Hikers and explorers

17/01/2024

The little guy is minding his business. Not part of the Big Five, but surely a marvel to watch!

04/01/2024

12/09/2022

Milorho camping and hiking weekend

07/08/2022

Magoebaskloof done and dusted...

06/06/2022

Skeurkraans 2022

27/04/2022

Completed the 100km hard and dangerous Amatola

22/03/2022

43kms in two days.

14/03/2022

Ezemvelo 36kms over two days

17/02/2022

Good evening hikers.
We have a few spots for AMATOLA from the 20th of April. Please watsapp me at 079 141 2362 if interested.

24/01/2022

'I wanna stand at the edge of the world and p**s over it'-Peter Dinklage aka The Imp.

You haven't lived until you have literally been so high supported only by nature. No, it's different from flying and being dependent on the man made engine and a piece of metal with wings.

Let me introduce to you, *The Amphitheater*.
Located in the Drakensberg mountain range, this is one of the best ever hike you can do yourself a favour to take.

The wonders of nature, the sculpturing which went into 'designing' this majestic mountain peak is difficult to articulate.

First af all, you will be at over an elevation of 3000m. Weather conditions up there are very unpredictable. One time you're sorrounded by clouds, the next you are getting some nice warmth from the sun.

Secondly, you will be so high such that other other mountains look like just mere koppies. From where I'm sitting when writing this piece, all I can see is green and blue. Nothing shiny, nothing unnatural. The range in its green overall graced by the blue water flowing through the Tugela River is something you must not die until you've experienced.

Well, getting up there is a topic for another day. Yes, there are chain ladders and the ascend start when you're in your car to the Witsieshoek lodge. I would not recommend the hike if changing a globe gives you some creeps.

Now, the waterfall...a marvel to watch. The Tugela Falls are aclaimed the highest in the world at a length of 962m. Yes, almost a kilometer. One would bet that not every drop that leaves the edge gets to hit the ground, but that's how nature deals with everything or everyone, isn't it?

The nights up the Amphitheater are very windy. The weather very cold but humid.

Mornings can be very cold as it was during this expedition. Catching the sunset above the clouds is an experience to take home with.

This by far was one of the best scenic hikes I have ever had a chance to take.

This is paradise for nature lovers.

☘️☁️🏔️

21/01/2022

Amphitheater weekend

17/01/2022

Hello hikers,
Please refer to the hiking programme attached. For more information contact Sello @ 0791412362

22/11/2021

Wathaba 19 - 21 November 2021

22/11/2021

Wathaba was a blast. We do rustic, we are daring. We are accomodative.

03/10/2021

All things dangerous: you can slip and fall, you can be shot, you can run out of water and die from dehydration...but something I will give to De Wildt is just how humbling a hike it is.

20/09/2021

Hennops done, 12/09/2021

30/08/2021

A lovely hike at Kraanskloof, Carolina MP

04/08/2021

Good afternoon. Hikers and Explorers will be doing Rustig on Sunday the 08th of August 2021 at 8:30.
Fee: R130
☎️0791412362

25/07/2021

Groenkloof,
25/07/2021

08/06/2021

Join us as we explore the fauna and the flora...limited space for the weekend hike.

08/06/2021

It's a pre-hike...

30/05/2021

Vergenoeg hike, 30 May 2021

This is the hike in summary:

The hike started at 8:20 after a briefing and taking of pictures. Only two hikers could not make it to the hike but the rest were there and excited to tackle this Godzila of a hike.

The hike started by immediately dishing out a battering and relentless incline. For the first 1.8km one is subjected to an aggressive incline which climax on the 1.8km mark. This is where rock climbing begins.

In this area of the hike, hikers have to work their way out of a gorge, unaided(the rope that hangs lower down between two sides of the gorge serves no purpose).

Well, at least once out of the gorge, the Magalies area now starts to give its best in terms of scenery. Good pictures were taken by some as by this time the group has broken into several segments and arrival here was at different times.

Safe to say that getting out of the gorge is unnecessary unsafe and not well thought of by the trail owners.

From the resting area towards the top of the gorge and towards the top of the mountain, the intensity seemed to subside.

At the top, the trail levels out for several kilomers. There are bits of ups and downs though to keep the hike interesting.

One unfortunate factor to contend with here is dealing with poor markings. 500m to the left at the fork from the gorge the sign that reads "end of Vergonoeg, go back" is still standing sarcastically as the trail still goes on beyond the rock.

The hike from that point becomes normal and less demanding. I termed the hike an "8 hike" as you go round one koppie, then back to the center of the 8 and then you circle the other koppie to complete an 8. As one goes around the koppies, the hike gets intriguing as the intensity becomes moderate to allow hikers to savour the nice scenery that Vergenoeg have to offer. Eagles are flying low enough for one to appreciate how majestic this birds are. The view of the Haartebees dam and that of the mountain range are worth the trouble.

Upon reaching the center of the 8 from the second loop, hikers had to now traverse and negotiate their way down the mountain through the gorge.

It's an insult to call that route down the mountain a trail. It was more like a see what to do, step where you like and fall if you will kind of route. I strongly advise that ladders be erected here since their absence make the hike extremely dangerous. Luckily, the hiking team was strong and agile.

Going back to the base is through the same trail used up. It would be more interesting if a different trail down was carved.

Well, we all reached the base safely after the daring hike and all of us were so fascinated at this trail regardless of its shortcomings. It's a trail for those with a very high appetite for risk.

Thanks to all those who participated. You have shown that any trail can be done. You have shown that when we are up the mountains we so much become a family that depends and rely on each other.

Thank you,

Sello

16/05/2021

hiking trail, 15km done and dusted.

12/05/2021

Hedianga Day Hike
Date:16 May 2021(Sunday)
Time: 8:30
Distance:10km (Optional 15km)
Free hike, just pay entrance fee of R60

Inbox if interested.

11/04/2021

Klipriviersberg done and dusted. Well done to both the 8km and 14km teams

29/03/2021

A three day weekend hike at St Fort in the Free State. The fun we had when connecting with nature.