Gariepdam

Gariepdam, extremely beautiful especially with sunset and sunrise. In my opinion the Halongbay of South Africa 🇿🇦  ⛵️🛶

The Gariep Dam is the largest dam in South Africa. It is on the

Orange River, on the border between the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces.

The wall of the Gariep Dam is about 289 feet (88 meters) high and 2,999 feet (914 meters) long. The wall holds back an artificial lake called the Gariep Reservoir. When full, the reservoir covers an area of about 140 square miles (360 square kilometers). It holds nearly 7.2 billion cubic yards (5.5 billion cubic meters) of water.

The Gariep Dam is useful in several ways. Four hydroelectric generators in the wall of the dam provide electric power. Eskom, the South African electric company, distributes the power. The reservoir behind the dam stores water that is used to irrigate farmland in the region. In addition, the reservoir supplies drinking water to the cities of Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein. The reservoir also supports boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.

The dam was completed in 1972 and was originally named Hendrik Verwoerd Dam. Verwoerd was a prime minister of South Africa during the apartheid era. After the end of apartheid the name was changed to Gariep Dam. The word gariep in local languages means “river” or “big water.”

The Gariep Dam is the most important part of the Orange River Project. The project is a system of dams, tunnels, and canals that distribute water from the Orange River to a large area of South Africa. The Vanderkloof Dam is another large dam that is part of the project. The Orange-Fish Tunnel carries water about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Gariep Reservoir to the Great Fish River. The Fish-Sundays River Canal Scheme carries water from the Great Fish southwest to the Sundays River. The Fish-Sundays canals are linked by the 8-mile (13-kilometer) Cookhouse Tunnel.

Table Mountain Excursion (2 Days / 1 night)

 Table Mountain Excursion (2 Days / 1 night)

Overnight at the Overseers Cottage, located high above Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Southern Suburbs of the city, overlooking False Bay. By the evening all the day walkers have left, the tranquility and peacefulness is wonderful

Luggage 🧳: Luggage needs to be dropped off at a pre-arranged spot. It will be taken to the Cottage. On day 2 luggage must be fetched at a pre-agreed spot. Only carry a day pack.

Bedlinnen & Towels are provided and included.

Description

Day 1

There are various routes which can be used on day 1.  Three suggested options:

Depending on The groups preferences and abilities. 

Option 1: Via Kirstenbosch & Skeleton Gorge

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Gardens until you reach the contour path, where the mountain hike begins.

Start at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Option 2:  Via the Pipe Track and Kasteelpoort with lovely views of the Atlantic  Coastline. Start at Theresa Avenue in Campsbay

Option 3: Via Constantia Neck via the jeeptrack. Start at Constantia Neck parking.

Whichever route we take, it is great to first explore around the Back of Table Mountain and enjoy lunch somewhere on the back table before heading to the Overseers Cottage in the late afternoon. Visit the railway museum and the old reservoirs. On to Kasteelspoort for the vital photograph of ‘the diving board’ that overlooks Camps Bay and the Atlantic Coastline, far below. In the evening enjoy the fire place, the stars and tranquility on Table Mountain. 

The duration of the first days walk to Overseers Cottage depends on the route chosen & fitness levels of the group. It is approximately 4 to 5 hours.

As I always say, the aim is not to get to the hut but to enjoy the hike.

Day 2

Option 1

Set off along the historic Smuts Track towards Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine and Echo Valley, on your way to Maclears Beacon and the highest point of the mountain Enjoy the interesting rock formations, the spectacular views, and the wide variety of fynbos species, including proteas, ericas, restios, and many others. Enjoy lunch on the way to the top of Platteklip Gorge and the Western Table en route to the cable car station. Take money with you for the cable car as it is not included.

The optional alternative is to walk off the Table, down the steep, but well defined Platteklip Gorge route.

The cable car is weather permitting, in which case an alternative route which suits the group will be used for the hike.

Option 2

Set off and follow the route between the dams, Via Waaikoppie to the top of Platteklip Gorge. From here turn left towards the cable car or hike down Platteklip Gorge.

Ficks Pool Restaurant Hermanus

Ficks is a unique and exciting restaurant located at the historic site of Ficks Pool in Hermanus with wonderful views of the Ocean. #fickspool #gourmetwithannie 

Wild Coast of South Africa

 The Eastern Cape Wild Coast runs along a rugged coast of untouched  shorelines and traditional Xhosa villages. It is as if time stood still on this picturous coastline. Friendly people, cows 🐄  and  goats, crazing 🐐 , immensely beautiful waterfalls, and  streams contribute to this unforgettable hiking experience 

Day 1 🚙

On our way to hike the Wild Coast of South Africa 🇿🇦👣 Cremorne to Misikaba

Day 2 👣 

Wild Coast of South Africa 🇿🇦👣  Our first hiking day, Misikaba to Mkweni 🥾🥳

Wonderful day walking in the rain. On the way we met the Gosh family (of Umngazi). They appeared out of the mist out of nowhere. They kindly invited us for coffee ☕️ & delicious Pandoro cake (an Italian Christmas 🎄 cake) at their home. They were very kind to us and Offered their kayaks 🛶 to us, this way our backpacks 🎒 safely crossed the river and stay dry. Lovely people ! 

We pitched our hiking tents under beautiful Milkwood and Red Milkwood trees ⛺️ Spending the night around a camp fire. A "million stars lodge" !!!

Day 3 👣  

On our second hiking day from Mkweni, we passed some of the most amazing waterfalls including the 80-metre high Waterfall Bluff which plunge directly into the ocean, Cathedral rock and Top Hat, along the way.

Through traditional Pondo villages, rolling grass hills, rocky headlands, and sandy beaches.  We ended this magnificent day at a lovely spot on the banks of a stream where we pitched our hiking tents. Million stars 🌟🌟tent!⛺️ Fantastic!

Day 4 👣  

Our 3rd hiking day and we walked to Mboyti. Where we enjoyed a delicious buffet at the lodge. The seafood soup is to die for! 

The sheer beauty of the valleys, hills, deep gorges, lush vegetation and waterfalls, indigenous forests with bird singing makes this area a hikers paradise.

Mbotyi, Its name is the Xhosa word for 'place of beans' and, unsurprisingly, the climate and fertile soils are perfect for growing beans. It is also condusive to growing tea, and the Magwa Tea Estates sprawl around Mbotyi - one of the larest tea estates in the country, employing a great many of the local people.

Day 5 👣

Wild Coast of South Africa 🇿🇦👣  Our 4th hiking day, from Mbotyi to Manteka🥾🥳

Another wonderful day hiking along this untamed beautiful coastline. Ending the crossing the Manteku River.  An extremely beautiful river mouth.

We pitched our hiking tents close to the Manteka River next to a large area of mint growing wild. ⛺️ A "million stars lodge" !!!

Glorius evening around a camp fire🔥, sipping mint water. 🍹

Day 6 👣

Manteku to Ntafufu 🥾🥳

Another wonderful day hiking along steep grassy hills with amazing views, along beaches and enjoyed the river crossings.

We stayed at Ntafufu Tented camp, high on a hill with awesome panoramic views of the sea, Ntafufu estuary and river valley. Surrounded by indigenous forest with birds singing in the trees. We were we blessed by the call of the African Fish Eagle. ⛺️

The Ntafufu estuaries provides a suitable habitat for mangroves (the only trees that can tolerate sea water). We were privileged to see fine stands of Black, White and Red mangroves. These in turn provide an indespensable nursery area for many juvenile marine fish and crustaceans. Eventually these fish, prawns and crabs grow to provide food and recreational angling for both locals and visitors. The beautiful Mangrove Kingfisher is one of the rarest birds and is still found in the area.

Day 7 👣

Ntafufu to Cremorne 🥾🥳

Another wonderful day hiking along steep grassy hills with amazing views, along beaches and enjoyed the river crossings.

The Ntafufu estuaries provides a suitable habitat for mangroves (the only trees that can tolerate sea water). We were privileged to see fine stands of Black, White and Red mangroves. These in turn provide an indespensable nursery area for many juvenile marine fish and crustaceans. Eventually these fish, prawns and crabs grow to provide food and recreational angling for both locals and visitors. The beautiful Mangrove Kingfisher is one of the rarest birds and is still found in the area.