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Baviaanskloof 60km Hike 2020

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The 60 kilometre Leopard’s Trail at Baviaanskloof ranks up there with the best experiences I have ever had.

The trail is hiked over four days during which you could be the only people on the planet. In fact you could actually be on another planet. The mountains, cliffs, rock formations and valleys are breathtakingly larger than life. The vegetation changes as you move over various terrains and we were lucky enough to be there with the wild flowers blooming after a bit of rain.

At each camp we were greeted by really top class wooden and glass cabins, flushing toilets, a communal area, a “Karoo swimming pool” and an outdoor dining area where we made log fires every evening.

There is absolutely no cell reception at all in the entire area that we hiked through which was incredibly refreshing. One of each party does get given a satellite phone in case of emergency which apparently does not include running out of wine!

It’s a slack packing trail so each day you carry just your day pack and the rest of your goods are ferried to the camps by friendly and super-efficient staff, headed up by Willem, a wonderful Karoo character who keeps everything running like clockwork.

The trail starts and finishes at Base Camp where slightly more luxurious accommodation is available and I could not resist visiting their shop. It only sells essentials - Leopard Trail branded apparel and beer!

Late afternoon deep in the Karoo.
Our first night's stop before starting the Leopard Trail - beautiful.
A wonderful outdoor bathroom.
A swanky outside toilet that flushes!
Our introduction to the Karoo dining room.
Investigating Gabriels Pools in a crevice between the rocks. Gabriel actually lived close by here at the end of the 19th Century, beginning of the 20th Century.
The remains of Gabriel's home - hard to imagine how difficult life was. Peaceful, though. Would we want to swap? Maybe.
The huts at our camps were all wood with huge glass walls and windows - amazing views to wake up to.
Each hut has a deck - perfect for sundowners and early morning coffee.
A typical Baviaan's evening view. We could hear the baboons close by.
For Steph - can you spot the Blue Headed Lizard. He loves this type of country.
So much beauty in such an arid place.
The start of a big climb.
My favourite - the wild mountainous countryside goes on forever.
A Karoo swimming pool - at 35 degrees C it's a must to hop in in one's hiking clothes.
Making our way through a valley, being dwarfed by amazing rock formations.
Our party taking a breather atop "An Inconvenient Truth" - Gina, Mario, Nick, Graham and Ramon. Our young klipspringer Leandro was probably already on top of the next mountain.
Contemplating another climb.
Many dry river beds had to be negotiated through valleys. A welcome break from climbing.
Had to take several shots of us next to the rock formations - the sheer size of them was breathtaking. Here we are walking through Birdsong Valley before climbing out onto a plateau.
The previous week's rain brought with it gorgeous flowers everywhere. We were so lucky to miss the rain and get the flowers.
Cock on a Rock without A Frock - apologies to the makers of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. We climbed up here from the valley below - a hectic climb.
This gentleman is resident at Cobb Cottage where we overnighted before the long drive home.
Here Mr Cobb the Gentleman Tortoise comes right up to our stoep - perhaps to offer us some of the vegetation he has in his mouth. Fortunately for him we were in the mood for meat.
The bedroom at Cobb Cottage - the bed was luxurious!
View from the bed at Cobb Cottage
Another wonderful Karoo bath - glorious on a sunny day!
My Fire Master and Chef for the duration of our trip.
Evening chilling while the Chef performs his duties behind the scenes.
An early morning view of Base Camp - the 60 km Leopards Trail starts and finishes here.

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