Jack and Jill Hiking Club visits Bivane Dam
Bivane Dam offers two hiking trails to choose from, the Ibis trail, which is 4km, and the other trail, which is 9km. Both these trails can be combined and a hike of 13km can be done.
The Jack and Jill Hiking Club went to Bivane Dam over the weekend of the November 17-19.
The Bivane dam is easily accessible, situated near the centre of the triangle formed by the towns of Vryheid, Pongola and Piet Retief.
The dam was completed in 2000 and was built on the Bivane River, a tributary of the Pongola River. The dam was conceived as a sustainable water supply for the local irrigation scheme, and to secure primary water for the town of Pongola and surrounding communities. Its water is collected in a catchment area of 1600 square kilometresand has a surface area of 700 hectares.
Bivane Dam Reserve offers recreation activities like boating, fishing, mountain biking, hiking and bird watching. Quad bike and 4×4 trails are also available on the reserve.
As a treat, the hiking club decided to stay in one of the six sleeper chalets. Luggage, of which there always seems to be so much, was carried up to the chalet, for some this felt like a mini hike on its own.
Once the luggage was sorted, the hikers settled down, chatted, and caught up. Willem kindly supplied Friday evening supper of Sosatie hot dogs, which was very enjoyable.
Bivane Dam offers two hiking trails to choose from, the Ibis trail, which is 4km, and the other trail, which is 9km. Both these trails can be combined and a hike of 13km can be done.
On Saturday morning the hikers were ready for a pleasurable hike and decided to do the Ibis trail. The hikers made it a 5km trail as they started walking from the chalet instead of driving to the starting point. The trail was well marked and a pleasurable trail to take, taking the hikers along the gorge of a contributory river, then through bushveld and back to the main road leading back to the office and chalets.
Saturday turned out to be a rather warm day so when the hikers arrived back at the chalet, a small snack was eaten and the hikers headed down to the newly installed swimming pool for a refreshing swim.
On returning to the chalet, Willem started with supper preparation.
Sunday morning the hikers tested their kayaking skills on the dam, proving some hikers don’t know their left from their right.
The weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The Jack and Jill Hiking club will be holding their AGM on the December 9 at Dundee Battlefields lodge.
For further information, regarding the Jack and Jill Hiking club and upcoming hikes, Willem can be contacted on 082 856 7664.
