UMGENI VALLEY HIKE
11
August 2002
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It
was a beautiful Sunday morning when 20 keen hikers met at the reserve offices
at 08h30 After registering, Bea, Aris,
Merle, Lynn, Deneys, Campbell, Jack and Joy, Libby, Noel and Morris, Martin and
Erica, Carolyn, Tessa, Anne, Joan, Bridget, Margaret and Keith (Leader) made
our way in vehicles to park at the Indulo Car Park. On the way we saw lovely views of the Howick falls from the far
side and groups of Zebra and Blesbok.
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We were soon hiking along the top of the escarpment looking towards Albert Falls Dam which we could see in the distance as well as magnificent views down into the Umgeni Valley. After about half an hour we reached the small picnic site complete with concrete table and benches. Whilst having a rest we were able to spot four giraffe, small herds of blue wildebeest and zebra, some nyala and impala in the valley below.
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Next
we retraced our steps for a short distance before descending steeply (including
climbing down a ladder) to the Dwarfs Dawdle Trail, working our way gradually
back along the base of sheer rock faces (ducking and diving under the
indigenous vegetation) to the Indulo Car Park, where one of our group decided
she would abort the hike, spend a leisurely day and wait for us to complete the
day. However as we were less than one
third of the distance into our planned hike the rest of us descended and
admired the beautiful white blossom of the Dombeya trees (wild pear) on the way
to Indulo Camp where we had a rest for drinks in the lovely shaded areas.
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Further
descent followed into the Umgeni Valley and after a short while crossed the
Umgeni River using the primitive bridges (gum poles and slats with no
handrails) which caused a little concern to some of our party. But we all got safely across and continued
walking up river roughly parallel to it on this opposite side. After making our way through a dry bushveld
area where Acacias (thorn trees) dominate we reached the confluence of the Rietspruit
and Umgeni and had a well-earned rest and lunch besides the Rietspruit under
the shade of the waterberry trees, which line the stream. There is a precarious rope swing above the
stream at this point but none of our party braved this option (we must all be
getting too old – or sensible).
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After
a good rest and cool off (it was a hot sunny day) we retraced our steps and
eventually made our way back across the bridges, this time a bit more
confidently before continuing up river on the right hand bank of the Umgeni
through beautiful scenery and tree covered areas, admiring a variety of bird
life on our way to the Inkonka Camp.
Another nice rest was enjoyed here next to the huts and boma in the
shade of the trees. As with Indulo
Camp this camp facility has drinking water, flush toilets and showers. Next it was an uphill climb as part of the
Black Eagle Trail; luckily in the shade of indigenous trees and bush, but we
all soon got a sweat on as we climbed out of the valley. Before reaching the top of the escarpment
we turned right through the shelter of more bush, climbing gently to the top of
the escarpment for more fantastic views.
It was a fairly easy walk along the top of the escarpment as we enjoyed
great views and lovely blossoms all the back to Indulo Car Park.
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We again met up with our other hiker who had had a lovely leisurely day, so everyone enjoyed a great day in the fresh air.
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Keith
Ashton
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