4 DAY WARTRAIL SKYWALK
Guided slackpacking hiking trail in the Eastern Cape Highlands
"The Wild Side of the Drakensberg"
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"One of the best holidays ever! Great exercise in an exquisite squeaky clean environment! Being made to feel incredibly welcome by wonderful people (and their dogs)! Lovely fires, fantastic food, luxurious baths, collapsing into warm comfortable beds... I could go on raving but I think you get the message…."
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Hike through the spectacular Eastern Cape Drakensberg, reaching altitudes of 2700m. Home to the Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Black Eagle, alpine wildflowers and various small wildlife, this hiking trail leaves you with breath-taking memories. Overnight at B&Bs along the way. Take with you only day packs while your backpacks are transported to your next destination. Experience true platteland hospitality and the natural splendour of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. |
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A trip to remember - where hikers overnight at B&B accommodation for 5 days. More luxury for those who enjoy their comforts. Terrain is montane grassland and altitudes range from 1800m to 2700m above sea-level that afford spectacular views of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg & Maluti mountains of Lesotho. The hiking trails are tailored to the groups needs i.e. strong hikers will be able to walk up to the peaks of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg whereas moderate routes are available for those wanting a more sedate walk. Trails are unmarked and therefore guides are needed. Each hiker is supplied with a lunch-pack. Dinner consists of a 3-course meal and breakfast is a farmstyle affair.
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Wildlife: |
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Climate:
A typical highland climate with moderate summers and cold winters. The region has summer rainfall with afternoon thunderstorms. It is suggested that you start your hiking trails early in the morning so that you have descended to your overnight venue soon after lunchtime.
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DAY 1
Arrive at Rosstrevor Guest Farm (20kms from Barkly East), meet up with your fellow travellers and relax after your journey into the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. Let Phil & Kate spoil you with a sumptuous dinner as they brief you on the route. Now is the time to check your bags. Remember, you don't need to toss out all those extra goodies, as you will only be carrying your daypacks. Accommodation will be provided in a charming Victorian farmhouse.
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DAY 2
After a farmstyle breakfast and briefing you will have the opportunity to relax or go fly-fishing for a couple of hours before starting the hiking trail from Rosstrevor to Pitlochrie. This first day is intended to give everyone an opportunity to acclimatise, so we will travel a fairly flat route along a beautiful river gorge, with opportunities to swim and to view San Rock Art. By mid-afternoon we will arrive at Pitlochrie, a stunning English-style farm with emerald-green lands and woods behind the main house. Enjoy your evening at Pitlochrie Cottage with host Joe Sephton.
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DAY 3
After breakfast, set out on your trail - a more challenging hike awaits you as you climb from Pitlochrie over to Balloch, a natural heritage site. Take in the stunning sandstone formations, home to Bushman paintings, dassies, waterfalls and sparkling pools inviting you for a swim. Walk along a gurgling trout spruit to Glenshee Homestead or Willowstream Cottage, your accommodation for the night, nestling in one of the prettiest valleys in the area. Meet your hosts, Margy & Graham before settling down to a delicious home-cooked dinner.
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DAY 4
Today you are rewarded with glorious views over the rugged scenery of the Transkei and Lesotho. You have the day at leisure to stop and take in the beautiful alpine wildflowers. Perhaps you are lucky enough to see a Lammergeier accompany you on the walk. A challenging hike, you ascend The Wall, aptly named by the Sky Run participants, to 2700m and then descend down to Reedsdell, looking out to the Wildfell Valley. Alternatively, a more moderate countour hiking trail can be enjoyed. Spend the evening in Reedsdell's comfortable sandstone farmhouse with Chris & Kath.
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A steep climb through Edgehill brings you out on top of the world as you admire the breath-taking views over the Wartrail & New England valleys, before descending to Bidstone Guest Farm where Andrew & Janet invite you to rest for the night. Reminisce over the past 5 days before climbing into a welcoming bed, resting before your trip home tomorrow.
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| QUOTATION & DATES |
Total slackpacking hiking trail price (per person)
R4,395 4 HIKERS
R3,845 6 HIKERS R3,575 8 HIKERS
Further details of our 2009/2010 slackpacking hiking trail dates |
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Included
We pride ourselves on providing a flexible service and all hiking trails can be tailored to your requirements. Additional activities that can be incorporated include mountain biking, horse riding, river rafting, fly-fishing and for those with their own vehicles 4x4 and quad trails.
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WILD MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ITINERARY AT ANY TIME TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF OUR GUESTS
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