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Eikenhof Hiking Trail
Mullers Pass, Newcastle, KwaZulu
Natal
Trail
Closed
The Eikenhof hiking trail is
situated in the Mullers pass area of KwaZulu Natal close to the town of Newcastle. The
trail is a two day backpack trail (11Km the first day and 9Km the second day) originally
laid out with the help of the late Chris Lerm and members of the Roodepoort Hiking Club.
Of all the weekend trail that we have done around South Africa this one could be described
as the wild flower trail. In spring the hillsides of the area are a mass of different
colours. This however, is not the only reason for doing this trail as this trail has such
a variety of landscapes and flora that at any time of the year it is well worth doing.
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| The Basecamp at
Eikenhof |
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The accommodation at Basecamp is
spacious and well look after. It contains 24 bunk beds and mattresses, hot showers and a
gas stove. After heavy rain the approach to
the trail can be difficult and slippery so care must be taken. |
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There are two Braai areas at
Basecamp (one under cover). |
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The Trail
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From the Basecamp the trail
follows banks the Ncandu river for some distance following first a farm track and then a
small path through dense indigenous forest. |
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Again and again the hiker will
be amazed at the diversity of the flora. Whole hillsides abound with the myriad of colours
of the wildflowers. |
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In the dense riverine forest
there are beautiful cascades of water. |
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More of the beautiful fungi and
wild flowers. |
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The trail takes the hiker
steeply up along a mountain stream until a contour path is reached. |
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The views and the mountain
streams are really lovely along the route. |
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Overnight hikers sleep under a
rock overhang and the views of the dawn sunrise are really very special.
The facilities are basic. Water is
gathered from the waterfall and some straw is scattered around to make sleeping more
comfortable. Wood is provided for the fire and there is a long drop toilet. |
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Different colours of a waterfall
as it plunges over the rock overhang. |
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The second day of the Eikenhof hiking trail is far
easier than the first and is mostly downhill.
The
views of the mountains on this section of the trail are stunning. There are also some
lovely waterfalls to be seen. |
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Conclusion
The Eikenhof hiking trail is a
really beautiful trail and one really worth doing. Spring and after the first rains is
obviously the best time to do this trail but there is enough variety to make it worth
doing at any time of the year.
Bookings
Bookings for the Eikenhof trail can
be made through
Anvie Ventures +27 12
662 0586 or e-mail anvie@xsinet.co.za
Footprint Hiking Club
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