This section is for readers to add their hiking stories and publicise hiking routes in the Western Cape or elsewhere in South Africa. If you have anything to add to this page, send your contributions to Ian ( ).
It
is completed...
...mid December 2003 after roughly 220 man/hours of blood and sweat hacking away bush, digging into the mountain slope and clearing alien trees we made the final push and completed the first section of the Gecko-Trail.
The Gecko-Trail is connecting Simonskloof Mountain Retreat at 780m (19°43'41" E 33°36'55" S) via the Nuy River Gorge to Nuy Valley Guest House at 300m (19°38'00" E 33°39'25" S) on the southern side of the Langeberg 20km from Worcester. Traversing the western end of the Langeberg the trail reaches it's highest point at 890m with an optional detour up to 1113m.
The trail can be hiked from either side taking between 6-8 hours depending on fitness and your resting time. Accommodation and safe parking is available at either end. For Nuy Valley Guest House log on to: www.nuyvallei.co.za and for Simonskloof Mountain Retreat visit: www.simonskloof.com
Jurgen
March 2004
(The www.montagu-ashton.info site
is also under my wing which has Bloupunt and Cogmanskloof hiking trails on it.)
A few photos of the Amatola Trail, a 105km trail in the Eastern Cape. Click to see full size.
Gerhard Oosthuizen
November 2001
"Just a note to thank you for your web site and all the info on hiking, i.e. boots, back packs, sleeping bags, etc.
I will be going to Cederberg Wilderness in April 2002 with the Pallotta Team Works group on an African Aids Trek. We're hiking 75 miles in 7 days in an effort to raise money for an Aids vaccine. I'm looking forward to it ~ it's a little scary but also an exciting prospect. I will use your advise when looking for my equipment for the trip."
Sandy Alexander
4 September 2001
"An unequalled experience awaits hikers who embark on the new five-day Whale Hiking Trail that has been developed by Cape Nature Conservation at the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp. The trail traverses one of the Western Cape's most unique and diverse nature reserves, while providing nature lovers and those who love the outdoors with unique comfortable overnight accommodation situated at spectacular locations. The route stretches over 54 km from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, and includes five overnight stops.
And, yes, of course the whales! De Hoop is world-renowned as one of the best whale-watching spots. Between June and December, this coastline is transformed into one of the world's most important nursery areas for southern right whales. Whale watchers regularly stand in awe at the sight of more than 50 of these sea giants lying a mere kilometre from the coast."
http://www.capenature.org.za/whaletrail.html
Engela Botes (enbotes@pawc.wcape.gov.za)
Western Cape Nature Conservation Board
26 July 2001
"We live on a plateau on the top of the Kogelberg mountains behind Kleinmond. It's the only farm on the mountain and surrounded by state forest and adjacent to the Kogelberg Biosphere. A truly beautiful place with vineyards, apples and pears. We have a 15ha dam stocked with telapia and a couple of houses on the farm. The farm is overlooking the Elgin valley to the north and about 7km from the beach between Kleinmond and the Botriver lagoon to the south. Some of the existing hiking trails go past our farm, but are seldomly used, and we've always thought it a good idea to have hikers over for a night or two on their way to Betty's Bay, Kleinmond or Gordons Bay. Would like to hear from you."
Rosa
24 September 2000
"What makes this Olifantskop trail very special is that you are in regular contact with the river. It is a fairly leisurly walk to the cave, so that there is time for swims and exploration of the old farmstead halfway to the cave."
http://home.mweb.co.za/vi/vism/tours.html
Martha & Reinhardt Slabber
23 February 2001
"There are hiking trails to suit all tastes, but to make its mark, a hike needs more than just good views, good paths and good overnight accommodation. That 'something extra' might be tractor transport to the start, a farm dog which accompanies the hikers, a real farm supper laid on, or an unusual overnight hut.
Of course the choice of route is vital. It needs available water, great views, good places to stop, not too much unnecessary uphill, and above all a route with a purpose. That purpose may be the views, a particular destination like a nek, peak or waterfall, or it may be getting from A to B along an interesting route. Most hikers like variation, so try to include a variety of terrains. Circular routes are usually more popular than ones where you end far away from the carpark at the start.
Related to the route, you need a decent map and route description, and well signposted paths. Local municipalities, the Forestry Department or one of several conservation agencies may be able to help with technical issues like maps and path construction.
To publicise the hike, your first prize would be to get a popular author of hiking books to review your hike, or to include it in a hiking column in a weekend newspaper. Another option would be an article about your trail in Getaway or Out There magazine, but that isn't easy to achieve - something in the letters page may be easier. SAFM also has a weekly hiking program called Boots 'n All by Dennis O'Donnell."
Ian -
January 2001