Hikers enjoy an adventurous weekend in the Royal Natal National Park

The Jack and Jill Hiking Club went to the Royal Natal National Park, Mahai Campsite on the weekend of October 20-22. The word “Mahai” is Sesotho for “Rocky Krantz”.
The Mahai Campsite is well maintained and offers kitchen facilities with hydro boil for hot water.
There are a number of ablution blocks which are well maintained and are kept neat and clean.
The hikers arrived at Mahai Campsite on the Friday afternoon where tents were set up and the camp arranged.
Takeaways were enjoyed as an evening meal which was purchased from the Tower of Pizza on the route to Mahai.
On Saturday morning the hikers woke to a misty morning but decided to do a hike to Gudu Forrest.
he hiking trail started at the campsite, past Cascades where everyone stopped to have a look and then started the steep climb to the Outlook Rock where a break was taken to catch breathes and enjoy the spectacular views before they continued on to Gudu Forrest.
Upon arrival at Gudu Forrest the younger, adventurous hikers decided to do The Crack and Mudslide trail that trailed off at Gudu Forrest.
The other hikers continued through Gudu Forrest and took a relaxed hike back to the campsite.
The Hikers that did The Crack and the Mudslide thoroughly enjoyed their adventure and were even brave enough to take a plunge into the freezing ice cold water in a pool at Gudu Falls.
The hikers that returned to the camp, relaxed and took a stroll along one of the trails close to the campsite along the banks of the Mahai stream.
After freshening up at Mahai campsite, the hikers made themselves comfortable and relaxed for a while before braai fires were started and supper enjoyed.
On Sunday morning, the hikers leisurely packed up and enjoyed brunch, before heading home.
Next month’s hike will be to Ficksburg, Clarens, on the weekend of November 17-19. For further details contact Willem Bouwer on 082 856 7664.