Wartrail Hike

South Africa

Wartrail hike – Southern Drakensberg

Duration: 5 days Grading: C Departs: Sunday

Hike through the spectacular Southern Drakensberg, reaching altitudes of 2700m. Home to the Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Black Eagle, alpine wildflowers and small wildlife, this hike leaves you with breath-taking memories. Overnight at B&B’s along the way. Take with you only day packs while your backpacks are transported to your next destination. This is your chance to experience true Eastern Cape hospitality, and the natural splendour of the Southern Drakensberg.

The terrain is montane grassland, and altitudes range from 1800m to 2700m above sea-level affording the hiker spectacular views of the Southern Drakensberg and the Maluti mountains of Lesotho. Hikes are tailored to the groups’ needs i.e. strong hikers will be able to walk up to the peaks of the Southern Drakensberg whereas more moderate hikes are available for those wanting a more sedate walk. Hikes are unmarked and therefore guides are needed. Each hiker is supplied with a lunch-pack. Dinner will consist of a 3-course meal and breakfast is a farm-style affair.

Wildlife: The hike traverses well-managed farmland. Smaller wildlife can be spotted e.g. mountain reedbuck, grysbok, black-backed jackal, lynx, dassies and porcupines as well as 282 species of bird, including black eagle, cape vulture, crested crane and bearded vulture or Lammergeier.

Climate: A typical highland climate with moderate summers and cold winters. The area has summer rainfall with afternoon thunderstorms. It is suggested that you start your trails early in the morning so that you have descended the mountain soon after lunchtime.

Day 1
Arrive at Rosstrevor Guest Farm (20kms from Barkly East), meet up with your fellow travellers and relax after your journey into the North Eastern Cape. Let Phil & Kate spoil you with a sumptuous dinner in their restaurant, housed in a sandstone barn dating back to the 1890’s, as they brief you on the route. Now is the time to check your bags. Remember, you don’t need to toss out all those extra goodies, as you only carry your daypacks. Accommodation is provided in a charming Victorian farmhouse.

Day 2
After a farm-style breakfast and briefing you have the opportunity to relax or fly-fish for a couple of hours before starting the hike from Rosstrevor to Pitlochrie. This first day is intended to give everyone an opportunity to acclimatise, so we travel a fairly flat route along a beautiful river gorge, with opportunities to swim and to view bushman paintings. By mid-afternoon we arrive at Pitlochrie, a stunning English-style farm with emerald-green lands and woods behind the main house. Enjoy your evening at Pitlochrie Cottage with hosts Joe & Clare.

Day 3
After breakfast, set out on your hike - a more challenging walk awaits you as you climb from Pitlochrie over to Balloch, which is a natural heritage site. Take in the stunning sandstone formations, home to Bushman paintings, dassies, waterfalls and sparkling pools inviting you for a swim. Walk along a gurgling trout river to Glenshee Homestead or Willowstream Cottage, your accommodation for the night, nestling in one of the prettiest valleys in the area. Meet your hosts, Margy & Graham, before settling down to a delicious farm dinner.

Day 4
Today you are rewarded with glorious views over the rugged scenery of the Transkei and Lesotho. There is plenty of time to stop and take in the beautiful alpine wildflowers. Perhaps you are lucky enough to see a Lammergeier accompany you on the walk. There is the choice of a challenging hike, which ascends The Wall, aptly named by the Sky Run participants, to 2700m and then descends down to Reedsdell, or a more moderate countour hike around the mountain for the less energetic. Spend the evening in Reedsdell’s comfortable sandstone farmhouse with Chris & Kath.

Day 5
A steep climb through Edgehill brings you out on top of the world as you admire the breath-taking views over the Wartrail & New England valleys, before descending to Bidstone Guest Farm where Andrew & Janet invite you to rest for the night. Reminisce over the past 5 days before climbing into a welcoming bed, resting before your trip home tomorrow.




Total tour price (per person)

R4,395 - 4 hikers
R3,845 - 6 hikers
R3,575 - 8 hikers

Included:
• Farmhouse breakfast and 3 course dinner
• Accommodation in quality guest farms selected for their beauty and tranquility
• Guiding
• Packed lunches
• Transportation of luggage between overnight stops

Wartrail Skytrail Guides
You will have the privilege of being guided by each landowner (and/or his/her staff) over whose property you hike.

Philip Harrison: Runs Wild Mountain Adventures with his partner Kate. Phil is an experienced mountain guide and has a good knowledge of the highveld wildlife.

Joe Sephton: farms Pitlochrie with his wife Clare. Joe is a qualified guide and is also an experienced mountain athlete, having participated in most of the mountain races in our area.

Margy Frost: farms Balloch with her husband Graham. Margy ran her trout hatchery until recently. “I love walking over our mountains and am passionate about our magnificent scenery”

Tskholo Mojaki: farms with Chris & Kath on Reedsdell. Tskholo has trained to be a nature site guide. He is young, enthusiastic & extremely knowledgeable of the area. He especially enjoys sharing his cultural background with you & he converses in English, Xhosa & Sesotho.

Andrew Viedge: farms Bidstone with his wife Janet. Andy is an experienced Skyrun participant – this 100km trail run includes much of the route of the Wartrail Skywalk.

Oystercatcher Trail

South Africa

Oystercatcher Trail – Southern Cape

Duration: 5 days* Grading: B Departs: Sunday or Tuesday

There are two keys to unlocking an awareness of the need to protect our environment: close contact with the wonders of the earth, and well-educated guides with a passion for their subject and an ability to get their message across. The Oystercatcher Trail is a world acclaimed hiking experience, and offers both. It was rated by National Geographic Traveller as " One of the Top 50 tours of a life time" for 2007 . The BBC classes it as one of “30 Unforgettable walks to do before you die”, and GETAWAY Magazine rated it as one of the top 5 South African hikes. The aim is to ensure that hikers enjoy every step and learn much about our fragile and beautiful environment. The Oystercatcher Trail hike is renowned for its eco and cultural educational value. The daily distances are normally completed in about 6 hours. You carry only your day pack as we shuttle your luggage.

Day 1, self drive to Mosselbaai or Boggomsbaai, or fly to George airport where you will be met and transported to your first night stop. Enjoy welcome drinks and program discussion followed by 3 course dinner.
Overnight in Cape style cottages in Boggomsbaai, or in Mossel Bay at Highview Lodge or Greendoor Guest Lodge.

On day 2, you are transferred to the starting point of the Trail, at historical St Blaize Cave. Meander along cliffs and contour paths to Dana Bay, passing over Pinnacle Point golf estate. There is an optional visit to Stone age caves, and swimming in rock pools. Pick up at Dana Bay and transported to overnight stay at Sandpiper cottages in Boggomsbaai. There is a pre dinner talk and video on the Black Oystercatcher.

Day 3 begins with transport back to Dana Bay to continue the guided hike to Boggomsbaai along the beach. There is the opportunity to locate Oystercatcher nests, eggs, chicks, etc., there are frequent sightings of whales, in season, from close range (June to October). Watch out for dolphins along the route. Visit ancient Khoi San middens in the dunes. Arrive mid afternoon at Sandpiper cottages.

On day 4, leave after breakfast to hike along the beach and rocky coast at sea level to historical Fransmanshoek where the La Fortune French war ship sank in 1763.
Enjoy a beach lunch, snorkeling and swimming in secluded bay. After lunch, continue hike along the coast to Kanon Village. For the fitter participants, there is the option to walk up great sand dunes.
Depending the group size, the overnight stop is either at at Cape Vacca & Kanon with sharing facilities, or Sandpiper Cottages in Boggomsbaai. Enjoy an unforgettable Fish Dinner at the fireplace.

On day 5, your trip ends with a short hike to Gourits River. Take a boat trip across the Gouritsriver or hike back through Fynbos to Kanon Village. There is a return transfer to Boggomsbaai, followed by a Champagne brunch farewell at the Sandpiper Sports Centre.

The rate of R 5 450.00 per person sharing (minimum of 6 people) includes: All accommodation (4 star), all meals including lunch packs, transfers of luggage between overnight stops, return transfers at beginning and end of trail including George Airport, trained guide every day. Bar and alcoholic drinks are excluded.
Rates for smaller groups available on request. All accommodation is on a sharing basis, but single accommodation can be provided at an additional rate of R150 per day.

Hikers carry only a small day pack with water, sun screen, lunch pack, etc.

* There is a 3-day option, which starts on either a Tuesday or a Thursday.

Day 1, self drive to Boggomsbaai, or fly to George airport where you will be met and transported to Boggomsbaai. Overnight in Cape-style cottages in Boggomsbaai. Enjoy welcome drinks and program discussion followed by 3 course dinner.

On day 2, leave after breakfast to hike along the beach and rocky coast at sea level to historical Fransmanshoek where the La Fortune French war ship sank in 1763.
Enjoy a beach lunch, snorkeling and swimming in secluded bay. After lunch, continue hike along the coast to Kanon Village. For the fitter participants, there is the option to walk up great sand dunes.
Depending the group size, the overnight stop is either at at Cape Vacca & Kanon with sharing facilities, or Sandpiper Cottages in Boggomsbaai. Enjoy an unforgettable Fish Dinner at the fireplace.

On day 3, your trip ends with a short hike to Gourits River. Take a boat trip across the Gouritsriver or hike back through Fynbos to Kanon Village. There is a return transfer to Boggomsbaai, followed by a Champagne brunch farewell at the Sandpiper Sports Centre.

The rate of R 2 950.00 per person sharing (minimum of 6 people) includes: All accommodation (4 star), all meals including lunch packs, transfers of luggage between overnight stops, return transfers at beginning and end of trail including George Airport, trained guide every day. Bar and alcoholic drinks are excluded.
Rates for smaller groups available on request. All accommodation is on a sharing basis, but single accommodation can be provided at an additional rate of R150 per day.

Hikers carry only a small day pack with water, sun screen, lunch pack, etc.


An added bonus is the use of the Sandpiper Sport and Spa Centre which is available exclusively to our guests. This centre includes an indoor heated saltwater health pool, sauna, glass back squash court, tennis court, toning gym, and spinning bikes, as well as a Jacuzzi situated on the upper deck with wonderful views of the bay and, in season, Southern Right whales. Also offered as optional extras are massages and health therapies, by appointment with our local therapist.

Soldiers Footprints

South Africa

Campaign Trails – Follow in the Footprints of the Soldiers of Yore
Kwazulu-Natal

Duration: 6 days Grading: B Departs: Any day


The best way to appreciate history is to walk in the footprints of the men who made it. During the closing years of the 19th century, two significant wars were fought on South African soil: The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and, 20 years later, the second Anglo-Boer War, known as the South African War. The greatest concentration of battles fought during these two wars were in the garden province of KwaZulu-Natal. Here dramatic scenery combines with stirring history to create memorable walking experiences.





Day 1, arrive in Durban and transfer to Dundee.

On Day 2, walk the path taken by G Coy 24th from their base at Helpmekaar down to Rorke’s Drift on 24th January 1879, following the old wagon track. Stop for lunch and a breather at the lodge at the foot of the plateau, and continue to the mission station at Rorke’s Drift for an account of the famous defence of the military depot there by a handful of British soldiers against several thousand Zulu warriors.

Day 3, follow the route taken by Lord Chelmsford, Commander in Chief of the British army, and the central British column as they entered Zululand to crush the might of Cetswayo, king of the Zulus. The route followed is again the old wagon track, this time crossing the Buffalo River at Rorke's Drift and continuing on to Isandlwana. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the interpretative centre, followed by an account of the battle of Isandlwana, standing amongst the graves of the thousand or more British soldiers who died there.


Day 4 begins with an introduction to the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 - 1902 at Talana Museum, Dundee, followed by a short walk up the Talana Hill for an account of the first set-piece battle of that war. Drive to Ladysmith for lunch, the town that held world attention for 118 days while it was under siege by the Boer forces. Afternoon climb up Tchrengula Hill, the site of severe fighting at the outset of the famous Siege. Time in the Siege Museum and visiting other places of interest.

On Day 5, follow the route taken by the British soldiers for the night attack on the Boer positions on Spioenkop on 23 Jan 1900. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the summit and hear an account of the action on that day.


The tour ends on Day 6 with return transfer to Durban, visiting the site of the capture of Winston Churchill and stopping for lunch in the Midlands on the way.

The accommodation used for this itinerary is a combination of standard and luxury. The first three nights are spent at the Royal Country Inn in Dundee and the last two at Three Tree Hill Lodge at the base of Spioenkop.

The rate of R18 570 per person sharing for 2 guests includes: specialist battlefield guide, all vehicle transfers, accommodation as stated in the itinerary on a sharing basis, all meals and all entries. The rate excludes: Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Single and group rates are available on request.