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There was no need to set my alarm for an early start…I was too excited! Today I was hiking the Grey Rhebok Trail, one of the trails that have recently been developed by Mountain Pastures by Gerhardt (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.

I couldn’t wish for a better start to the trail – a group of springbuck at a waterhole welcome me! After a short meander across the low-lying area, I ascend up a gentle slope to the top of the hill. The vegetation changes to fynbos and I stop to admire the beautiful species. Protea and Leucadendron species thrive here, even in drought conditions.

I walk along the top of the hill slowly, taking in the magnificent views across to the mountains in the distance. The silence of the mountains and scent of the veld fills my senses. The characteristic rocky terrain offers much opportunity for exploring animal biodiversity beneath the rocks, and I’m delighted to find a healthy scorpion (Parabuthus planicauda).

Another gentle ascent takes me to the Trig beacon, and the trail then zig-zags down a beautiful kloof to a group of Poplar trees. This is an excellent spot for refreshment, and sitting in the shade of the trees, I ponder.…I haven’t seen any game yet, besides the springbuck at  the start. Little did I know that this was just about to change….

I follow the trail towards a small koppie, and suddenly I spot a group of zebra and blesbok. Another movement catches my eye and I chuckle to myself – yes, this trail has been aptly named! As I inch forward, a small group of Grey Rhebok move gracefully up a rocky hill.

I move on to the koppie, feeling so privileged to be able to experience this closeness on foot, to the game. Perched on the side of the koppie is a magnificent Cabbage Tree (Cussonia spicata) with its distinctive leaves towards the ends of the thick branches.

The trail now swings back in an easterly direction, over another small koppie and past a waterhole. I head back to the start of the trail with a heavy heart, but thrilled with my animal sightings!

The Grey Rhebok Trail is a circular route within the game area. The paths are well set out and sign-posted. I’ll be hiking the second newly-developed route soon, watch this space…..

Written by Dr Joy Coleman (PhD Zoology)