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Added by Jopie, at 07 September 2017
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6 Reviews
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01 May 2018
This is a bit of a duplicate post as this review also applies to the Rooikrans "camp" which is part of the same hike. I've hiked all over South Africa, and this has to be one of the very best overnight hikes in SA. Being out near Carolina with its power stations and flat boring scenery is incredibly deceptive, because the hike itself could not be more stunning with beautiful, diverse scenery. Well marked, well maintained, well documented. Not the easiest hike, but at 10km per day, perfectly "do-able". The forest sections with waterfall after waterfall reminded most of our party of the Knysna forests, which is saying something. The water is crystal clear and sweet to drink, there are lots and lots of pools to swim in, ladders to climb, ropes to help you navigate tricky sections, stunning cliffs to peer over, archaeological ruins and even "Bushman" paintings to marvel at. Oom Japie's "hut" is not quite as special as Rooikrans (either your 2nd or 1st night, depending on which way around you do the trail) which especially is incredibly well positioned and thought out, but it's perfectly adequate with everything you need and has some amazing sunrises and sunsets. Don't forget the swimming pool about 1km away - worth a visit if you arrive early enough.If you are into hiking, do yourself a favour and book - there's a good reason I've done it 5 times over the years. It's just as good each time.
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24 March 2018
A lovely hiking place, which, after paging through the visitors book, one can see has been hiked since 1995 or so. Basic facilities and so at Oom Japie Hut, yet quite a pleasant place amongst the rocks at Rooikrans site. The hiking trails I would give a 5/10 difficulty rating mild to moderate ^. It's quite beautiful and sunny most of the time. Make sure you have sunscreen, water bladders/bottles and refill them at the taps + streams in the bos (yes it's safe water, where it is running free + clear it is cleanest!), & the bird-life is noteworthy. Not astounding but pleasant enough generally.
You're blessed of you get to see Duikers, Steenbok or Klipspringers around there anywhere! Even their hoof tracks on the ground.
Plenty of cows (Drakensbergers) around. And cow dung too. 🐂
Enjoy this hike! Any ethnic background person ought to be welcome.
(There is firewood provided, as part of the hike costs. R405 p adult. For a 2.5 day weekend hike.)response / report this review -
01 January 2018
Baie lekker staproete. Jy moet redelik fiks wees en die roete raak glibberig. Kinders doen dit baie maklik. Tot 21 mense kan op ñ slag stap.
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11 December 2017
Awesome scenery
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25 October 2017
The trail is very beautiful and mostly well-marked (though we did manage to get lost a few times). The hike offers wide variety of scenery, from towering cliffs to lush undergrowth by the river, to barren, rocky outcrops, to endless, sprawling koppies.
The overnight chalets are exceptionally well equipped (in comparison with your average multiday hike accommodation) with firewood, pans, braai grills, tongs and potjies provided. There are even flushable toilets with toilet paper and a wood-fire donkey for warm showers.
The road to the chalets was traversible in our small car, though we occasionally had to evacuate the passengers for the steepest parts. The owners were friendly and helpful.response / report this review -
14 September 2017
One of the best hiking trails. Walk through valleys, covered with lush vegetation and a flowing river. Mountain cliffs are of sheer beauty to behold. The accommodation does give you a serious hikers experience with two huts splitting the trail into two 10km hiking trails.
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