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Hiking kloof Trail

Tierkloof Hiking Trail – Gammkaberg

Some 30 km outside of Calitzdorp in the Western Cape is the Gammkaberg Nature Reserve, run by Cape Nature. There are a number of trails in the park, the longest (two days) is the Tierkloof Trail that runs up the Tierkloof canyon stops at Oudkraal, an over night camp and then returns to the base camp the next day. Both days distance is about 14 km. The scenery is magnificent and the going moderately hard. The first day ends with a climb of about 450 m over 3 km. The second day is easier with a sharp down hill and then fairly flat all the way home. I recently hiked this trail and it is, as claimed one of the more beautiful hikes in the Western Cape.

The base camp.

Setting out

The trail is built on and around the river that carved the klook (canyon). The river does not run often so this is not a problem. It could get tense though….

Elements of the Cape Fold Mountains can be seen.

Thorn trees growing in the riverbed.

Trail markings are very good, this is an informal one that took my fancy

At Overhang, about halfway there and back.

Overnight camp – Oudkraal.

Sunset is a special time

And the stars are spectacular

Down again.

And relax

Enjoy the sunset

Before the long road home

More pictures here:

 

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Augrabies National Park Hiking Klipspringer Hiking Trail Photography Trail Travel Western Cape

Klipspringer Trail – Augrabies Falls National Park

Some friends and I walked the Klipspringer Hiking Trail in the Augrabies National Park. Rated as Moderate to Difficult, it is well worth the effort. A magnificent trail. Here are some photographs of the trail.
The sentinal, watching over the hikers

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IMG_3002The trail ahead.

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Flowers

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Wind erosion

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Arrow Point

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Arrow Point again

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Fish Eagle Hut – end of Day 1

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Cooking fire

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Day 2 — Down to the Orange River. Probably the hardest part of the trip, but certainly the most beautiful

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The trail ahead.

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And more trail ahead.

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The Orange / Gariep River in its gentle phase.

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Leopard foot print (spoor).

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Follow the river.

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Turning point. Turn away from the river and back into the heat.

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The hot river bed.

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Berghut and the end of the second day.

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Day Three
Looking back on the Swart Rante (Black Ridges)

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Quiver Tree and a sociable weavers nest.

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Moon Rock. Nearly the end of the trail.

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If you like trail and a challenge, this one is for you.

 

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