide range of wildlife including kudu, rooibok, blue wildebeest, ribbok, blesbuck, steenbok, etc. 30 km dirt road for
4x4 game viewing.
Hiking Trails and Other Activities:
There are 2 well planned, circular day trails, setting out from a central base.
Both trails are designed to explore the farm’s diversity and different habitats. The birdlife on the
farm is plentiful which is good reason on its own
for you to take those binos along. The Blou Wildebeest trail which is 13km has as its high point
a clamber along a deep, wooded kloof which
October 2013
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Accommodation:
When booking you have the choice of making a reservation to stay at the hikers huts or at the more
luxury, fully equipped self-catered chalets.
Dapper Stapper base camp:
•
•
•
Accommodates 17 adults (and space for 3 children)
5 wooden huts, beds & mattresses only (Bring own sleeping bags / bedding)
Communal kitchen and ablution facilities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4 Fridges
2 plate gas stoves
Cooking utensils
Undercover social area with tables and chairs
Braai facilities and boma for bon fires
Solar lighting, available.
Bring own cutlery and crockery.
•
•
•
•
•
2 showers with hot (donkey boiler) and cold water showers
Flush toilets
Hand basins.
No electricity or plug points
Solar lighting and lanterns provided
Kitchen:
Ablution:
Self-Catering Chalets:
There are 2 chalets, each has a private balcony with lovely views
Chalet 1: (4 – sleeper)
One Private bedroom with a double bed. Sleeper coach in the lounge area. Bathroom with shower,
toilet and hand basin. Open plan living area with fully equipped kitchen.(combo fridge and deep
freeze, gas stove, cutlery & utensils) Donkey geyser for hot water. Electricity. Balcony 5x6m with 2m
under roof – stunning views! Bring own bedding & towels.
Chalet 2: (6 – sleeper)
One Private bedroom with a double bed. A private loft room with 2 single beds. Sleeper coach for
2 in the lounge area. Bathroom with shower, toilet and hand basin. Open plan living area with fully
equipped kitchen. .(combo fridge and deep freeze, gas stove, cutlery & utensils) Donkey geyser for
hot water. Electricity. Balcony 3x6m with 2m under roof – stunning views!
Bring own bedding & towels.
October 2013
8
Situated near Grabouw
The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve lies in the Hottentots Holland mountains, some 90km south
east of Cape Town. The 70 000ha reserve stretches from Elgin in the south to beyond Villiersdorp in
the north, and from the Stellenbosch mountains in the west, eastwards to the Groenland mountains.
The entrance to the reserve is at Nuweberg, high in Viljoen's Pass between Grabouw and Villiersdorp.
The terrain is rugged and very mountainous, with altitudes ranging from 500m to 1590m. The annual
rainfall may be as high as 3300mm on the Dwarsberg plateau and the winds are frequent and strong.
Summers are generally mild and dry. Weather conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable and
dangerous.
The reserve is important for the conservation of mountain fynbos with approximately 1300 species
occurring here, including several rare and endemic plants. Small populations of grey rhebuck, klipspringer, common duiker and grysbok occur. Leopard also frequent these mountains but are seldom
seen. Approximately 110 bird species have been recorded on the reserve, amongst them several
species of raptor.
Location:
Cape Town
October 2013
9
Hiking
Boegoekloof Trail
Trail Distance: 24km (Eight hours)
Trail description: This is an out-and-back route over rugged and mountainous terrain.
Palmiet Trail
Trail Distance: 6km (2 hours)
Trail description: This easy circular route is designed for visually impaired and disabled people, but is
not suitable for wheelchairs.
Boland Hiking Trail
5 Trail Options
Nuweberg to Landdroskop Hut - 12km (3-4 hours)
Nuweberg to Boesmanskloof Hut - (Orchard Route) 14km (6-7 hours)
Nuweberg to Boesmanskloof Hut (longer route) - 18,1km (9 hours)
Boesmanskloof to Landdroskop Hut - 17,5km (5-6 hours)
Nuweberg to Landdroskop Hut to Boesmanskloof Hut - 29km (13 hours)
Overnight huts are available at Landroskop or Boesmanskloof. Each overnight hut, sleeps 30 people
each. Bunk beds, mattresses, wood and water are provided.
Kloofing - Suicide Gorge
Trail Distance: 17km (8 hours)
Trail description: This route is more of a swim than a hike.
• The highest jump on this route is 14m.
• It's for the brave, as daring leaps of seven or eight metres down waterfalls are compulsory. You
must be willing to swim in cold water and not be afraid of heights.
• Remember, once in, the only way you're going to get out of this section of the Riviersonderend
mountains is via some gravity-defying jumps and scrambles.
• Please note: The route is open from 1 November to 30 April
October 2013
10
Ethiopia: Simien Mountains
Trek
Location:
Ethiopia
The dramatic skyline of scraggy peaks and jagged volcanic plugs which tower over
the highland plateaus of the Simien Mountains compete with rugged gorges and
deep gullies to form what is, arguable, the most awe-inspiring landscape in Africa.
As we trek through this distant mountain range we pass small hamlets where villagers eke out an existence from the limited arable land; come across large troops of
Gelada baboons foraging on the edge of the escarpment; and, with a little luck, spot
Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolves.
Declared a World Heritage Site for its endemic flora and fauna, these mountains
culminate at Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia and fourth highest in Africa at
4543m. From here it's easy to see why the Simien Mountains have been called 'the
chess pieces of the gods.'
October 2013
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Itinerary
Day 1
Start Addis Ababa; half-day tour of the capital including the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Ethnographic Museum.
Day 2
Fly to Gondar; tour castles and famous church of
Debre Berhan Selassie.
Day 3
Drive to Debark; start trekking to Buyit Ras Camp.
Day 4
Trek to Geech via Jinbar Waterfall which drops
500m.
Day 5
Day walk to Imetgogo (3900m) with fantastic
views across the mountain range and valleys below.
Day 6
Trek to Chennek via Enatyie Escarpment
(4070m).
Day 7
Trek to Ambiko with an ascent of Bwuhit (4430m).
Day 8
Ascent of Ras Dashen (4543m).
Day 9
Trek to Sona via village of Arkwasiye.
Day 10
Descend to the lowlands (1000m), Ansiya Wenz
River and on to Lamo Camp.
Day 11
Continue through lowlands to Mulit Camp.
Day 12
Short walk to Adi Arkay where the trek finishes;
drive to Gondar.
Day 13
Fly to Addis; farewell dinner; end.
October 2013
12
Ever wanted to take up hikin g as a hobby but didn’t have the essential hikin g kit.
Wel l Hikin g Freaks has a solution for you.
They have a variety of equipment, ran gin g from ful l kits to individual
equipment.
For further enquiries please contact Hikin g Freaks.
WEA
T HER
Eastern Cape Forecasts:
http://www.weathersa.co.za/web/ChangeCity.asp?sp=1&f=&z
=Ctry&v=7&g=gT&h=0&m=Strm&anim=aStr&av=AvWarn&uid
=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=1Eastern Cape
Free State Forecasts:
=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=2Free State
Gauteng Forecasts:
=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=3Gauteng
Kwazulu-Natal Forecasts:
=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=4KwaZulu-Natal
Limpopo Forecasts:
http://www.weathersa.co.za/web/ChangeCity.asp?sp=1&f=
&z=Ctry&v=7&g=gT&h=0&m=Strm&anim=aStr&av=AvWarn
&uid=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=5Limpopo
Province
October 2013
Mpumalanga Forecasts:
&z=Ctry&v=7&g=gT&h=0&m=Strm&anim=aStr&av=AvWar
n&uid=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=6Mpuma
langa
Nort West Forecasts:
http://www.weathersa.co.za/web/ChangeCity.asp?sp=1&f=&
z=Ctry&v=7&g=gT&h=0&m=Strm&anim=aStr&av=AvWarn&
uid=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=7North-We
st Province
Northern Cape Forecasts:
n&uid=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=8Northe
rn Cape
Western Cape Forecasts:
n&uid=&p=&dbug=&TL=&PC=&mw=w&ht=&Prov=9Weste
rn Cape
13
BIRTHDAY CLUB
Jacana Travel Marketing and Reservations would like to wish the following people a
very Happy Birthday.
Wishing you all the great things in life, hope this day will bring you an
extra share of all that makes you happiest and remember a birthday is just the
first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.
Roline BisshoffJ Eastes
Sean UrquhartCTR Marias
Jared DentonM Dippenaar
Leon MauleSonia Robinson
Russel BasonR Bouwer
Gabriel le RouxRJ Ridgard
Lia JoubertVince Angello
Wolfgang GoldnerTanith Mohale
October 2013
14
Brain Teasers For Teenagers
Complete Brain
the word.. Tracker
Below you will find 15 well-known six
letter words, with only their endings remaining. Can you determine the words?
...cil
...hid
...nze
...ese
...lug
...som
...uxe
...uum
...arm
...amo
...rby
...dst
...sai
...too
...fen
Using the BrainTracker grid below, how
many words can you find? Each word must
contain the central K and no letter can be
used twice, however, the letters do not have
to be connected. Proper nouns are not allowed, however, plurals are. Can you find
the nine letter word?
Excellent: 14 words. Good: 13 words. Average: 11 words.
The original size can be downloaded
from
our
website.
www.jacacollection.co.za.
October 2013
15
SOLUTIONS
TheBat Knightly Spelling
Move only three matches so
that the bat will fly in another
direction.
October 2013
Spell the word KNIGHT
letter by letter, each time
jumping by means of the
chess knight's move.
The example of a chess
knight's move is shown
on the right.
16
CONTACT
DETAILS
For more information please contact
Telephone: 0861 Jacana (0861 522262)
087 806 4939 (VoIP)
or
Pretoria Office (14:00 - 17:00)
Phone 012 803 9109
Fax/Telephone 012 803 4744
email: [email protected]
Port Elizabeth (8:00 to 17:00)
Tel: 041 378 1439
Fax: 041 378 2548
E-mail: [email protected]
We use the following payment
facalities
October 2013
17

The Grey Rhebok Hiking Trail

Transcription

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