No shade on the slow slog up the ...

The start of the hike, on a beautiful citrus farm opposite Hunters Rest, is a delightful walk along a shady path, down over a stream and up to the Olifants Nek dam wall.  Stop to admire the beautiful views over the dam and look for a cave, where Paul Kruger apparently camped during the Boer War.

Hikers now make their way up the rocky face, all the time having magnificent views over the dam and surrounding areas.  Do not be fooled by thinking you have reached the top, there are several misleading ‘summits’.  Once on the escarpment, hikers follow the line of the hills, including a ‘knife edge’ plateau with majestic views both north and south.  Thereafter the choice of routes can be decided.

The Olifants Nek hike is along the escarpment with very little chance of shade as there are few trees unless one ventures down into the kloofs.   

The descent is along the top of another ridge which stretches downwards almost to the dam.  The route then follows along the waters edge back to the dam wall and to the parked cars.

Due to the openness of the hike, ideally it should be enjoyed during the winter months but make sure you have at least 4lts of water as this is a ‘dry’ hike!! This hike is not for first timers.