Bikini Pool

When the first Khoisan walked around in Africa they did not bother about covering themselves because most days were hot and humid with the African sun shining so brightly. They learnt that there was no need to go into the  thorny shrubs as they had sufficient food consisting of nuts, berries and roots. However one little gatherer named !Ga studied the leopard, the cheetah and the lion and watched how they would hunt. And little !Ga was determined that one day she would be as strong as a lion and as agile as a leopard and as fast the cheetah.

Over time little !Ga grew up into a very strong warrior where anyone who choose to fight her would regret it. She was also known to always get the best fruit from the top branches of the fruit trees as she was the only one who was able to climb to the top. And no one was as fast as !Ga, whether it was gathering food or water she also seemed to do it in record time.

One day as !Ga was watching a Lion sneak up and capture a prey she thought about it and wondered why no one ever hunted like the lion and captured a Springbuck. So she set out to try and capture a Springbuck, one of the fastest and cleverest of all the buck species. But she noticed that the Springbuck were often in the bushes and !Ga soon found out why they never ventured amongst the bushes as they had many thorns and the Khoisan had little protection against these thorns.

So !Ga went to the local shaman to seek advice. After some time in a trance the shaman told !Ga that at the next rainfall she needs to gather an ostrich egg full of spider webs that have captured the rain drops. Then !Ga was to return to the shaman where he would place a spider and a mantis in each egg. Now rain was scarce so !Ga had a very long wait. When the rain did eventually fall !Ga quickly gathered the spider webs with their water droplets on them and rushed them back to the shaman. The shaman put a mantis and spider into the egg and plugged the hole and told !Ga to come back at the next rainfall.

So this was another long wait for !Ga but she filled her time making sure that she fully understood how the cheetah, leopard and lion hunted their prey. When the rain eventually fell again !Ga quickly rushed back to the shaman. The shaman took hold of the egg said a chant and smashed the egg against the wall. !Ga was astounded as to what came out of the broken egg, it was something that she never seen before. The shaman explained to !Ga that this item was made from the strongest thread of a spider’s web is to be worn when she goes hunting and it would give protection. And so !Ga went out to test this new item. She tide this around her loins and went out trying to capture a Springbuck. Due to this strange item she had additional protection from the thorns on the bushes and with her speed, strength and agile movement she quickly managed to capture and kill the springbuck. And for the first time, !Ga and her clan had the opportunity to eat something besides fruit, nuts and roots.

They then took the skin of the springbuck and cut out a similar shape to the web item and from that day on is how the Khoisan ended up wearing bikini like briefs for hunting.

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.