BERGFREE ADVENTURES
NEWSLETTER NUMBER 149
25 May 2012
3 Day Lower Berg Exploration
Central Drakensberg
8 10 May 2012
U.S.A Hikers
From the Antbear Guesthouse - Mooi River area
The Guest House for the Central Drakensberg
www.antbear.com
www.midlandsreservations.co.za
Michael , Jan and Ben from the USA were planning a trip to South Africa, and enlisted the help of Sarah from Midlands Reservations to help them with the planning. Sarah soon had them booked in at the Antbear Guest House near Mooi River. A guest house with unique wooden furniture and fittings in each suite, hand made and designed by Andrew and Connie the owners of the Antbear. Sarah then contacted me , and between us we planned a trip of 3, Day hikes into the Central Drakensberg, working from the Antbear as our base.
Our 1st day was spent exploring the Injisuthi mountain area. On arriving we were greeted by the high escarpment range of Champagne Castle, Monks Cowl and Cathkin Peak high up above us.
The path took us up the river , the first obstacles being the two river crossing, before heading up the valley
The path led us past very interesting rock and tree formations. Long , long ago as river eroded the valley, large rocks were displaced from the eroding cliff faces and smashed down into the valley floor. So the area is littered with great boulders that fell from above, creating a very interesting rock scenario around us.
An unusual feature which can be seen high up on the cliff horizon, and if one knows where to look , is that of an arrow outlined in the rock pointing to the sky. This is a reminder , that one should take the time, and frequently , to look up to the skyline when one is hiking , and not keep your eyes fixed on the path.
Changing light and clouds can show fantastic sights and features but just for a second , then they are gone
The second day was spent at Highmoor Reserve, a wonderful place to hike , with great rolling valleys, and very steep cliffs to the river below few people seem to hike here.
In the valleys are very interesting cave formations, with who knows what to discover on the rock surfaces. But remember, what goes down must come back up.
We were lucky to spot a pair of hunting Secretary birds , working hard on the hillside looking for a meal. Then later as a cloud moved across the sky and its shadow fell on the cliff face, one could clearly see the old male baboon gazing down into the valley below.
We had to cross the river again to start our very steep and hard climb back up to the plateau, but first a good drink of cold river water to recharge the flagging late afternoon energy levels. Then , the climb on first looking up to the top of the hill, one has a horrible feeling that this is not possible, but now head down and one small step after another, and sooner than later , one reaches the top.
Our third and last day was spent at the Kamberg Rock art area. This is a must visit for anyone who want to see incredible rock art. This site can only be visited in the company of a Rock Art Monitor someone to watch over you just in case one may get the urge to deface the incredible rock art of the area.
It is a long climb , but on a good path and well worth the effort
Time needs to be well spent taking in the intricacies and excellence of the art itself. Very delicate work on a rough rock surface, and each and every paint stroke is definitive, no over painting or redoing one chance only incredible
We left on the way home, and headed into the valley to investigate other formations and views of the area. Time was spent sitting on a vantage point and quietly ruminating over the last 3 days of mountain hiking.
Then it was down hill all the way home, first the steep bit , then the long slow drop back to the car . As we arrived back at the Antbear , an amazing sunset bid our new friends a safe and happy trip back home to the U.S.A
For more information on hiking in the Drakensberg , contact me at www.bergfree.co.za
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REMEMBER , NO fires are allowed in the berg at all . It is wise to check with your point of departure whether there have been any recent fires in the area that you plan to hike, or is controlled burning planned for the period that you are out.
Bergfree Adventures www.bergfree.co.za
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