VENUE:

Some of the most spectacular mountain scenery to be found in South Africa is to be found in the north eastern Free State around Clarens.

The Golden Gate National Park is situated close to this picturesque little town and contains the most majestic part of this area. The park stretches up to the Lesotho border and consists of 11,600ha of mountain grassland (it is hoped soon to be enlarged by the inclusion of the QwaQwa National Park).

The Ribbok Trail stretches out into this area and allows the hiker to experience the spectacular scenery which includes the rich coloration of the sandstone cliffs that give rise to the parks name. Wildlife in the park includes Eland and Black Wildebeest.

~~~~~ Websites:
http://www.footprint.co.za/rhebok.htm
https://solitaryecology.com/golden-gate-highlands-national-park/ribbok-trail/

TRAVEL:

Distance - 360km from Chilli Lane Shopping Centre, Sunninghill
Time - Approx 3.5 hours

**** NB - Arrive no later than 18h30 on Friday. Leave before 15h00 to avoid peak traffic

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.

TRAIL:

Friday: 18h30 - Meet & greet, briefing, rules of engagement
Saturday: 06h00 – 14.2km Glen Reenen to Rhebok hut
Sunday: 06h00 – 13.9km Rhebok hut to Glen Reenen Camp

****NB: There is a base-camp option where you stay in the rondavel for 2 nights and do the Cathedral Cave (guided) and Wodehouse (unguided). Both are moderate, suitable for children and approx 4 hours.

ACCOMMODATION

SANParks campsite at Glen Reenen Rest Camp
https://www.sanparks.org/parks/golden_gate/tourism/tariffs.php

COSTS

ACCOMMODATION & HIKING FEES (Glen Reenen) :

Camping: R135pppn approx for 1 night

Rhebok trail/hut: R228pp

Admin fee: R55 per person

TOTAL COMPULSORY COST (Accommodation,Trail, Admin)

Glen Reenen: R135 + R228 + R55 = R428

PAYMENT DETAILS PROVIDED WHEN YOU RSVP

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

WHAT TO BRING

Food
Hats
Sun screen
Water and snacks for hikes
Sandals for after the hike

FITNESS:

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:

YOU AND YOUR GUESTS participating in Weekend Nature & Hiking Getaways activities do so AT THEIR 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.