Mountain Pastures waterfall hike: 14 May 2021
“A hike to the Mountain Pastures waterfall? Count me in!” My friend, always keen on an adventure replied on the phone. Three days later, we find ourselves on the Mountain Pastures ‘Tranquillity Trail’. Today we are doing part of the trail to the waterfall in one of the kloofs.
The ‘Tranquillity Trail’ is the third trail to have recently been developed by Mountain Pastures by Gerhardt van Greuning (Eco-Trail), a professional developer of hiking 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.
From the start, the trail meanders gently up the north-facing slope of the Hannibal Mountain and we stop frequently to gaze at the views to the north. The fynbos diversity just gets better and better as we reach the top, the Protea (Sugarbush) species in particular are spectacular! We head across the mountain in an easterly direction, the views to the south providing a beautiful ‘backdrop’ to the trail. We then start our descent down the slope and reach the split in the trail. As we head left down towards the kloof, our excitement heightens as we chat about the kloof and waterfall that awaits us.
The scent of fynbos surrounds us as we descend, the diversity is fabulous and includes Brunia (Volstruisies), :Leucadendron (Cone Bush/Tolbos) and Cyclopia intermedia (Bergtee). A highlight is to see Senecio pauciflosculous with its yellow flowers as well as Erica cerinthoides, with orange/red flowers. The Sugarbirds seem to enjoy the fynbos as much as we are, as they fly between the Proteas, a real treat to hear them and to watch them dart around.
As we reach the kloof, we are amazed at the sudden change in vegetation, the moisture-loving plants thriving here, including ferns and moss species. A short section leads us to the waterfall – it is everything and more than we imagined! Despite the dry conditions that the area has experienced, we are thrilled that the waterfall is flowing, and the pool at its base is very inviting.
There is no need for conversation as we relax and share snacks – we soak up the ‘tranquillity’ and sound of the waterfall and river. As we have chosen a cool day for the hike, we forgo a swim and rather explore the kloof. The rock faces skirting the kloof are magnificent, and scattered in area with Aloe species. Time flies by and we reluctantly head back up the slope and over the top of the mountain back towards the start of the trail.
Before we reach the end, we have already planned our next walk….a warm day to hike to the waterfall and swim!
Written by Dr Joy Coleman (PhD Zoology)
