Hiking the Boesmanskloof Trail

The Boesmanskloof Trail winds through the only gap in the rugged Riviersonderend mountain range. It is in the Robertson Karoo region of the south-western Cape. The trail links the small towns of McGregor in the north to Greyton in the south. It has become one of the most popular trails in the Western Cape, especially as the beautiful colonial-style town of Greyton lies at the one end.

The length of the trail is approximately 15, 8 km and may be hiked within one day. It can be started from either McGregor or Greyton. While the trail lies just outside Greyton, it only commences 14 km to the south of McGregor at ‘Die Galg’.(The gallows)

Hikers may often choose to walk the trail there and back (a total of 28 Km) and overnight in either of the two towns. Another delightful option is to begin the trail at McGregor and walk to Greyton, stay the night at the Post House Tel. (02822 9995) and return to McGregor the following day.

This is winter rainfall area (generally cold and wet) and the summer months are extremely warm and dry. Water may be required during the summer months. Physically the trail requires a reasonable degree of fitness as it continuously ascends, descends and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof.

Permits are necessary, obtainable from the Sonderend State Forest in Robertson. No overnight camping is allowed on the trail. There is however, a municipal campsite in Greyton. Because the trail requires between 4 - 5 hours to complete, there is plenty of time for swimming and enjoying the views.

The main attractions along the route are the spectacular mountain scenery; large rock pools waterfalls and Lovely Cape wildflowers. Highlights include views of the majestic Riviersonderend Mountains, with their steep gorges and the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. Water is abundant in large rock pools.

There is a great diversity of plant species - many different Protea and Erica species occur here. The stream cone bush and wild almond grow along the watercourses.

Animals found in the area include the duiker, Grey rhebuck, klipspringer, baboon, dassies and spotted genet. Leopard is very rare. Among the birds, species like the Black and booted eagle, Cape Sugarbird, malachite sunbird and other are found. The hike is extremely popular among tourists and City dwellers. It is a total get-away and only one and a half-hours drive from Cape Town. Just being in Greyton itself is a walk into another world.

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Clarens the jewel of the Eastern Free State

The village of Clarens is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Clarens is an Artists haven with many well-known artists either living in or frequenting the village on a regular basis with many art galleries scattered around the village square. The tranquil village ambience combined with scenic views and a mild climate makes for the ideal weekend getaway for city dwellers from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban. These cities are all approximately 300km from Clarens or a comfortable 3 to 4 hours drive away.

The village has become known as the "Jewel of the Free State" - rich in beauty, with an aura of peace and tranquillity. Clarens is endowed with more trees than most other Free State towns - the fresh, light green willows and colourful blossoms of the many fruit trees are an unforgettable sight in spring time; whilst the magnificent autumn shades of the Lombard poplars attract artists, photographers and nature lovers. The town is known for the many Art and Craft shops which offer the visitor a wide range of curios and original artwork. Another feature which adds to the picturesque atmosphere of the village is the many sandstone buildings. The popular Golden Gate National Park is located in the near vicinity of Clarens, and the area attracts many visitors.

Clarens is part of the scenic Highlands Route and is surrounded by mountainous splendour. The Rooiberge is the range encompassing the village, whilst further on towards the southeast, the mighty Maluti’s stand proud in shades of purple and blue. All around is the sandstone cliffs with their multi-coloured layers - these horizontal strata is a unique geological feature of the area, and is known as the Clarens formation. Many homes in the Clarens Valley are made from Clarens Sandstone.

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Gamkaskloof

Gamkaskloof, approximately 100 kilometers from Oudtshoorn in South Africa, also known as ("Die Hel") is surrounded by the Swartberg Nature Reserve.

 Fonteinplaas, privately owned by Annetjie Joubert (neé Mostert) offers visitors overnight facilities in two historic farmhouses as well as on shaded campsites. Accommodation is on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis with self-catering an option. Meals are served in the "Oude Klowers Plaaskombuis" a fully licensed restaurant that specialises in traditional Gamkaskloof meals. They also cater for functions and weddings.

At Fonteinplaas you will find Annetjie, the only remaining, born and bred Gamkaskloofer at her Kiosk, where you can get anything from firewood, witblits, cold beer and cold drinks, to a variety of Gamkaskloof curios and organically grown fruit, both fresh (in season) as well as preserves. The latest speciality: Aloe Verox jam!

There you can chat and listen to Annetjie and relive the rich history of the Kloof, illustrated by various photo albums, books, magazine articles and of course the Kloof itself....

Interesting Facts

Gamkaskloof or "Die Hel" as it has become known is a hidden valley, deep in the heart of the formidable Swartberg Mountain Range. The fertile valley runs in an east-west direction and is approximately 20 km long and 600 metres wide.

The Kloof gets its name from the Khoisan word for Lion - Gamka - also the name of the river that enters the valley from the north. There are about 153 species of bird-life in Gamkaskloof, even the fish eagle makes its appearance from time to time. Wildlife includes - Klipspringers, Grey Rhebuck, Rooikat, Porcupines, and Leopard.

The Valley features the Gamka River, Camp sites, Picnic Sites, several historic houses and outbuildings, a school, a cemetery, and old Norse watermill, a landing strip and a curious history.

Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu Natal

The Royal Natal National Park was proclaimed in 1916, and contains some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa. The main feature of Royal Natal is the Amphitheatre, a rock wall about 5km in length, and approximately 1000m in height between the Sentinel (3 165m) and Eastern Buttress (3 047m), with a number of domes rising from its relatively flat summit plateau. In 1836, the French missionaries Arbousset and Daumas named the largest of these domes Mont-aux-Sources - a literal description of this source of five rivers.

Of these, the Tugela plummets 948m in five clear leaps, making it the world's second highest waterfall. The Tugela Falls' upper reaches occasionally freeze in winter to create dazzling columns of ice. And just to confound weather experts the Royal Natal National Park creates a White Christmas in the middle of our sub-tropical summer.

The Royal Natal National Park is ideal for hiking, with a superb network of graded walks catering for all levels of fitness and agility. And while the summit of Mont-aux-Sources can be reached by walking from the summit plateau and scaling a 100-rung chain ladder, if this seems like child's play you're always invited to join the annual Mont-aux- Sources Challenge, when men and women of iron turn the mountain into a cross-country steeple-chase of epic proportions.

Hot Air Ballooning in the Drakensberg

Experience the awesome thrill and peaceful serenity of hot air ballooning. Hot air balloon flights are offered principally on the edge of the Drakensberg mountains, just inland from Durban in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. The hot air balloon take-off is from a site in or around the Kamberg Valley and within sight of Giants Castle.

You will meet at the hot air balloon launch site approximately 30 minutes before sunrise, your pilot will then give you a safety briefing. Once the hot air balloon is heated and you are in the balloons basket you will enjoy a flight of around an hour. After helping to pack the hot air balloon you will return to a location close to take off point for an Alfresco breakfast and Champagne.

The hot air balloon has a partitioned basket specially designed to ensure safety, comfort and a superb view. The hot air balloon baskets are about 42 inches (1.1 metres high), and have footholds to assist entry. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the flight and should be tall enough to see over the basket sides.

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