The challenging Swellendam Hiking Trail, one of South Africa’s top 10 hikes, has recently reopened. It’s a festival of flora all year round as you explore the fynbos treasures of Marloth Nature Reserve.
Setting off in the cold and shivery hours of a July morning, our group of adventurers started the 1 200-metre climb towards the new rustic cabin at Boskloof, hidden away in the Clock Peak Mountains of Swellendam. A few years ago, a veld fire destroyed this hut and, as a result, the Swellendam Hiking Trail in Marloth Nature Reserve had to be closed. After much red tape and the logistical difficulties of arranging a helicopter to remove the debris and have a new hut delivered to the isolated location, the trail has finally reopened.
It’s a five-day trail with basic huts for overnighting at Boskloof, Goedgeloof, Proteavallei and Wolfkloof. Each section of the hike averages about 10 kilometres, the first day being the steepest as well as the longest, at 12 kilometres. The relatively gentle distances mean that there is plenty of time to stop, smell the flowers and soak up the ever-changing landscapes.
The real treasure of the Swellendam Hiking Trail is the fynbos. As you meander along the paths, the vegetation changes with the orientation of the sun. Because of the obvious north- and south facing slopes, it is easy to make sense of botanical descriptions. The strawberry everlasting Syncarpha eximia for example grows on the cool, south-facing sandstone slopes of the southern Cape. Change the season and the flora changes completely. Ericas, proteas, leucadendrons, restios and all sorts of watsonias and orchids flower in a succession of botanical wonder. As a result, the trail is a festival of flora all year round.
This story is from the Spring 2017 edition of Wild Magazine.
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 Spring 2017 edition of Wild Magazine.
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
Seeds of success
A champion at the indigenous nursery at Skukuza, Meurel Baloyi is on a mission to make all the rest camp gardens in Kruger water-wise.
Six of the best
|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park guarantees visitors a solid serving of adventure, often with a dash of adrenalin on the side. The rugged mountain desert now boasts even more outdoor activities.
Marvellous meerkats of Mata-Mata
Brace yourself to be welcomed suricate-style the next time you pitch camp at this ever-popular spot in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Who's who?
Even regular park-goers struggle to distinguish a rhebok from a reedbuck. The differences are subtle but significant.
Friends of the fluffball
White-fronted plovers breed in summer – the same time many people take their seaside holiday. A significant decline in their numbers means life is hardly ‘a day at the beach’ for these birds
Festive Karoo
On a Christmas holiday in the Karoo, a keen birder and his family soak up the heat in four Wild Card parks. Their reward included special sightings, endless views and a wilderness feeling.
Love struck
A leopard mating ritual is a rare and thrilling sight. Even more extraordinary to witness an amorous affair involving three members of this elusive Big Five species in Kruger.
Challenge the clock
For centuries Table Mountain National Park has inspired exploration, from hardcore climbing to gentle walks. Now runners and hikers can set a record or push boundaries for a personal best on an epic adventure to the top of 13 peaks.
Loud and clear
Woodland kingfishers are common in most rest camps in the Kruger National Park. Enjoy their evocative call during the summer months.
BEACH MODELS
Rocky shores and sandy beaches are where you’ll find the African black oystercatcher. Summer is breeding season, so look out for nest scrapes close to rocks and kelp.
