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I hadn’t expected the video clip, which showed a small stream trickling down the normally dry kloof. I did a quick weather check & planned a hike on the first available clear day.

I set off on the Grey Rhebok trail and within five minutes of starting out, an overturned rock yields the beautiful scorpion Parabuthus planicauda. I know that this is going to be a good day! My progress is slower than snail pace, the fynbos is magnificent and the animal life under each rock so fascinating.

I pass Crassula species, the pink Ovalleaf Storksbill (Pelargonium ovale), the multi-coloured Swartberg Pincushion (Leucospermum wittebergense), the red Erica, a beautiful yellow bulb and much more. The animals are busy, including Darkling beetles, Scolopendromorph centipedes and striking cockroaches.

I realise that I’ve only moved a few hundred meters in one hour and ascend the gently sloping hill. The view of the mountains to the south is stunning as I continue to explore the plant life, which includes Babiana, the lilac Tortured Desperado (Disparago tortilis) and the tiny Yelloweye Woodsorrel (Oxalis obtusa). The animal life is just as gorgeous! I discover the handsome scorpion Opisthacanthus diremptus, a striking butterfly/moth larva and the aptly named Ground Crab spider (Xysticus species).

I continue in a westerly direction, passing a Helichrysum (Everlasting) species, the lilac aniseed-scented Buchu (Agathosma) and so many other species. Monkey Beetles (Hopliini) and the larger Protea Chafers (Trichostetha) are hard at work in the flowerheads.

I reach the Trig. beacon, with magnificent 360 degree views, a perfect refreshment stop. I now descend down the kloof, carefully watching out for a sign of the stream on the video. I see nothing, perhaps it has dried up? As I stop to watch a Southern Rock Agama (Agama atra) hopping from rock to rock, I hear the faint sound of trickling water. I follow the sound and there it is, the tiny stream, its trickle ‘music to my ears’.

At the base of the kloof, I pass the grove of Poplar trees and ascend the hill, surrounded by Proteas and the pretty white Erica. Reaching the top of the hill, I hear the distinctive ‘snorting” of Grey Rhebok in the distance. They allow me to approach a certain distance, before they turn tail and bound effortlessly up a steep rocky slope.

The trail winds back in an easterly direction and all too soon I see the end point in the distance. My pace slows down as I reluctantly move forward, my heart heavy as I have reached the end of the trail. Something catches my eye. It is not only a group of springbuck, but also a ‘zeal’ of zebra, including a foal. It is as if they are saying ‘goodbye’ to me, and this lifts my heart. ‘See you soon’, I reply.

The Grey Rhebok trail is a circular trail within the game area. The paths are well set out and sign-posted. The trails on Mountain Pastures have been certified through the ‘World trails network’ organisation, and have been awarded ‘Green flag status’ which ensures trail users of a safe, quality experience.

Written by Dr Joy Paton (PhD Zoology)