12 August 2006    to      13 August 2006

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Normally we are not fans of the Tiaan Strydom hikes of Discovery because they contain a multitude of ladders and other aids that tend to take away much of the adventure of backpacking. So it was with reluctance that we booked Boskloof as nothing else was available in the north where we normally like to go during winter. Well, despite an excessive amount of ladders we were very pleasantly surprised by the incredibly beautiful scenery. Silvia had taken the Friday off so we arrived at the base camp early. The base camp consisted of three huts and a very well equipped communal area. Two other small groups had also booked on the hike and arrived a bit later.

Saturday morning after breakfast we were off. The first day is 12km and initially we thought we had been done in with the distance, but at the end of the day I am sure it was at least 12km! We certainly got our workout.

Below in the distance one can see the base camp. The trail climbs a bit and at this point crosses many bridges and ladders. Many are really not necessary!

The area consists mainly of sandstone that often leave very interesting formations.

From here one starts to climb steadily upwards and one only really reaches the highest point at about lunch time. In our case that was about 1pm.

The trail mainly follows a cliff face with spectacular views of the area below.

Here we took a break and admired the scenery below.

Silvia climbing out another ladder. I must say in places the ladders did tend to bring one closer to some of the spectacular parts of the trail.

A little bridge high up between two rocks.

An idea of the hight of the trail.

After reaching the top, the trails turns into a valley. Initially the decent is fairly gentle, but then the valley turns into a steep gorge and so does the decent.

Some tree roots clinging precariously to the rocks.

Well, we made it to the overnight hut at about 3pm. Here is a view of some of the scenery from the hut.

The overnight hut also consists of three rooms with a very well equipped communal area and donkey. Its one of the few places we have been to where the overnight hut is as good as the base camp. A pleasant evening with the others around the camp fire followed.

At about 4 the next morning a strong wind started up and woke us. We started the second day quite early which was a good thing because it started getting quite hot.

The second day is 6km, and the first 3km are quite flat and go through indigenous bush. After that the trail has quite a steep climb to just below the main cliffs.

Along this stretch there are some rather interesting pieces that take one along the side of the cliff face.

Once on top, one contours along the side of the mountain. The decent down back to the base camp is fairly gentle. Unfortunately we found out that this trail is to be closed at the end of August (this month) to make way for a Game Reserve and golf estate. So those that have not had the opportunity to have done it.....well to bad. It sure is a pity though as this trail was of the nicest hikes we have done.