How Dragon Country began.

Legend has it that on a clear sunny day a !Xu was out hunting and came across this majestic area full of good plant life and water and so he decided to settle here. One day as he went out to gather some water he saw a rather peculiar pebble and upon closer inspection noticed that it was not a pebble but a rather strange egg indeed. Not knowing what creature this was he decided to look after the egg. Within days this egg hatched and a small green dragon was birthed. The unfortunate thing was that this dragon grew to a rather large size very quickly and started to look fearsome. So the local shaman was called in, after performing a ceremony and communicating with the ancestors it was revealed that in order to have peace with the dragons they would need to travel up the river past 10 pools starting at the pool where the egg was found. After they past the final 10^th pool they were to leave the dragon in a cave and head back never to pass the 10^th pool ever again. So they took on this journey and did exactly what was instructed by the shaman. A few months later the !Xu decided to visit the dragon to see what has become of it. So the next day he set off walking past all 10 pools and beyond. When his fellow tribesman noticed that he had not returned from the hunt they decided to send out a search party. So they chose amongst themselves 10 of their best trackers. They followed his tracks until they reached the 10^th pool and they realised that he went past the 10^th pool and debated what they should do next. They decided to cast lots and 5 of them would venture further whilst the other 5 waited. After 2 days of waiting, the 5 that remained, returned to the village to report that the 6 clansmen were lost beyond the 10^th pool. And so the path after the 10^th pool became known as Dragon Country and to this day no one who has ever ventured further has ever returned from Dragon Country.  

This trail is on the Tsitsikamma Striptease River Trail. The owners of the nearby Lodge which maintain this walk has given full permission for the caches to be placed. Also due to the nature and terrain of this walk it is recommended that minors are accompanied by adults. 

1. Due to heavy rains or work in the nearby plantation we never know when the trail will be closed so a phone call is always welcomed. You can phone 042 280 3702

2. Anyone hiking must report to reception to sign the permit (which is free) and they must report back after completing the hike.

3. It is advisable that hikers must wear suitable shoes as some areas are more difficult.

4. You may drink the water from the river as it is safe to drink but it is also recommended that you bring water and refreshments as it is not a short Hike. It can take from a min of 4 Hours of brisk walking without stopping for a swim or looking for the caches.

5. With the trail being called the Striptease Trail please be aware that you may encounter nudity on this trail. For those who are brave and daring and want to engage in nude caching please only do so from the start of the trail and not from the lodge.

6. Photo logs are more than welcome, clothed or unclothed, but please just remember that this is a family activity so if you are daring to pose unclothed please make sure that all private areas are concealed either by the cache or by the natural surroundings.

7. The trail is well marked just follow the blue markings and you won’t get lost.

8. Please remember that this is a nature area so no fires, no pets (unless it’s your spouse), and don’t leave anything behind, not even your spouse.

9. Please be back by dark as we don’t want to send out a search party for you as they tend to party instead of searching for you.

10. Gates and reception open at 7am.