Autumn is the perfect time for hiking
The Bokmakierie trail has especially been laid out for hikers who only have a few hours at their disposal and there are two options (10km or 17km) available.
Members of the walking ministry of Heidelberg Methodist Church (HMC) – Walking in Faith, participated in a walk-about in the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve on April 30.
According to event organiser Hugo de Koningh, the hiking trails run through mountainous interesting and picturesque areas. The Bokmakierie trail has especially been laid out for hikers who only have a few hours at their disposal and there are two options (10km or 17km) available.
The group assembled in the parking area near the Diepkloof visitor’s centre around 07:30 from where they started the Bokmakierie trail. This route starts in the medicinal garden and after crossing the tar road it swings left of the little stream following a number of coloured footprints that indicate the direction of the two separate routes.
De Koningh said there are not many flowers during this time of the year, but at the end of the 10 km trail (before going on the final steep downwards path and crossing the little stream of water) one sees Helichrysum flowers.
“The trail moves up and down-hill quite a lot with a total height gain of around 800 metres, which makes it tougher than one would expect and a certain degree of confusion exists regarding the exact length of the Bokmakierie trail,” De Koningh said.
The trail leads along several rock piles, which the group and other walking parties saw mainly as resting points.
“If members of the group would have read in detail the pamphlet issued at the Diepkloof entrance of the Suikerbosrand, they would know that hikers should not add any more rocks to this pile because it disturbs the environment and ecosystem and makes the veld prone to erosion,” De Koningh warned.
After the hike, members gathered for cool drinks, tea and a snack. De Koningh called upon Suikerbos Nature Reserve management to clear up the confusion around the exact distance of the Bokmakierie trail and also to provide information regarding the Diorama at the Diepkloof visitors centre, which was said to be revamped some time back. He also pointed out that there is little to no updated information about the trees, plants, bird- and wildlife of the Suikerbosrand.
“I was under the impression that the amount of Protea Caffra is reduced, not having seen any of these shrubs or trees along the trail. Maybe I mistakenly expect them along the trail, but I know that Protea Caffra trees along the dirt road going up to the cross near Heidelberg, are quite reduced. I suspect this is due to previous veld fires,” he said.
He also expressed his concern regarding veld fires and urged hikers to visit Friends of the Suikerbosrand’s Facebook page for tips and preventative measures before undertaking a hike.
Members of HMC will gather again for a hike on May 18 at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. For more information, phone Hugo de Koningh on 0836300391 or the HMC office 016 341 2437.
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