HOTTENTOTS-HOLLAND NATURE RESERVE

Okay, so it's a mouthful.  Meaning someone similar to a bushman.  Breath-taking mountain scenery, flowers and natural pools to swim in.  I'd prefer Spring and Summer time to go as the weather is very unpredictable in the mountains.  Spring is around the corner, but none the less, always go prepared for all kinds of weather.  Don't die out there due to stupidity!

The entrance to the reserve is about 90km from Cape Town at Nuweberg, between Grabouw and Villiersdorp.  You can choose accommodations in the nearby towns like Grabouw, Elgin and Caledon.
Two huts with bunks and mattresses are available on the hiking trails.

You have 42 00ha of reserve to wonder in.   The reserve is an important conservation area for over 1300 recorded species of fynbos (our vegetation covering our mountains).  There are 3 hiking trails to choose from, ranging from 17-24km.  12 People per permit for overnight and day trails.

*Go hiking, 4x4 trails, mountain biking or kloofing (similar to abseiling down the sides of the  mountains).
*Fynbos species, various buck species, over 100 bird species and leopard can be seen.
*Nearby interests  :  museums, butterfly world, art galleries and wine estates.

The most amazing thing about these mountains is this  :  they are the southern end of a never-ending mountainous chain, which in effect, cuts the Cape off from the rest of South Africa!  Amazing!

Visit http://www.sahikes.co.za/

See you there!
Bobi

NAMAKWALAND/RICHTERSVELD

It's a lovely, hot, sunny winters day.  So, I decided to take you to one of my old haunts I used to frequent when I was in the Navy.  Boy, if the Richtersveld could talk!  Shameless acts of youth and never-mind-about-tomorrows!  But jeez, what fun we had!  In the desert and on the Orange River.  If you don't appreciate nature, if you don't like 50 degree temps in summer and if you can't see the woods for the trees, then this place is not for you!!

This is the most desolate area in Southern Africa.  A beautiful, harsh landscape.  Only 4x4 vehicles are permitted due to very bad roads.  Contains some of the worlds richest desert flora.  Over 200 bird species, shrews, bats, monkey, rare brown hyaena and aardwolf, honey badger and various antelope.

Also to view is the San rock paintings.  The Richtersveld joins Namibia on the south-west side where you can visit the Fish River Canyon and the Ai-Ais hot water springs.  Flowers can be viewed from June-October - depending on the rainfall.

Wheelchair accessible accomodation at Tatasberg and Ganakouriep Wilderness Parks.

Visit the Augrabies waterfall.  The worlds 6th largest waterfall.  This Khoi name means "place of great noise".  After good rainfalls, it's astounding to see and listen to!

Go hiking, 4x4, rafting, birding, swimming.  Accomodations at Senlingsdrif, Augrabies Fall, Potjiespram and many more.

Prices  :  Day trips  =  R40-R110 p/p.
               Accomodation  =  R145-R540 p/day (pensioners discount)

Visit http://www.tatamatata.co.za/ and http://www.sanpark.org/

Chow,
Bobi