The cache can be accessed by following the gravel road, from the
REF1 waypoint, to the Appin & Bald Ibis Hiking Trail, at the
REF2 waypoint, and then following the Bald Ibis Hiking Trail, which
is located on one of the most beautiful and renowned landmarks in
the Free State namely Rensburgkop.
When you arrive at Appin, drive through the farm gate at REF3
and then follow the jeep track all the way to the parking spot at
REF4. Start hiking from there, and I suggest that you pass the
following waypoints in order, before heading for the cache - Duiker
Gate (REF5), Rheebok Gate (REF6), Jackal Gate (REF8), and then past
the To the Top sign (REF7) before the real climb to the top.
This mountain butts out of the North Eastern Free State
landscape, with massive sandstone kranzes moulded on the sides.
Rensburgkop is not only known for its unique location but was also
the site where the Television drama "The Mountain" was filmed based
on a true story.
Less than 2 km from the base camp is a vulture restaurant with
its natural hide. Raptors that breed on the mountain include Cape
vultures, Crown and Black eagles while Bald ibis and Abdim storks
are plentiful. There is abundant endemic game. The flora is very
similar to the Drakensberg ecological zones. Of the most majestic
yellowwood trees, that have been seen on Free State hiking trails,
are found here.
On the trail one passes a massive San cave where some paintings
have survived. For the more energetic hiker, the climb towards the
Beacon on Rensburgkop is a view not to be missed. The sheer rock
faces of this mountain will appeal to most mountaineers and
absailers, while more adventurous hikers will be able to enjoy some
rock climbing in William's gorge. An additional adventure would be
to explore the Baboon's gorge to the top of the mountain.
The base camp is a restored sandstone barn with all the
facilities a hiker could wish for. The overnight stop is at Twin
caves near a waterfall. Hiking beds and a braai area are provided
to make this overnight unforgettable.
The Bald Ibis hiking trail offers a two-day backpacking trail
and two day trail option from the base camp. Fit hikers would be
able to hike the trail in one day, however hikers and nature lovers
would take time to enjoy the beauty of this exceptional trail of
the Free State. The Bald Ibis trails will appeal to all hikers -
from the hiker who prefers a base camp and shorter trails to the
hiker who prefers to backpack and sleep out, especially in a cave.
The Bald Ibis trail is ideal for informal conferences and to build
team spirit. Catering on request. Curio shop with farm produce.
Farm pub. By special arrangement, 10 - 30 hikers can now be dropped
and fetched at the farm on scheduled Greyhound coaches to
Swinburne.
Maximum 30 hikers. Overnight trail 24. Distance/Duration: Two
day trail: 1st day - 17,7 km. 2nd day - 9 km. Day trails: 3 and 5
hours respectively.
Overnight facilities: Base camp: Restored barn with 30
beds/mattresses. Equipped kitchen with potjies, pots, kettles and
pans, two plate gas cooker, braai facilities and wood. Ablutions
include 2 flush toilets and 2 showers heated with a donkey boiler
geyser. Undercover dining and lapa areas. Overnight cave: Sheltered
cave with 6-4 man beds. Braai grid. Collect own wood. Shower drums
that can be heated for hot showers. Water cans under waterfall.
Supply own mattresses.
Pertinent information: Do not tamper with San paintings in Cave.
Carry water in dry times. Note special Greyhound offer.
Location of trail: 3 km from Swinburne, 25 km from Harrismith,
400 km from Bloemfontein and 350 km from Gauteng and Durban.
If anyone would like a detailed copy of the trail map, let me
know and I will email it to you.