16 October 2004    to      17 October 2004

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Ngogo is a relatively new trail and well worth a visit. Situated about 20km outside Newcastle in South Africa a rather inconspicuous road leads from one of the main roads up into the mountains.

Yours truly making the traditional Garlic snails on the Friday evening.

A very pleasant and well equiped basecamp. We even were given a "Guide".

The first day is 11km long with an 800m climb up to the escarpment, before descending a bit to the Saturday night camp. As it was still early summer the grass had not had time to get to its usual height so a lot of wild flowers could be seen. The first part of the trail is not very steep with scattered grassland and some indigenous forest to walk through.

Some of the local flora.

A tree that has decided to rest awhile on a rock.

The climb begins and gets steeper as we go along.

Some more local flora. Of these, there were sometimes whole fields.

Made it to the first ledge. Certainly a great view from up here.

Once over the top we followed a small stream that gradually got bigger and bigger. Eventually we stopped for lunch at the top of a waterfall.

The Saturday night camp consisted of two cottages and a communal area with showers, braai area and for a change enough chairs and tables. Unfortunately thats when my troubles started as I had picked up a stomach bug somewhere that completely dehydrated me, so I ended up going to bed early.

As it was quite warm we had all decided to sleep outside that evening. However, during the night a strong wind picked up and some decided to flee inside.

Next morning was not easy for me. My energy levels were way down and having to climb back up to the escarpment with a heavy backpack made the going hell even though the scenery was good.

A steep climb with help of some ropes.

Nearing the top of the escarpment.

Once you reach the top the trails follows the escarpment for quite a few km. Up top here the wind was blowing quite strongly.

The start of the 800m decent. Once we reached the lower altitudes, the temperature began to soar to 34 degrees Celius. Somehow I made it back with the last few hundred meters being very difficult. Once back however we had the consolation of showers.