The Jack and Jill Hiking Club went to Moreson Ranch in Vrede on the weekend of February 21 to 23. The unique game and holiday ranch is situated at the foot of the Bothasberg in the Vrede district.

Activities offered include hiking trails, bird watching, 4×4 adventures, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, pool and swimming. Moreson Ranch offers accommodation in chalets of various size, as well as camping facilities, with private campsites each equipped with a power point, shower, toilet, wash basin and a washing-up facility with hot and cold water. There is a further campsite with a communal ablution block.

On Friday afternoon, the hikers arrived and got busy setting up camp and catching up. A choice of savoury or sweet vetkoek was enjoyed by all for supper.

On Saturday morning, the hikers set out early to follow the 4×4 track to the lion camps, on an 8,5 kilometre circular walk. The mist still hung in the air, hiding the game. As the mist rose, a number of herds of red hartebeest and blue wildebeest were seen in the distance. It was quite an experience to see the lions up close in their camps.

The lions in the camps were separated into age specific groups, and there are also white lions and tigers, all extremely well cared for. Later on, a few of the hikers went to see the lion cubs being fed and were granted the opportunity to bottle-feed the cubs. One hiker was reminded that lion cubs can still be cubs, as they nipped legs in their haste to obtain their share of the milk.

The day was concluded with a lovely braai and roasted mielies.

On Sunday morning, the hikers were woken by roaring lions, which to some sounded too close for comfort. Given it was overcast and windy, the hikers decided to pack up and proceed to the ‘Lion’s Den’ restaurant for brunch. The hike was a great way to start off the new hiking year.

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