This meet was originally planned for early May 2020, and you know why it could not take place. So, 2021 offered another opportunity. The Kruisrivier – Kangoberg area of the Swartberg is really spectacular and we have already done a few hikes there. But there is a pyramid-shaped peak that has been fascinating me since the time I lived in Oudtshoorn. I could see it often when I looked towards the western end of the range. The peak does not have a name on the map, but the local farmers call it Boesmanskop.
Right to the east of it is Boesmans Neck. You can see this pyramid peak on the left of the picture below.
The Donkey Trail is a well-known catered overnight trail, crossing the Swartberg from the Groenfontein area on the southern side, over into Gamkaskloof (The Hell). This trail has not been in operation for some years, and I thought it would be great to follow this historic bridle path up the mountain – and then follow the main Swartberg skyline to the east to reach the Pyramid…… studying Google Earth convinced me it was possible – also to get down the Pyramid on the steep eastern side towards the neck.
Eight enthusiastic wild country hikers gathered at the Groenfontein Retreat on Saturday morning.
Clive Louw, Ed Kay-Shuttleworth, Hugh Sussens, Elna van der Walt, Greg and Cheryl Devine, Amelia Spargo and Derek Odendaal
We had quite a hike ahead of us – more than 13 km and 1200 m of ascent. And the Donkey Trail path is rather eroded and rocky over most of the distance. Fortunately, we had very mild weather. All went well, but over that last 200 meters to the top of Wyenek (the highest point before reaching the northern slope) we could all feel the exhaustion/unfitness/overweight/too heavy pack/age, in our bodies. Another two km took us down to the established overnight point along the Donkey Trail. Apparently this trail will become operational again at the end of April, and we could see some equipment was brought up recently to re-establish the overnight camp. We found a relatively flat camping area, but a cold wind was blowing.
The second day saw us returning to Wyenek, from where we hiked east along the ridgeline and peaks, towards the Pyramid. The first hour or so went well, until we had to follow a very rocky and challenging knife-edge ridge. This was much rougher than I expected and at times I was wondering if we will be able to continue our ridge walk. It was also rather misty, not helping us to see what lies ahead. After this challenging section, the going got better for some distance and we made better progress. But I realised the day will be longer than anticipated and there might still be serious obstacles ahead.
The summit of the Pyramid in the centre:
The mist cleared during the afternoon and we had some amazing views in all directions. There were two spectacular gorges to the north, with impressive cliffs. The last hour towards the summit of the Pyramid gave us a few challenging and exhausting sections, but at last we were on top. We could see the entire Swartberg range and everything to the north and the south! Then the descend had to be tackled: 800 meters down to the camping spot! The steep descend towards the neck had a few tricky places, but we found a safe route down. By the time we reached our overnight spot, our legs were like jelly. I cannot remember being more tired after a day’s hiking……. but some Bergblits from a small bottle helped us to gain energy to at least cook dinner.
Reaching the summit. Photo by Ed Kay-Shuttleworth
The summiteers of the Pyramid
The last day was a bright, sunny day and offered clear views on our way back to the start of our hike, where we enjoyed beers and Coke at the Groenfontein Retreat, before heading back home. I think this hike was one of the best under the label of a “Derek Special”. And I am very grateful for the mercy we enjoyed to complete it without any accident.
Meet Leader ~ Derek Odendaal