Hikers learn about history on their Three Provinces hike
The battle of Allemansnek took place between the British and the Boers.
The Jack and Jill Hiking Club May hike took place on the weekend of May 19-21 at the Three Provinces Trail situated on the farm Waterval in the Volksrust Area. The Three Province Trail is where KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Free State boundaries meet.
Three Provinces’ main attraction is the 4×4 adventures, offering four trails namely the three Provinces Trail; the Tierkloof Trail; Bobbejaankrans Trail and the Roodedraai Battlefields trail. Hiking trails and mountain biking are also offered.
Accommodation is offered in rock cabins, log cabins and two campsites. The hikers camped at the Rooibektiptol Campsite, which offers clean ablutions and hot water from a donkey.
The hikers arrived on Friday afternoon and were escorted to the campsite by Wolf, the farm cattle dog. Wolf “assisted” and supervised the putting up of tents and even brought along a few sticks that could be used as firewood. With sunset, the chill in the air could be felt and the hikers were thankful for the gazebo where they could all gather and keep warm catching up and chatting. As the evening progressed the gas lamps and heaters were brought out to light and warm the gazebo. One of the hiking ladies provided a divine lamb pasta, rice and salad and that warmed and filled all the hungry tummies.
After a cold nights sleep in the tents, the hikers rose early on Saturday morning and watched as the frost formed on the grass while warming themselves with warm mugs of coffee. The owner of Three Provinces, Ronel, came up to meet the hikers and joined them for the hike on Saturday. Wolf, (the farm cattle dog) keenly also joined the hikers on the hike. It was a great honour having Ronel join us on our hike, as she knows the property well and could point out many items of interest and battlefields in the distant surrounding mountains. Ronel was an absolutely wonderful guide.
Ronel offers tours of the Battlefields in the area and keenly shared her amazing knowledge of the battlefields with us. Ronel showed the hikers where “Allemansnek” is situated in the distance and informed the hikers of the battle of Allemansnek. The hikers were very interested as it is not a well-known battle.
The battle of Allemansnek took place between the British and the Boers. Unfortunately, time was not on the hiker’s side and they were not going to be able to reach the beacon where the Three Provinces meet, as they would not have made it back to the campsite in the light.
The hikers were very interested as it is not a well-known battle. The battle of Allemansnek took place between the British and the Boers. Unfortunately, time was not on the hiker’s side and they were not going to be able to reach the beacon where the Three Provinces meet, as they would not have made it back to the campsite in the light.
More Jack and Jill hiking adventures:
Jack and Jill hikers trace the cannibals
Hikers learn about Bivane dam and kayaking
Jack and Jill tackle a rocky trail
After not hiking in April, due to all the public holidays, it was an extreme hike and hikers were relieved when faint signs of the campsite were visible.
All gathered around a bonfire to keep warm on Saturday night while the men kindly braaied. Two delicious salads were supplied to be enjoyed with our braai.
On Sunday morning the hikers very slowly packed up and prepared for the trip back home but it was clear that no one was in a great hurry to leave the tranquillity of the scenic campsite.
The next hike will take place in June and for further information, contact Willem on 082 856 7664.
