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Woodcliffe
Cave Trail
Maclear,
Eastern Cape
The Woodcliffe Cave
Trail is situated in the lovely Joelshoek Valley approximately 22km from the
picturesque little town of Maclear. The southern Drakensberg peaks tower around
the valley, feeding the waterfalls and mountain streams with an ample supply of
crystal clear water. The trail is of five days duration but it is worthwhile
extending your stay to visit the Rock Art in the caves or do some pony trekking.
When hiking in the berg it is always important to take into account the
unpredictability of the weather and come prepared for any eventuality.
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The
starting point for the trail is at Woodcliffe farmhouse where one can
park ones car. It is important to arrive no later than 3pm due to the
5km walk that one has to do to arrive at the overnight cave before
nightfall. |
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Day
1
The first night is
spent in Tok's Cave, which has 4 huts built
into it. Firewood is
provided so you can enjoy a braai. The cave has a
waterfall over the front of it and a long drop loo nearby.
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Day 2
The yellow route is a circular, marked route, over the foothills and is
approx.13km long. Enjoy a swim at Redcliffe or Skinny Dip Pool. Take
only daypacks with you to carry your needs for the day. The route passes
the Woodcliffe farmhouse and you can pick up a few more provisions
should you need them e.g. more beers/braai meat.
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Day
3
This is the toughest
day on the hike. The red route is marked and takes you along the
foothills. The path then climbs steeply as you ascend to the crest the
high berg. Your
overnight hut is at Reed Park, which is about one hour’s hike from the
brow of the berg. Approx distance covered is 13km. The hut has 3 rooms.
A flowing river nearby means you can take a swim/bath and there is a
long drop loo nearby. No firewood provided .Use your gas cookers.
NB. This day should be regarded as strenuous and
should be attempted by fit people only. As an alternative there is a
short cut to wide valley cutting out the third day. For those who are
fit, this day is a must.
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Day 4
The red route takes one
along the brow of the Drakensberg for most of the morning. The
views from the brow are superb. Follow Sephton's footpath down
the berg. Then enjoy a gentle walk down to Wide Valley cottage.
Total distance for the day is approx 13km. Wide Valley cottage
is not alongside the stream, so hikers are requested to arrive
with their water bottles full. The shepherd will collect your
water and firewood. Please give the shepherd a small tip of
approx R20 (any extra cigarettes would be welcomed) Take a short
walk down to the river to swim/bath in the
lovely
plunge pool. |
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Day five
The last day consists of
a short walk
(3
hours) back
to the Woodcliffe farmhouse, along the red route. The distance is
approx 9km. Expected time of arrival is
11am.
Enjoy a hot shower and cup of
tea.
Total
hiking distance: 53km |
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Considerations:
- This high
berg section of the hike does pose a snow threat in winter. Hikers may be
rerouted for their own safety.
- Woodcliffe can experience heavy
thundershowers in midsummer. Therefore, we advise hikers to rise early and
reach the overnight hut by mid afternoon, to avoid being caught in a
downpour.
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The high berg route is for fit experienced hikers.
The second day i.e. yellow circular walk may be omitted |
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2.
Stay at Woodcliffe Farmhouse / Cottage for day walks
Stay in the luxury of the farmhouse /
cottage for a special treat, enjoy the best of Woodcliffe without roughing it.
Woodcliffe is the last inhabited farm before the high berg and the sandstone
cliffs and waterfalls are breathtaking.
- Marked day routes for
hiking: yellow route & white route. Swim in
any one of a 100 beautiful crystal clear mountain pools.
- Hire a
FGASA qualified guide to take you to some of the world famous
rock art Maclear has to offer. Enjoy a
"touch and feel experience" of the bushman tool collection.
- Explore the mountainsides for
wild Drakensberg flowers in the summer
months: orchids, watsonias and lilies just to name a few.
- Enjoy
trout fishing on the Little Pot River.
- Pony treks &
abseiling are available through Adele Moore of
Wild at Heart Adventures (more info to follow)
- Explore the
dinosaur footprints at Oakleigh .
- Bring your
mountain bicycle and explore our mountain
tracks.
- Pack your picnic basket and enjoy
relaxing next to a waterfall!
Other Pages (Click below)
Wild
Flowers of Woodcliffe
Rock Art
of Woodcliffe
Conclusion
How often
do we travel down to the Eastern Cape to do a trail like the Amatola without
considering a visit to one of the other excellent trails in the area? Woodcliffe
Cave Trail has been around for a number years and has received excellent reviews
from the media. Why not visit it next time that you decide to do a trail in the
area.
'In a Nutshell'
| Distance from nearest
town |
22km from Maclear |
| Access road status |
Generally good |
| Trail type |
Long distance
backpacking route with shorter options |
| Difficulty |
Moderate to strenuous |
| Marking |
When evaluated the
trail was well marked |
| GPS Co-ordinates |
R396Turn off S30
59.808 E28 15.556
Parking -
S30 59.673 E28 10.995
Toks Cave -
S30 59.413 E28
08.334 Reed
Park Hut- S30 59.399 E28 01.636
Wide Valley Hut- S30
58.358 E28 07.261 |
| Cell phone reception |
None |
| Facilities |
Basic accommodation |
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
To view other pages of
this website please click on a hyperlink below
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