Wolkberg Info Anyone?

Hallo Carl,
I’m considering the area for a 3 day hike with my son and looked at the route you marked.
Would this be possible to complete in three days?
Stefan

Stefan good day.

For the record, I did not do that route. But lifted it off VE as others did it, here's the write up:
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/wolkberg/55616-wolkberg-hike-report-march-2014.html

In theory yes you can do it in 3days, though as you can see their 3day turned into 4days. But there are factors like:

1. Your strength and fitness.
2. Your map-reading skills.
3. Rain.
4. Bushwacking
5. How long you take to get there, driving.

So on point #1 no comment.
On #2 this is a popular route so there may be paths...may. See point 4.
On #3, well, it can rain like nothing you've seen up there. We were effectively rained out, solid rain for 3days, no break. This can make river crossing a nightmare, we had to backtrack and choose another ford. Do not underestimate this and make sure you read the maps correctly.
On #4, well, end of growing season, this can get tough. Fortunately we found ways but I know of folks who go there with secateurs and pangas.
On #5, the roads in, once through the first gate down at the bottom, eventually turn into a spiderweb of forestry tracks. Make time for navigation. We reached a point with like 6 roads intersecting, luckily there was a dude hanging out that showed us the way. Also, roads can get muddy and bakkie or 4x4 is recommended. They are generally in good condition coz the forestry folks look after them.

Have fun. It's quite beautiful and wild.

Thanks for the advice Carl.

My son and I arrived on afternoon of 1 May and completed the 39km Serala circular route from the Forest Station. It was paradise for the 3 days, the most beautiful forest trails and magnificent views. A hiking experience that I wish every trail enthusiast can experience, such jewel of our country.

Tough I made use of Wikiloc, and app that I can’t imagine hiking without, the trail is quit challenging as there are not always good path markings. This brings a fun element, especially if you have search for the best possible route.

just one piece of advise, ensure you’re very hiking fit, Day 2 ascend about 1000m in half a day.

regards,
Stefan

A small update about Wolkberg:
There is now a new official rest camp. It has been built on the very fringe of the reserve and uses the road that comes from George's Valley. Significant roadworks were done, so now it takes about 20-25 mins to drive from the tar to the rest camp. A client of mine recently did it in 25 mins with a Quantum and Venter trailer. 
The camp has a bunch of camp sites (±20) but beware - someone decided that it was a good idea to scrape all the topsoil off, so you're trying to get pegs into the clay-rock that lies beneath. 
It has a communal kitchen (4 x 4-hob has stoves), communal under roof dining area (several concrete and tile tables and stools), bathrooms (gas-fired geysers - very tempramental), 3 x waist-height braai places with very flimsy grids and a common-use fire pit surrounded by concrete bench. 

There is also a trail that runs from the camp site up the Mawetsi River to the Bum-Slides. They've tried marking it but did a sloppy job, so the yellow paint on the trees ends up merging with the lichen. It's a lovely trail and I did it as a round trip, coming back down the jeep track to the camp in just under 5 hours (dry season, solo, day pack). It might be a bit more challenging in wet season 

Also, they seem to have stopped using the rescue register, so it may be a good idea to print one of your own (attached to this post) and just leave it inside the windscreen of your car.