
4 DAY WAR
TRAIL SKYWALK
Barkly East,
Eastern Cape
"One of the
best holidays ever! Great exercise in an exquisite squeaky clean
environment! Being made to feel incredibly welcome by wonderful
people (and their dogs)! Lovely fires, fantastic food, luxurious
baths, collapsing into warm comfortable beds... I could go on raving
but I think you get the message…." Client
quotation
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Hike through the spectacular Southern Drakensberg,
reaching altitudes of 2700m. Home to the Lammergeier
(Bearded Vulture), Black Eagle, alpine wildflowers and
various small wildlife, this hike leaves you with
breath-taking memories. Overnight at B&Bs along the way.
Take with you only day packs while your backpacks are
transported to your next destination. Experience true
Eastern Cape hospitality and the natural splendour of
the Southern Drakensberg.
A
trip to remember - where hikers overnight at B&B
accommodation for 5 days. More luxury for the older
hiker who enjoys their comforts. Terrain is montane
grassland and altitudes range from 1800m to 2700m above
sea-level that afford the hiker spectacular views of the
Southern Drakensberg & 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
will be supplied with a lunch-pack. Dinner will consist
of a 3-course meal and breakfast is a farmstyle affair. |
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Wildlife:
The
hike traverses well-managed farmland. Smaller wildlife can
be spotted e.g. Mountain Reedbuck, Grysbokkie, black-backed
jackal, lynx, dassies, 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.
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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 an 1890s sandstone barn. as they brief
you on the route. Now is the time to check your
bags. Remember, you dont need to toss out all
those extra goodies, as you will only be
carrying your daypacks. Accommodation will be
provided in a charming Victorian farmhouse.
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DAY 2
After a farmstyle breakfast and briefing you
will 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 will travel a fairly flat route along
a beautiful river gorge, with opportunities
to swim and to view bushman paintings. By
mid-afternoon we will 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.
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DAY 3
After breakfast, set out on your hike - a more
challenging walk awaits you as you climb from
Pitlochrie over to Balloch 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.
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DAY 4
Today you are rewarded with glorious views
over the rugged scenery of the Transkei and
Lesotho. You have the day at leisure to stop
and take in the beautiful alpine
wildflowers. Perhaps you are lucky enough to
see a Lammergeier accompany you on the walk.
A challenging hike, you ascend The Wall,
aptly named by the Sky Run participants, to
2700m and then descend down to Reedsdell,
looking out to the Wildfell Valley.
Alternatively, a more moderate countour hike
around the mountain can be enjoyed. Spend
the evening in Reedsdell's comfortable
sandstone farmhouse with Chris & Kath.
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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.
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Included
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•Farmhouse
breakfast and 3 course dinner
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•Accommodation
in quality guest farms selected for their beauty and
tranquility
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•Guiding
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•Packed
lunches
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•Transportation
of luggage between overnight stops
Wild Mountain
Adventures pride ourselves on providing a
flexible service and all trails can be tailored to your
requirements. Additional activities that can be
incorporated include mountain biking, horse riding,
river rafting, fly-fishing and for those with their own
vehicles 4x4 and quad trails.
Bookings
Jacana
Travel Marketing
and Reservations
Telephone
0861Jacana (0861 522262)
Direct phone:
Port Elizabeth 041 378 1439
Pretoria: 012 803 9109
Direct fax: PE 041 378 2548
Pretoria: 012 803 4144
PE
e-mail
bookings@jacanacollection.co.za
Pretoria e-mail:
rosa@jacanacollection.co.za
Footprint Hiking Club
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