2 August 2008     to     3 August 2008

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After nearly destroying our tires, wheels and suspension we made it to the Molope base camp for the Rooi-Ivoor hike. If we can give anyone any advice who wants to do this hike, do not take the Middelburg – Steelpoort route but rather go via Belfast, Dullstroom and then Lydenburg. The former road is in a terrible state. Anyway once we had reached Rooi-Ivoor a wonderful hike awaited us. This time round we did the Molope – Stamvrug trail which was new to us. Next morning we were on our way at about 8am.

This part of the trail route had some very confusing markings and we promptly took a wrong turnoff loosing about an hour in the process. The first part takes one along a jeep track for quite awhile, maybe a few kilometers in fact. Here some major “democracy” is taking place!

Eventually we got to the actually real start of our trail.

After hiking quite awhile through the bush one gets to a type of tire ladder which takes one up to the top of a cliff.

A view from about halfway up the tire ladder.

Once one reaches the top of the tire ladder the trail continues upwards at a gentle gradient for quite awhile before reaching the top of the mountain.

When we reached the top the trails contours along for quite a few kilometers. There is a water point along this part of the trail.

We reached the Stamvrug overnight hut at about 3pm. It’s a beautiful hut divided into two sections of 12 beds, each with its own toilet and shower. In the middle is a communal kitchen and braai facilities as well as the “donkey” for hot water. There was plenty of wood available as well.

A view from the hut at the surrounding cliffs and valley below.

The next day turned into another interesting day.

We hiked through gorges, this one had a chain to get into...somehow sounds familiar...

Some interesting rocks.

At this point one climbs a few ladders to get out of the gorge.

A break while admiring the scenery.

Along the route we came across some very tall Aloes.

Hiking along a dried out stream bed.

Some large Naboom.

At this point we came across a large stone slab that also occasionally acts as a stream bed. The red rock and green vegetation gave it a very nice setting. We had taken the longer Kudu detour on this day which is really worth it as there is some very nice scenery along the way.