Titanic Rock is a monumental sandstone cliff that stands guard over the town of Clarens. As I drive past, I’m reminded yet again of the wild beauty of this part of the Eastern Free State.
It’s a short drive out of town to St Fort Country House – the first stop on the newly launched Clarens San-Traverse. Conceived by Julia Invernizzi of Spekboom Tours, the 41 km trail will take us from St Fort through the landscapes of the Rooiberg and back to Clarens, the arty town at the foothills of those “red mountains”.
“My focus was initially on guided cycling, hiking and nature tours in the KZN Midlands, where I’m based,” says Julia as we gather for the evening braai. “But I always loved the magnificent scenery of this part of the Free State. Golden Gate is nearby, with its famous Ribbok Hiking Trail, but that’s a self-guided trail where you have to carry everything and stay in a basic hut. I saw a gap in the market: Clarens has so many comfortable guesthouses but there was no guided slackpacking trail in the area. Along with Adrian Clarke from Alien Adventures here in town, we explored various trail options and finally settled on an interpretative trail that combines three days of moderate hiking with visits to rock art sites and other cultural attractions.”
The party assembled for this recce is diverse in terms of age and interests: Joining us is Julia’s sprightly 72-year-old father, Paul Colvin, one of the pioneers of slackpacking in South Africa and founder of SA Adventure Trails and Wild Coast Walks. He and Julia’s sister, Sarah Drew, who also runs hiking and adventure tours, are under strict orders to reserve judgement until the rest of the group has gone home!
This story is from the September 2020 edition of go! - South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of go! - South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The wilder shore
The final leg of a 30-day trek across East Africa sees lan Tyrer and the Africa - Wild & Untamed crew explore both shores of Lake Malawi. Get ready for an overloaded ferry, a croc attack and being surrounded by elephants...
A river runs through it
Sabie is onthe Drakensberg escaromentialongMpumalanga’s famous Panorama Route. Want a weekend away surrounded by forests and waterfalls? Here's wnat you need to know.
TAKE A HIKE
Harkerville's mini Otter
Sweet & juicy!
This issue's recipes all include lush seasonal fruit like nectarines, plums and apricots. Enjoy!
Big mountain magic
On a clear day, as you approach the Cathedral Peak Hotel, it happens involuntarily: You start to grin. You'll be standing up there soon, gazing over this valley, and the scuttling of ground-level life will seem irrelevant. Join us on a five-day adventure into the heart of the high Drakensberg
Your next weekend away
A self-catering house in the Tankwa, a campsite next to the Orange River, a guest farm near the Drakensberg... Toast Coetzer travelled a lot last year: Here are six of his favourite places to stay if you're planning a road trip or weekend escape.
A life through binoculars
If the name Hugh Chittenden sounds familiar, it's probably because you see it every time you use your Roberts Bird Guide he's one of the co-authors. He lives in Mtunzini on the KZN coast and birding is as much part of his day as a cup of coffee.
Wanderlust in the park
All great cities have great parks, writes Dara Kell: spaces where you can exhale and slough off the stress and grime of urban life.
The Kalahari remembers
The Kalahari is a place of magic and heartache, where drought is an ever-present threat. Drive a loop from Upington to the Kuruman River and discover soulful landscapes, brilliant skies and resilient people who never give up.
Take a Hike
Hug a baobab in the Bushveld
