Botshabelo - Another Favourite
Day Walk, 16th August 2009
by Dave Barry
Present: Tonie Lazarus (Leader), Dave Barry, Fiona Martin, Jenny Olivier, Elizabeth Simoncelli, Pat Reynolds and Vicky Bowey.
 Circular Route: 10km
Lowest Point: 1537m (5044’)
Highest Point: 1252m (4107’)
Hike Duration (excluding stops): 3 hours 34 minutes
 Botshabelo is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding day walks on the club’s programme and is definitely worth the extra kilometres to get there. Last time I had hiked only 6km of the same trail and remembered how hot it was with all the granite outcrops radiating heat from the sun. But this time some cloud cover provided some relief from what is generally considered a ‘toughish’ hike.
Graves of German Missionaries
Setting off from the car park, we visited the graves of the German missionaries, before the gradual ascent up the northern valley slopes of the Klein Olifants River.
Granite outcrops provide an austere beauty
From this point onwards the scenery becomes truly beautiful in an austere way and remains that way for most of the route. The natural splendour of the granite terraces and outcrops are a real treat – and the river too adds to the magnificence.
Heading down into the valley
The river crossing was difficult and was higher than experienced during previous hikes.
 The river crossing was a challenge
Bearing in mind that Botshabelo is a conservancy under the auspices of the local authority that charges R25 a head entrance fee, we did feel that the alien species of tree should be removed from the area. There was a profusion of wattles in the valley and, even though the yellow blooms did add some colour, they really should be removed along with the occasional blue gum encountered.
Some tough bits
Trail maintenance is sadly lacking in some areas and spoils what generally should be regarded as an exceptional hike. We ventured across the suspension bridge and found that there were no trail markings visible at all from that point, apart from bits of plastic and toilet paper tied to branches and clumps of grass. It was also difficult for shorter members of our party to scale some of the granite terraces, which could have done with chain ladders.
Whew! Just made it!
But even these oversights did not detract from what turned out to be a long but most enjoyable day for all, although I am quite sure everyone slept well that night!
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