The upcoming hikes thread

VE Berg Trip IV: Busingatha


The 4th VE Berg trip will be to the Busingatha, 1-3 March 2014.

The objective of the trip is to get more familiar with the Busingatha Valley and its community, the focus of so much attention currently in the cable car debate.

It will involve a morning's visit to see some of the environmental work being done by the community (such as donga reclamation), as well as a visit to one or two nearby rock art sites.

Thereafter we will hike to Singati Cave and spend two nights there. The in-between day will be spent exploring more of the community nature resverve and wilderness area. We are also considering a day hike from the cave up to the escarpment via the gully coming down from Inner Tower - this option would not be suitable for beginners, and would require a good level of fitness and tolerance for clambering up the gully. Those that prefer the option of chilling at the cave during the day can also do so, depending on what arrangements can be made. As a way of making it possible for more people to attend, those that only have the weekend of March 1-2 available can walk out from the cave after the first night, assuming they are competent enough to find their way back.

The invitation is hereby extended to anyone who is particularly interested in this area, and is concerned and engaged with the cable car debate, to join us. You need to be a reasonably competent hiker to hike to the cave, and must have your own gear and make your own arrangements for food. We will be accompanied by a local hiking guide as well as a rock art custodian, so there will be costs payable towards that - it's a great way to support local initiatives. I will confirm what these costs are.

If you are interested, you are welcome to respond here, or send me PM.

intrepid wrote: VE Berg Trip IV: Busingatha


The 4th VE Berg trip will be to the Busingatha, 1-3 March 2014.

The objective of the trip is to get more familiar with the Busingatha Valley and its community, the focus of so much attention currently in the cable car debate.

It will involve a morning's visit to see some of the environmental work being done by the community (such as donga reclamation), as well as a visit to one or two nearby rock art sites.

Thereafter we will hike to Singati Cave and spend two nights there. The in-between day will be spent exploring more of the community nature resverve and wilderness area. We are also considering a day hike from the cave up to the escarpment via the gully coming down from Inner Tower - this option would not be suitable for beginners, and would require a good level of fitness and tolerance for clambering up the gully. Those that prefer the option of chilling at the cave during the day can also do so, depending on what arrangements can be made. As a way of making it possible for more people to attend, those that only have the weekend of March 1-2 available can walk out from the cave after the first night, assuming they are competent enough to find their way back.

The invitation is hereby extended to anyone who is particularly interested in this area, and is concerned and engaged with the cable car debate, to join us. You need to be a reasonably competent hiker to hike to the cave, and must have your own gear and make your own arrangements for food. We will be accompanied by a local hiking guide as well as a rock art custodian, so there will be costs payable towards that - it's a great way to support local initiatives. I will confirm what these costs are.

If you are interested, you are welcome to respond here, or send me PM.

6-8 people attending so far. Would be nice to have a few more. Come and see what a gem this area is, and what the cable car debate is all about.