Kleinrivier Hiking trail Friday 1st January 2021

 

Kleinrivier Hiking trail Friday 1st January 2021

Kleinrivier is on the Cockscomb Road north of Uitenhage off the R75.    This is really a full day outing as the trail is about 5 hours and the drive there and back a further 3 hours.   

We leave from Port Elizabeth at 8.00am.   Four vehicles.   With me today:   Garth and Elsje Elliot with children:  Amy;  Kristin and Michael.   And Sally.   Noeksie; Liesl; Lucille and Gail in a second vehicle.   Janice and Brett with Jon-paul and Natalie;   Kenny and Jenny with Bevan and Candice.   Esme with two children:  Ruan and Dane.  

The drive is 80km;  30 to Uitenhage;  20 past Uitenhage on the R75;  And 22 of rough dirt road to the Kleinrivier Turn off.  And then 6km of rough dirt road with 8 x gates to open and close.   Remember to take coins or eats for the children who may open gates for you.  

We register with Deon and do the introductions.   Start hiking at 9.45am.   Up on the jeep track to where the first bridge crosses the stream.  Past the Tented cottages and then we are on the trail.   

The trail is not a tough one as there are no long serious hills.  It does cross the stream many times.   And there are rocky sections.  You should be sure footed and have a confident step to do this trail.  We walk up the valley for about 5km which, with swims and breaks takes us about 2.5km.   

The walk back down the valley may become tiring as you have been on your feet for all this time.  And the rocks, steps, short climbs,  edges and roots all make for a long tough walk.   So on the way back, be careful with your step.   Do not become too relaxed as you may easily trip or slip.    

The swims are what make this such a wonderful trail.   There are waterfalls and big pools.   At least two or three pools are really attractive.   But younger people may find even more pools to swim in.   

The last hidden pool is where we stop for our picnic lunch and final swim.   From here it is about half an hour back to the cars.   The trail is about 5 hours although it could be a lot longer if you choose to continue hiking for more than 2.5 hours up the valley. 

  The drive home is not an easy one as people are sleepy from the day's walk and there are no coffee shop stops on the return trip.   

On the trail there are short climbs up and down

Our final swim under the waterfall. 

Our first swim also has a waterfall. 

Most of the hikers jump into the pool.  chilly but hugely refreshing. 

Gail follows me as I appear to "Levitate"

Rocky cliffs surround us as we walk up the valley

At all times we look out for the Yellow Leopard footprint. 

Beautiful pathways and rocky cliffs right next to the trail . 

Rocky pathways can make the walk tough as you should be aware of your foot placement 

Strange rock outcrops above the trail. 

Sally and Noeksie enjoy looking down to the pool below. 

Walking up the narrow canyon

Garth and Elsje with daughter Kristen. 

Pools abound and are open for swims. 

Esme uses the rope to abseil down to the hidden pool. 

Lucille is a little cautious as she checks her footing. 

Bret takes this in his (Barefooted) stride. 

Janice has done this with me before and knows "The Ropes"

The last pool and waterfall is really the cherry on top of the hike.   Makes the outing quite memorable. 

Peter and Sally as we cross the first bridge onto the trail. 

Views of the hikers and the open valley. 

The Kleinrivier trail is something quite special.   A must do for any trail lover in the Port Elizabeth district.   Not at all tough.  Just need to have a confident step as there are stream crossings and rocky outcrops.   

Contact Peter Giddy (Tour Guide and Hike leader)  to arrange a hike for you and your friends or work teams.    This is something you will keep with you as a goal achieved and a special day.  

SA Guided Tours and Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Shore Excursions -- Addo Elephant and other Wildlife Reserves -- Garden Route.  Flowers of Namaqualand -- 

0027 (0) 82 55 03 714    Whatsup
peter.giddy@gmail.com
Addo Elephant Park Day Visit and Night drive. 

• Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve
• Daniel Cheetah Project
• Pumba; Shamwari; Amakhala; Kariega -- Day trips Private Reserves.
• Three day tour of Mountain Zebra Park. Graaff Reinet, Nieu Bethesda and Addo. 
• City Historical and Cultural Tours, 
• Horse riding for both experienced and inexperienced riders
• Hikes and Walks around Port Elizabeth (2 hour Nature and Coastal walks)
• Garden Route Adventure Tours (Zip Lines; Segway  in the Forest; Adventure Quad Biking; Bridge Walks; Bungy Jump; Knysna Elephant Park; Monkey Land and Birds of Eden; Big Cats Sanctuary; Oudtshoorn Cango Caves and Ostrich farms)
• Shore Excursions from Passengers ships
• Transfers. Airport; Hotel and Wildlife Reserve.
• Flowers of Namaqualand.  Seven days of adventure and exploring places and sights you never even knew existed.  History and natural beauty of the South West of South Africa
• Karoo to Garden Route. Six days of fun and activities.  Prince Albert; Swartberg Pass; Die Hell; Oudtshoorn; Prince Alfred pass; Plett and Tsitsikamma. 

Website --   petergiddyguidedtours.wordpress.com

For tours and bookings.. email me at.    peter.giddy@gmail.com
Contact me on Whatsup....  0027 082 550 3174