It took me awhile to distinguish between Bonnievale and Bonniedale, but when I did, I found the difference to be remarkable. Bonniedale is much closer to home and is a guest farm situated at the foot of the Attakwas mountains. It is fairly rustic camping with basic ablutions and a cool dam for swimming. One [...]
The month of May in the northern Swartberg, on the edge of the Great Karoo, is a lovely time to camp, hike and rock-climb, as the weather is mild. The Bushman Valley resort is very comfortable with nice camping and chalets and a selection of walks. The huge crags of Horlosiekloof and the more user-friendly [...]
L to R: Joan Louwrens, Greg and Cheryl Devine, Maretha Alant, Jeremy Lister-James, Mandy Arora and Retha Meintjies (visitor) After the first cold big front of the autumn, bringing snow to the Swartberg and Western cape we set out on a crisp and crystal clear day. It was perfect hiking weather and the rain has [...]
Four MCSA members attended the Kransberg Saddle hike. L to R: Janine Smith, Bruce Arnett, Gillian Forbes and Kenneth Willemse We set off at a good pace passing three other groups of hikers/backpackers who were also enjoying a lovely sunny day out in the mountains. After passing the Tierkop hut Bruce decided that a 20km [...]
The overnight hike from the Gamkaberg Reserve up to Oukraal through Tierkloof is superb. The kloof has high rock walls and is full of interesting plants, birds and other creatures. Only eight people are allowed per day and one is required to stay overnight in the basecamp the night before the hike. At the top [...]
An Autumnal Meander in the Misty Mountains of the Klein Swartberg. Growing up with the Yorkshire Dales in my backyard, my childhood sympathies were not spared on the four-legged blobs of wool stuck to the precipitous hill side at risk of permanent disfigurement caused by the severe incline. Rumour or fact, the local belief or [...]
Bianke Fourie, Mike von der Heyde, Corlius Jooste, David Collett, Janet Moore, Clive Louw, Romy von der Heyde, Chi Chi Love, Gillian Forbes, Kenneth Willemse, Bruce Arnot, Sandy Louw, Jane Luck, Cheryl Devine (Photo by Greg Devine) We had a beautiful calm, warm and clear day for this outing. One was reminded of a Paul [...]
A sunny morning saw a lucky thirteen (Bruce joined later, running in from Hoekwil) on the Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail. Clive, Sandy, Greg, Cheryl, Alex, Jude, Janet, Mike, Romy, Gillian, Sandy and Gary set off from the permit office being constructed at the trailhead. Sadly the Bosduifloop was closed due to a rather active swarm of [...]
MCSA members, generally being a bright bunch, will know that not only is the earth round, but that it is not a single chunk of solid rock. Rather it consists of several thin rocky crusts, or tectonic plates, floating about on a core of pyroclastic goo. So continents are free to roam and change shape. [...]
Peaks of snow and Luna landings I’ve said this before, and I have no concern in repeating myself. The Cederberg is right up near the top of the global list of hiking destinations. A marvelous combination of scenery and adventure await all those who make the journey into its hallowed grounds. Timing one’s Cederberg visit [...]