Buffalo Gorge Trail
There is just nothing to beat an early start on one of the Mountain Pastures trails! Not only does it heighten one’s sense of ‘closeness to nature’, but there is also more chance of seeing plenty of game. It was thus early when I set off on the Buffalokloof trail, the second trail to have recently been developed by Mountain Pastures by Gerhardt van Greuning (Eco-Trail), a professional developer of hiking trails.
Eco-Trail is busy with the design and development of 3 trails. On completion, Mountain Pastures will be applying for certification of the trails through the ‘World trails network’ organisation, ensuring compliance to an international benchmark of standards for quality trails. If successful, the trails will be awarded ‘Green flag status’ which will ensure trail users of a safe, quality experience.
The trail is aptly named after the Buffalo which the farm kept in the past. The Buffalo may have gone, but they have left their paths in the kloof, where the trail begins.
As I meander up the kloof, I’m entertained by bird calls, magnificent rock formations and Protea species in bloom. A sudden movement catches my eye, it’s a klipspringer bounding up the steep rock face of the kloof. I gaze in wonder at the agility and speed of their movement over the rocky terrain. A perfect start to my hike!
The trail then leaves the kloof and heads up to the top of the rise, with wonderful views over the valley and across to the mountains in the distance. The path now meanders between a rich variety of plants, including Brunia, Erica and Restio species, as well as various succulent species. As I walk across the top of the mountain, I have to remind myself to ‘watch where I walk’, as the views are fabulous!
Descending down the plateau, I am delighted to see the beautiful Phylica lachneaeoides, with its dainty pink flowers, in full bloom. Now and again I step off the path so as not to disturb the neatly constructed Garden Orb-web spider webs.
There is an unexpected burst of life literally a meter from the path, I had disturbed a klipspringer resting in the shade and it leaps away into the distance. Two klipspringers seen in one day….what a privilege! Did you know that their hair, springy in texture, was once prized as a stuffing for saddles? I feel content knowing that this is no longer the case.
The trail then heads back past waterholes where springbok, zebra and blesbok can regularly be seen. I reluctantly stroll back towards the start of the trail, taking one last look at the scenic views that surround me. I’ll be back soon……
The Buffalo Gorge Trail is a circular trail within the game area. The paths are well set out and sign-posted, a perfect ‘family’ route.
Written by Dr Joy Coleman (PhD Zoology)
