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Taaibos Hiking Trail
Near Vaalwater, Limpopo
Province
Closed
Taaibos is not a new trail, but it one that I have
not done before. It is in the Waterberg Mountains close to the small town of Vaalwater.
The trail is relatively short but well worth doing and covers some of the most beautiful
areas of this part of the Limpopo Province.
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| One of
the Hikers Huts |
Map showing the
route of the trail |
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The
Accommodation
The accommodation at base camp is
quite adequate. Hot showers and flush toilets are provided along with plenty of good
firewood |
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The trail -- Day One
Day one starts of with a steady
climb to a vantage point overlooking the river gorge below. The views a quite spectacular
especially when thw river is flowing well.
The trail passes an interesting
demonstration of the power of ants in being able to lift a heavy rock. |
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The vegetation is lush and there
is water even in the dry season (these pictures were taken in the dry season) |
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The rocks along the trail are
very spectacular and are one of the features of the trail. |
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Water and the dry river courses
are some of the most beautiful to be found in the Waterberg |
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Rocks and trees are fascinating!
To see the way the roots of figs and other indigenous trees entwine themselves together is
amazing. |
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Plenty of water is passed even
in the dry season |
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| The camp
fire is always a centre of focus |
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The overnight camp
The overnight camp is a lot more
basic than the base camp but quite comfortable. Plenty of good firewood is provided. |
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| Paperbark Albizia (Albizia
tanganyicensis) |
A Graceful and attractive medium
size tree that can grow up to 20m in height. The bark is smooth with a thin pale red
papery peel. The flowers appear from August to October and are very beautiful. |
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The Trail - Day 2
The second day of the trail leads
briefly away from the river but the river is never far away. |
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Although much shorter, the
second day is just as interesting and spectacular as the first. |
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Along the route there is a lovely
rock overhang that makes an ideal place to have a break and view the river far below.
Conclusion
This is a lovely trail and suitable for beginners
and families as well as the seasoned hiker. The scenery is spectacular and the trail
should be taken at an easy pace. |
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Bookings
The Taaibos Hiking Trail can be
booked through
Anvie Ventures
Telephone +27 12 662
0586/1140 e-mail anvie@xsinet.co.za
Footprint Hiking
Club
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