By Bev Hermanson

Here’s a great time-out activity for Gauteng’s city slickers to tackle this autumn.

This time of year on the Highveld is simply awesome – definitely a good time to get out and about into the countryside to enjoy hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, a rustic version of golf, finding inner peace and camping.

You’ll be able to tap into all of these activities at Shelter Rock, a mere 60 minutes from Pretoria and 90 minutes from Johannesburg.

Where would you like to start?

THE LABYRINTH

Whether you choose to do this first or after a whole day or weekend of action, a walk round the Shelter Rock Labyrinth is worth mentioning right away so you don’t miss out. Be sure to factor in some ‘me time’ and visit the labyrinth before you head home.

Built from mountain rocks, with views of the mighty Magalies Mountains as a backdrop, the labyrinth is a place where you can quiet your mind and reconnect with your true essence. Wandering along its winding path, you can relax and enter into a state of private reflection, where you can seek answers, heal and muster renewed strength.

My recommendation is to go there after all the other diversions, but be sure to allow enough time to be able to properly chill out.

CAMPING

Right, now let’s get onto the activities.

If you’re going to get out into the countryside for real, you may as well plan to spend the weekend camping at Shelter Rock. You need to book this ahead of time to make sure there’s space, as the campsite is only designed to take a maximum of 20 people.

You will need to bring all your own equipment (tents, chairs, tables, sleeping bags, lamps, braai supplies, food and drinks) and all litter must be taken with you when you leave as there is no municipal refuse service.

There are unisex ablution facilities and cooking is done in the enclosed Boma.

The weekend rate (from 14h00 on a Friday until 16h00 on a Sunday) is R300 per person. Children under 12 are half price. This includes the hike up the mountain.

HIKING

The hiking route from Base Camp is approximately 8km: 4km up and 4km down. A reasonable level of fitness is necessary as climbing up the mountain is quite strenuous, although there are plenty of spots where you can stop and catch your breath.

But firstly, all hikers must check in at Base Camp to pay the hiking fee and sign an indemnity form. If you decide not to camp, the fee for day visitors and hikers is R100 for adults and R50 for children from 7 years to 15 years. Children under 6 years are free.

There are toilets at Base Camp, so there’s no need to use ‘bush facilities’ while out on the trail. And there’s a swimming pool, so be sure to bring swim shorts or a bathing costume with you.

For the hike, it’s recommended that you wear fairly loose clothing and closed shoes (not sandals), wear a hat or head covering and apply plenty of sun block. Make sure that you take enough water – at least three 500ml bottles – and some trail snacks – you will get hungry!!

In winter, it’s best to dress in layers, as it may be chilly when you set off, but it will get warmer as you climb.

ROUTE

The route to the top of the mountain takes you past Shelter Rock, which is about halfway up. Further along, the trail winds through some of the neighbouring properties and there are three ‘up and over’ ladders that you need to climb to gain access to the next section of the route.

‘Respect’ is the main word to bear in mind along the way – respect for the environment, respect for the neighbouring land owners and respect for the wildlife. No littering, no smoking and no loud noises permitted.

WILDLIFE

On a good day, you may be lucky enough to see dassies, meerkats, porcupines, duikers, klipspringers, warthogs, blesbok, kudu, baboons, monkeys, brown hyena, jackals and there have even been reports of a leopard living in the upper parts of the mountains. Birdlife includes black eagles, barn owls, guinea fowl and, on occasions, vultures have been seen.

The geology of the area is fascinating, too – some of the rocks are estimated to be over 3000 million years old – and there’s evidence of ancient civilisations having inhabited the area.

At the top, you’ll see the remains of an old fort dating back to the Boer War that was fought against the British between 1898 and 1902.

VIA FERRATA AND ABSEILING

For the more adventurous, there’s the mountain stairway (Via Ferrata) that takes you up to the summit and you have the choice of abseiling back down the rock face, or taking a leisurely stroll back along the hiking trail.

The double pitch abseil of 100m down is apparently surpassed only by the 112m abseil down Table Mountain. However, there are also 7m and 25m abseils that can be arranged for novices.

KNOBKIERIE GOLF

This is a strange pastime but something that avid golfers will be keen to tackle. Their 9-hole par 36 Knobkierie Golf Course is believed to be the first in South Africa. The 841m course is probably the only course around, where you can play in your jeans and takkies.

The knobkierie golf club is a traditional walking stick turned upside down. Each one is cut from an indigenous tree, so no two are alike. The game is played with a Slazball, which is red in colour, has only a little bounce and weighs slightly more than a tennis ball.

Before you start, you get to practise on the practice green at Base Camp. After getting acquainted with your knobkierie and the ball, you then have to hike to the start of the course.

There’s no need to worry about hazards, because the course is a hazard, itself. There’s no need to repair divots or pitch marks and the speed of play is determined by the amount of time it takes you to find your ball in the rough. The course ends with a final hole halfway down the side of a kloof.

The R200 per player fee includes hire of the knobkierie club, tee, ball and the Rule & Score Book.

Spectators/day visitors pay R100 each and they do specify that ‘no offensive clothing’ is allowed. I’m not too sure what that means, perhaps it’s mainly to ensure that whilst casual dress is encouraged, it mustn’t be too revealing.

THE TRADITIONAL BRAAI IS A MUST

Never mind how hungry you get while going up the mountain, when you make it back to Base Camp, there’s only one more thing to do after your refreshing swim in the pool … get together for a braai. Boerewors, chops, steak, chicken flattie, maybe even some fish washed down with your favourite beverage. What better way to end a stunning day together?

SAFETY RULES

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the following rules apply:

• No Bicycles
• No Open Flames. To prevent runaway fires, only gas stoves are permitted outside the dam area.
• No Pets. Please take note of this as there are ticks in the area, so it’s not a good idea to bring furbabies with you.

Comments from visitors:

Great hike. Great views. Great time! We will definitely be back!

Great views and awesome natural beauty in the mountains. Great outing for a family.

Thoroughly enjoyed this hike as it’s extremely well organised and clearly marked.

For more information about Shelter Rock, visit www.shelterrock.co.za or email: info@shelterrock.co.za.
Phone/WhatsApp: +27 71 473 6298
NB: Camping and Entry Fees subject to change – check the Shelter Rock website to confirm and make enquiries.
Gate Times: Opening time: 7h30. Gates close: 17h00.