NEWSLETTER NUMBER 75
24 February 2009
“Headwaters Holidays Tour Company” Based in England at Northwich
Headwater – Drakensberg & Zululand 01-09
09 February to 21 February 2009
English hikers
NB For more information on HEADWATER Holidays , based in Northwich in England, visit www.headwater.com or visit the Headwater Guided Walking Holiday in the Drakensberg & Zululand page
Within a short space of time from landing, my six companions for the next 14 days – Graham and Diane, Tony and Karen , Peter, Tony and myself were on our way to the berg. The KwaZulu-Natal midlands had had a lot of rain over the past days, and the well known Howick falls were in full spate, so we stopped there for a short while before heading to Champagne Castle from where we would start our hiking trips.
We were to hike in the Injisuthi, the Monk’s Cowl, Cathedral and the Royal Natal Drakensberg areas. However the weather was rainy, misty , and low clouds. The constant rain caused minor streams to become swollen and very difficult to cross, if not dangerous in places. The mist and low cloud restricted views and a lot of the high berg. We had to alter our hiking program a few times to try to hike as much as w could, where we could. However the hikes to the higher areas were put off as it would have been unwise to hike on steep slopes in these wet conditions, also with no visibility, the main feature of the hikes were to see the mountains, the hike became less attractive. Where we could, we did alternate routes.
Then on to the Isandlwana area, the Anglo Zulu battles of Isandlwana, and Rorke’s Drift. Here our specialist guide Rob Gerrard kept us up to vivid speed with these 2 battles that took place on the same day, We walked along part of the wagon route used by General Lord Chelmsford to bring supplies from Rorke’s Drift to his ill fated camp at Isandlwana. As we walked through the rural area, our local guide – Computer, filled us in about local customs and traditions, as well as the past history of the area. A most interesting walk done by very few people due to time constraints in visiting the battlefields of the area
From the Battlefields we headed to the Game Reserves of Falaza, and Hluhluwe/Umfolozi on the coast . By now the weather had changed again , and w experienced temperatures of 44degrees Celsius during the day and up to 30 degrees during the night. The animals seen on Game drives and walks is always a “luck of the draw” situation. However with such high temperatures, we knew we would be lucky to see very much, as the animals would be taking things easy in the shade of thick bush. Never the less we did se a fair amount of animals, given the very hot conditions.
Our last day was spent in the World Heritage Site of the St Lucia Wetlands Park. Our walk ended on the beach of the St Lucia area, with a final drink in the nearby Ski Boat Club.
As we packed on our final morning, the local rhino which had been absent from the area during our stay here, suddenly appeared on the lawn to say a final farewell to our hiking companions . A fit tribute after a very varied weather and hiking holiday.
Nature is a great leveler. One should always bear in mind when holidays are planned that spend a great deal of time in and with Nature, that we will always be at the mercy of whatever Nature throws at us. Plans will have to be adapted to suit the conditions, and the conditions we go into, may not be what one expected. That is the beauty of spending time out in the open, taking what comes with the best plan of action, and attitude, to make the best of the situation.
On behalf of Headwaters Tours, and myself, I hope that this trip opened new horizons for you.
Keep well , keep fit , and keep traveling. Maybe one day we will meet again.
Hiking regards.
Dave
Bergfree Adventures www.bergfree.co.za
NB For more information on HEADWATERS Holidays visit www.headwater.com
for past Headwater – Drakensberg and Zululand Tours see my Newsletter 26, 30, 33 , 39 , 53 , 55 and 66 at www.bergfree.co.za
FEEDBACK FROM HIKERS
Dear Dave,
Thanks for your email which awaited us on our return after a couple of days at Inyati Lodge.
Thanks for all you did for us during our time in South Africa, we really did appreciate it, we all had a fantastic time and would recommend your country to anyone as an ideal holiday destination, especially with you as a guide.
Do get in touch when you visit the UK, it would be great to repay some of your help and kindness when you are here, though I'm not sure the British will be able to match the hospitality of the South Africans - but we'll have a go!
Thanks again,
Peter
(See Newsletter 75)