30 April 2006    to      1 May 2006

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The Vasbyt Trail is situated about 41km west of Naboomspruit (Mookgophong). Markus, Silvia and myself arrived on Saterday afternoon as the Monday was a public holiday, we would hike Sunday and Monday. The base camp has very nice facilities but there seems to be a bit of a shortage of wood at the place, because even though there was a Donkey (water heater) there was no wood to use in the thing for a hot shower.

There was however some wood available for the braai, so we spent a very pleasant evening around the fire.

Next morning after breakfast we were off. The first bit follows the side of the hill before turning left.

Vasbyt has a reputation as being a bit of a tough hike. We had done the hike a few years ago during the dry season. This time it looked quite different after all the rain, and the streams that were bone dry last time were all flowing with plenty of green vegetation around. Here we had a small break.

The trail winds its way around a small hill and then drops following a gorge and stream that eventually almost reach the plain at the bottom again.

The first day consists of two options. A shorter 8km route and a longer 12km route which we did.

However after the split off, one notices that the trail really becomes bundu bashing. It was totally over grown.

At the bottom one comes across a small dam before the trail turns left and then starts climbing along the side of the mountain.

This is where our problems started. The markers already being far apart and difficult to see, completely disappeared in the long grass up the mountain. We spent a lot of time running around trying to find the next marker and there was still a very long way to go!

Eventually after a lot of time lost we made it to the rope that one has to climb to get to the top of the mountain. Its probably about a 6-8 meter climb up the cliff. Since our last visit some years ago, handles had been placed into the rock to assist in climbing up the cliff. However the first handle is a good 1.7 meters up the rock face and we really battled to get up the first piece. Another one lower down would really help!

Once you reach the top its basically flat with great views onto the plains below.

Its quite a long stretch at the top before you start going down again along some chains. The drop is quite steep but manageable.

Some great views from the top here.

Its actually not that far anymore to the hut once you reach the decent, and we made it to the hut at 4pm. The hut is very nice with a donkey but no wood again, so search parties were sent in all directions to find wood for the donkey and braai later on. On top of the hut there is a undercover platform for viewing purposes and its also a nice place for a sundowner. Silvia and myself overnighted on top of the platform while Markus rather stayed in one of the two rooms below.

Relaxing around the fire and nursing the sore muscles with some "mellow juice".

The weather turned out great next morning even though some rain had been predicted. The second day is 6km long.

Shortly after leaving the hut one has a do a bit of a stiff climb.

The trail drops to a small waterfall and then contours around the other side of the mountain up again.

After some time you reach some ladders that will eventually lead down back to the plain below.

Once you reach the plain below, the trail goes through some really nice bush before you eventually reach the base camp again.