Jack & Jill visit Ithala

OVER THE weekend of the January 16-18, the Jack and Jill Hiking Club went to Ithala Game Reserve, situated just past Louwsburg. The game reserve is home to many of Africa’s premier game species such as elephant, buffalo and leopard, as well as both black and white rhino. A feature of Ithala Game Reserve is its geological and ecological diversity which is strikingly visible from Ntshondwe. The reserve is rich in acacia trees, wild figs and cabbage trees interspersed with massive boulders that peeled off the NgotsheMountain high above the resort.

A couple of hikers arrived at Ithala Game Reserve on the Friday afternoon and had a leisurely drive, spotting a number of game species along the way to the campsite at Doornkraal. The hikers were fortunate to just have sufficient time to have the basics of their tents pitched, just before the rain came down, cooling them off from the heat of the day. After the shower of rain, a braai fire was started and a pleasant quite evening was enjoyed.

Saturday morning broke to a few rather tired hikers from a restless night as howling winds developed and really gave the tents a test of strength and stability. At Ntshondwe the hikers met up with the rest of the hiking group, who had opted to rather travel to Ithala early on Saturday morning. Fortunately it was a cool breezy morning, ideal for a hike in Ithala but once we started hiking the hikers soon all warmed up and the early morning jackets all came off when the hikers did the 10,4km self-guided walk.

Hot hikers returned to the Ntshondwe, where cool refreshments and for some an ice cream, was enjoyed overlooking the lily filled drinking hole. Mike had a difficult time keeping Mathilda away from her fishing rods as a large bass was really tempting Mathilda to grab her fishing rods and start fishing.

The hikers returned to Doornkraal campsite where tents were hastily pitched as all the hikers made their way down to the river at the camp site to cool off in the warm river water. The little fish in the river gave some hikers a nice spar treatment by nibbling on them, which resulted in a few startled screams.

Braai fires were started and the hikers were treated to lovely cream potatoes prepared by Willem and a delicious salad made by Sanet. A lovely social evening was rounded off by Ansie, who was a star and supplied a divine pudding, a real treat for the hikers. The tired hikers slowly all drifted off to their tents where they were all relieved that the wind was nothing like experienced on the Friday night.

Sunday morning saw the campsite a hive of activity of packing up tents and then all the hikers wondered down to the river where a lovely brunch picnic was held with the most delicious finger snacks.

Jack and Jill Hiking Club will be going to the Royal Natal National Park (Mahai) in the Drakensburg on the weekend of February 13-15. For enquiries please contact Sharron Walker or Willem Bouwer on 082 856 7664.