HIKING IN SOUTH AFRICA
In and around South Africa
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Michael Berrisford and I joined CUMhike on their climb of Riebeek Kasteel, an inselberg 945m, protruding from golden wheat fields in the Swartland on Sunday 16th of April. Scaling renosterveld-covered slopes with the odd rock hopping, following an occasional game track and quite a bit of bundu-bashing.
Reaching the summit, the view made up for the rough terrain, with views of Table Mountain 100km away and the Groot Winterhoek Range, Riebeek Kasteel, the ugly PPC cement factory and the farm Ongegund, birthplace of General Jan Smuts.
It’s hard to believe that when the peak was first summitted by van Riebeeck’s corporal, the plain was filled with wildlife. Today the area is well known for its wine farms but a relatively new crop is the nutritious olive, which has successfully led to an annual olive festival on the first weekend of May.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Karen Watkins
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1
Richtersveld National Park
Three hiking trails were opened on the park’s fifth birthday, they are open from April to September and are limited to... Continue reading »
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Adventure Walks & Scrambles in the Cape Peninsula
Adventure Walks & Scrambles in the Cape Peninsula by Karen Watkins, published by Double Storey, part of Juta
This guide has been written... Continue reading »
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Hiking In Blinkwater Ravine
Blinkwater 2 – Sunday 8th May, by Karen Watkins
After the very wet attempt... Continue reading »
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Hiking in Swellendam with Meridian Hiking Club.
When you read this, I hope to entice you to want to go. I have to go back before the end of November and take pictur... Continue reading »
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Wild Flowers of the Table Mountain National Park
Wild Flowers of the Table Mountain National Park
(published in the Cape Times on Friday 29 December)
Illustrations: Mary Maytham Kidd a... Continue reading »
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Hiking the Tradouw Traverse
TRADOUW TRAVERSE (working title only – please note that this trail is not officially open yet)
Fri 29 Dec to Mon 1 Jan 2007
Leader: San... Continue reading »
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New hiking trail in Barrydale
Barrydale is a place that I’ve always bypassed on the way to other places and it was only when a friend organised a l... Continue reading »
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Barrydale has much to explore - a python, a chair for women, wine, hikes & much more
For more pics, check Mare's Continue reading »
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Hiking the Puddings route
Waking on Saturday morning, on the veranda of Agtertafelberg hut with Elandspad below and surrounded by mountains, I wo... Continue reading »
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Hiking the Waterval trail near Porterville
Published in Buite Burger in June and on Continue reading »
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Wacky Wine Weekend (WWW)
Wacky Wine Weekend (WWW) means wine for breakfast, wine for lunch and wine for dinner, followed by a dreadful hangover next morning.
Continue reading »
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12
Leeuwenboschfontein
Leeuwenboschfontein is only 220km from Cape Town and the drive alone makes it worthwhile.
Continue reading »
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Hiking Swartboskam in Jonkershoek
Rock scrambling along a ridge, magnificent vlaktes, a kloof and panoramic views, Swartbosrand has it all.
Continue reading »
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Hiking Olifanstriverdome – Koue Bokkeveldiking
Olifantsriverdome is the distinctive peak seen from the valley above Porterville, driving towards the Citrusdal. But th... Continue reading »
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Cracks on Krakadouw, Cedarberg
What a privilege to camp in a cedar plantation under a canopy packed with so many stars that it was difficult to make o... Continue reading »
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