This event is also known as the Kgosi Maripe Mountain Hiking Excursion.

It is organised by the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) in partnership with Bushbuckridge Local Tourism Organisation (BLTO) during Tourism Month.

According to Sizile Ndlovu, the chairperson of BLTO, the mountain was named after the Pulana chief, Kgosi Maripe Mashile, who used to reside in a cave there. The purpose of the event is to promote hiking, to raise awareness of the forest in Bushbuckridge and local tourism, to encourage locals to explore their local surroundings, to market the site and to keep fit.

READ: Skywalk at God’s Window to be completed within two years

“The hike is done to honour the chief, who was moved together with his tribe to Acornhoek years ago. The hikers walked for about 9.2 kilometres.

This may seem challenging, however, the beauty of the area made the climb worthwhile.

“When we were climbing, we came across a lot of bush pigs and the view from the top was amazing. It is so interesting; when climbing up it is misty and there is no view, which encourages one to keep walking.” Ndlovu said he wished the public could visit the mountain so that they may witness the view from the top.

“There is so much to see in Bushbuckridge. When standing up there, you get to see the Three Rondavels from the east side. You can see the Blyde River, Hoedspruit and Kruger National Park. For those that do not prefer to hike, they can sit in the car and enjoy the viewpoint.

There is a picnic site and nice accommodation.” Ndlovu said the event was a great success. “We had expected 100 hikers and we got 90 people joining us. Everything went according to plan and the weather was favourable.” BLM and BLTO said they appreciate the turnout they had received.