Blyde River Canyon Trail - 3 Day Backpack Hike

JOIN US FOR A WEEKEND IN NATURE EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD'S THIRD LARGEST CANYON

VENUE:
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This 30 kilometres, three days trail, traverses half of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve as well as privately owned land, from the misty heights of Graskop to the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The trail traverses a very beautiful mountain range with a variety of bush, open veld, riverine and flat spaces.

FRIDAY - PARADISE CAMP TO WATERVALSPRUIT HUT

Starting point is Paradise Camp, on the God’s Window loop road outside the town of Graskop, the route takes you through montain grassland past weathered quartzite rocks into the little Watervalspruit valley and ultimately onto the Watervalspruit hut approximately 4 km’s from Paradise Camp.

SATURDAY – WATERVALSPRUIT HUT TO TO CLEARSTREAM HUT

The next section takes you approximately 13,5 km through a landscape of strangely sculptured rocks brightly coloured with highly visible lichens, into the Treur river valley. Skirting ravines and patches of indigenous forest and the beautiful Clearstream with two striking waterfalls of about 30 m high – you emerge at the Clearstream hut. We overnight at Clearstream hut.

SUNDAY – CLEARSTREAM HUT TO POTHOLES

This 13,6 km’s stretch of the trail leaves the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve just beyond Clearstream to follow the Treur river past the New Chum falls. The trail passes a spot where the wagons of the great trek reconnaissance party were believed to have camped. The trail re-enters the Nature Reserve just before the Bourkes Luck Potholes

~~~~~ Websites:
http://www.mpumalanga.com/things-to-do/adventure-sports/hiking/3-day-blyderivierspoort-hiking-trail-MTATT10782

TRAVEL:
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Distance - 450km from Chilli Lane Shopping Centre, Sunninghill
Travel Time - 4.5-5hrs

****** NB - Arrival time at Bourke's Luck Potholes no later than 14h30. Leave by 09h00

Carpool at rate of R2.00/km excl. tolls (suggested). Multiply the total return distance by the km rate and divide by number of people in the vehicle to get the individual cost. Distance is calculated from the first pick-up point.

HIKES:
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Thursday: 14h30 - Meet & greet, Briefing, Rules of engagement
Thursday : 15h30 - 4km, duration 1.5hr, easy
Friday : 07h00 - 13.5 km, duration - 5hrs moderate.
Saturday : 07h00 - 13.6km, duration 5hrs, moderate.

ACCOMMODATION
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HIKER’S HUTS

The huts have 15 concrete beds with mattresses, towels, bed sheets, flushing toilets, fire/braai pit, cutlery, 3 legged pots, boma and firewood is supplied.

All food, cooking utensils, lighting, bedding (sleeping bags) and toiletries (including toilet paper) must be carried with you. It is essential that you carry sufficient water with you on the trail especially in the hot summer season.

COSTS
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ACCOMMODATION & HIKING FEES :

R950 per person for the trail (subject to change in 2021)

Admin fee: R175

Payment details provided when you RSVP

Hiking snacks and water and any other drinks/snacks for your own account

WHAT TO BRING
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Weather conditions are variable with frequent rain and mist during the summer months. For this reason, it is advisable to carry some warm clothing as well as a lightweight raincoat. Good hiking boots, a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential. Clothing or backpacks should be brightly coloured in order that your group can keep sight of each other in misty conditions.

FITNESS:
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YOU AND YOUR GUESTS are required to have an intermediate level of fitness for most of the hikes (4.5km/hr or 13min/km over moderate terrain)

INDEMNITY:
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YOU AND YOUR GUESTS participating in Weekend Nature & Hiking Getaways activities do so AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The Organisers and Hosts are indemnified from any loss, injury or any incident that prejudices Members and their guests.

Members and their guests must ensure that they have the required hiking gear to comfortably participate in the event.