KanStra Travel - South Africa - KwazuluNatal - Black Wildebeest hiking trail report

The Black Wildebeest hiking trail is situated in the Van Reenen pass area. Although this trail can get very hot in summer (Feb 2007) it is not too difficult. A lot of small streams ensure that one can cool off in summer (if there had been enough rain). The chances are good that you can have a swim at the swimming spot in the Sandspruit just before the overnight camp. Quite a bit of game can be seen on the trail. The first day starts with a bit of a climb and then follows the plateau. There you can see large Wild Fig trees. Further on the trail goes into the hills covered in indigenous bush before descending down to the Sandspruit. From there it is only a few minutes walk to the overnight camp. The overnight camp is setup under large trees close to the Sandspruit which give shelter from the sun. The second day is much shorter and follows the hills, small streams and the plateau back to the base camp.


Leaving the base camp	View towards Van Reenen	One of the river beds	Walking through the bush


A swimming opportunity	The overnight camp	Easy start on day 2	View again over the valleys

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	The Black Wildebeest hiking trail has very good facilities at the base camp and at the overnight camp. This includes hot showers (provided by a so-called donkey) and gas cookers. Both camps are setup in quiet surroundings. There is an option to do it as a 3 day trail, the second day is then a circular route back to the overnight camp. During times of drought, it can happen that the trail is closed due to water supply problems at the overnight camp.
	more info: Jacana or Anvie Ventures		date visited: February 2007