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Rhebok
Hiking Trail
Golden Gate
National Park, near Clarens, Free State Province
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Our group at the
start |
Some of the most spectacular
mountain scenery to be found in South Africa is to be found in the
north eastern Free State around Clarens. The Golden Gate National
Park is situated close to this picturesque little town and contains
the most majestic part of this area. The park stretches up to the
Lesotho border and consists of 11,600ha of mountain grassland (it is
hoped soon to be enlarged by the inclusion of the QwaQwa National
Park). The Rhebok Trail stretches out into this area and allows the
hiker to experience the spectacular scenery which includes the rich
coloration of the sandstone cliffs that give rise to the parks name.
Wildlife in the park includes Eland and Black Wildebeest.
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There is no
designated accommodation for hikers at the start of the
trail, so one has the choice of booking either a camping
site or chalet at Glen Reenen Rest Camp or make other
arrangements at a nearby town such as Clarens or
Harrismth. It is important to be able to make an early
start on your hike, especially in summer when heat can
be a problem as well as electric storms during the
afternoon. Petrol is available at Glen Reenen and there
is a Parks Board shop that sells the very basics. |
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Day
1-14,2km
The first
day of the trail starts off with quite a steep
ascent up Brandwag. To prevent erosion the path is
concreted in places but this does not seem to
detract in any way from the natural feel of the
trail. The sandstone cliff formations along this
section of the trail are probably the most beautiful
to be found in the Free State. |
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Looking back
over Glen Reenen and the mountains beyond, the views
are quite awesome but also rather daunting when one
realizes the task ahead of one on the second day. |
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The trail
evens out and follows Boskloof for some distance,
leaving the views of Glen Reenen and the tarred road
far behind. |
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The stream
has carved its way through the rock leaving some
interesting formations and some lovely rock pools. |
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Care
needs to be taken as the rocks can be slippery.
It is important to not dwell too long here as
you still have some distance to go. |
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The
vistas of natural grassland with the grandeur of
the surrounding mountains is a photographic
delight. |
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The
trail eventually descends to cross the main road
before a relatively easy walk to the overnight
hut. |
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The
Rhebok Hut has bunk beds and mattresses, a
kitchen area, an outside braai area with
firewood supplied, flush toilets and a shower
with hot water supplied by a 'Donkey Boiler'. |
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Day 2
- 13,9km
An early
start is again advisable as the walk can take
anything up to 8hrs. The first part of the day's
walk consists of a walk along the Ribbokspruit.
Negotiating the waterfall can prove a little
tricky especially when wet and it is advisable
to make this a joint effort. Above the falls the
trail starts its long ascent up Generaalskop.
Some sections are very steep and can be viewed
as strenuous especially in the heat. |
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Mist and
bad weather are common in the mountains and it
is important to provide for every eventuality.
When we did the trail one weekend in November,
we had rain, hail, almost gale force winds and
temperatures that plummeted to around 3°C.
Close to the end of the trail we also had
thunder and lightening. This shouldn't put you
off but be prepared! |
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Once the
top is reached one has magnificent views over
Lesotho. However, if, like us you have mist,
rain and cold, there is not much to see for your
strenuous efforts.
The way
down is very steep in places and there are a few
surprises like 'Knee Brake', a narrow ridge that
one has to clamber along, to add some extra
interest.
The
final part of the trail takes one past a scenic
little dam and down a picturesque little kloof
back to Glen Reenen. |
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Directions to Golden Gate
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| Click
on map to download larger image |
Trail Map
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| Click on map to download larger image |
Click here to download PDF
file of Golden Gate background information
Trail
Profiles
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Profile
of Day 1 of the Trail |
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Profile
of Day 2 of the Trail |
Conclusion
The Rhebok trail is
not an easy trail and should not be attempted by any group
without an experienced hiker to lead them. Fitness is
required along with being well equipped for any eventuality.
Warm clothing is essential even in summer. Hikers should
start their hike early and should carry plenty of water,
especially during the dry months. Be prepared, however, for
a hiking experience of note!
Bookings for the
Rhebok Trail should be made through
Jacana
Travel Marketing
and Reservations
Telephone
0861Jacana (0861 522262) or +27 12 734 2978
Telephone +27 11
656 0606 or 012 734 0159
e-mail
info@jacanacollection.co.za
Footprint
Hiking Club
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