06 March 2010    to      07 March 2010

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This hiking weekend certainly turned out a bit different to what we had expected. Originally we wanted to do, and had in fact booked the Slagthoek to Grootdraai trail. Everything started quite well on the Saturday morning when we set off, until we got to the Olifants river and turned left towards Grootdraai. Up till this point the trail markings where fine. However from here on the trail was hopelessly overgrown and we soon lost whatever markings there were. From here on we took compass readings and headed off towards the distant mountains where we knew the Grootdraai overnight hut should be. After "Bundu Bashing" through the bush for some kilometers we eventually reached the Olifants river where we were supposed to cross onto the other side and then halfway up the mountain to the hut.
Alas, the river was in flood and after looking in vain for a spot to cross, we considered any attempt at swimming across too dangerous. After some discussion we decided our best bet would be to hike the 6km to Klipkraal and try and overnight there, not knowing if there would be water or anything. By this time it was after 4pm already and we were quite tired.
The trail to Klipkraal was completely overgrown and had we not done that route a few years ago, I do not think we would have found it. At least when we got there just after 6pm, totally exhausted, there was water and we managed to find some mattresses. The night was another story. During the night the place was overrun by small ants, and so round about midnight we grabbed our mattresses and fled to one of the small huts that had the least ants in it.
The next day we decided to use the 2 km shortcut to try and get back to the Slagthoek base-camp, because we figured 2km through overgrown bush is easier then the longer 12km route which also looked hopelessly overgrown. The route takes one up a gorge next to a stream before reaching the plateau on top. Halfway up we lost what trail there was, and decided to try and head straight up. This involved some very serious rock climbing through thick bush full of gigantic Golden Orb spider webs with their occupants. We did eventually make it up to the top and found a very welcome Jeep track that led right back to the base camp for the remaining kilometer. At least this was one weekend we will not forget in a hurry!

The base camp at Slagthoek is an old farmhouse. Its well equipped with a Donkey, Braais and Gas Stove.

Ready to roll...

The first section takes one along a small Jeep track.

At this point the trail was still well marked and easy to follow.

Our first break.

There are a few lovely waterfalls along this stretch.

Clambering over some big boulders.

A Cabbage Tree with a peculiar shape.

Some Cycads.

The Olifants river far below.

Here the trail splits off. The left goes to Grootdraai, and the right to Klipkraal.

Lunch next to the river.

"Bundu Bashing", after having lost the trail.

The river is in flood. In the top left hand corner one can just see the Grootdraai hut. At this point we decided to try our luck and make it to Klipkraal with the remaining daylight.

The hopelessly overgrown trail.

Klipkraal camp.

The 2km turnoff on day two.

Ending up in the mud after slipping.

1km to go along the welcome Jeep track after some serious rock climbing. The end is in sight!