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Mziki
Hiking Trail
Eastern
Shores, St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal
For those people that love
coastal hiking, dunes, rock pools, dune forests and the possibility
of seeing a wealth of wildlife, the Mziki trail is for you. The
trail takes a maximum of eight people and is accompanied by an armed
ranger as you could bump into Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Hippo
among others. There are three separate day trails from Mount Tabor
hut which is about a two Kilometre walk from Mission Rocks where
cars a parked.
Mission
Rocks
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The Office at
Mission Rocks |
Mount
Tabor Trail Hut
Mount Tabor hut is 2Km
walk from Mission Rocks where the hikers leave their cars and
meet their field ranger. It is important to arrive in time to
allow for this walk to be accomplished in daylight.
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Mount Tabor Hut
is home to the hiking group for three nights and is
equipped with beds and mattresses, gas stove,
refrigerator, pots pans, crockery and cutlery. Outside,
firewood is provided and there is a bucket shower and
primitive toilet (with a view). A pole ladder gives
access to the roof of the hut which is a favourite
vantage point for hikers. The hut was constructed.
Mount Tabor hut
was built by the Royal Air Force as an observation post
during the second world war. It provided radar support
for the Catalina flying boats who supplied air cover for
allied shipping in the area. |
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Mount Tabor is
offers beautiful views of the area and sunset and starry
night skies are really something to behold. |
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The Trails |
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There are three
one day trails that radiate from Mount Tabor. The trail
to the north is 18Km long while both the trail towards
Mission Rocks in the South and the trail westwards
towards the lake are 10Km each. |
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The trails pass
through a variety of habitat but one is never very far
from the presence of water. Early morning mist lends an
eerie aspect to the walks. |
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Both the trails
to the North and the one to the South return along the
shore giving ample opportunity for swimming. |
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The presence of
a multitude of different spider webs provide plenty to
photograph. |
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Spot the spider!
The colours of the vegetation make interesting studies
as well |
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Inland there
are a few surprises awaiting in the form of wildlife. A
Croc, Hippo, Rhino or Elephant might just appear from
around a bush! |
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But to most
people the main attraction of the trail must be the
shoreline with its rock pools and unspoilt beaches. |
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There is ample time
to enjoy the wonders of the area that is so special. |
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Conclusion
The Mziki Trail one of the few coastal trails
that is basically day hikes which makes it ideal for those who have
problems with backpacking. The trails have a rich and varied flora
and fauna and well worth the effort. It should be born in mind that
the trails form part of a wilderness area and as such the facilities
are kept to very basics.
Bookings
To book the Mziki Trail contact
the Mission Rocks office
Telephone: +27 (0) 35 590 9002
Fax +27 (0) 35 590 9090
PO Box 52, St Lucia Estuary
3936, Republic of South Africa
Footprint
Hiking Club
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below
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