site we have never camped at. Many people that we have met on the road have
said that the Mahai campsite is beautiful, stunning view of the
Amphitheatre. Well, were they right?
It was a slightly longer drive than the last hop to Monks Cowl and we chose
to stop off at Bergville (S28.73142 E29.34611) as we were passing thru to
see what shops we could get some supplies at. A Spar was about all we could
find of any use. A very busy town and not pretty. We got what we needed and
also found an ATM for cash and then swiftly moved on. Not that I would ever
dismiss a place to anyone planning to visit, but Bergville is no place to
linger long in the memories!
On to the Royal Natal NP (S28.68850 E28.94580). A very hazy day with cloud
cover on the mid to high Berg, so sadly we had no view of the amazing
Amphitheatre on our way in. We quickly checked out the smaller Rugged Glen
campsite which was nice, only 15 or so pitches, but all in the trees so no
sun for the solar panel. Then on to Mahai via the reception to check-in. We
had already decided to stay 5 nights if we could and the lady said yes, no
probs. All we had to hope was that we could find a sunny pitch to set up on
as Mahai is also very tree filled. There were a few people there already, on
the electric pitches, but up on the non-electric we were on our own again.
Well at that point anyway!! We found a very nice spot with sun from first
thing to mid afternoon which suited us fine, plenty of shade around if
needed. We have never stayed put for 5 nights before with no electric and
needing solar power but with the last two stops we knew that with a little
bit of sun we would be fine.
Stunning views from our pitch of Dooley, Dooley Knoll, and Dooley Flats,
towering up to our west. The first afternoon we just chilled out, and the
next morning, Wednesday, we took a walk up past the Cascades to Lookout
Rock, a very steep climb on a concrete path but well worth it by the time we
dragged ourselves up. Having a concrete path may sound good, and in some
ways yes as there is no dirt and mud to slip on, but most of the way it was
just a steep path and no steps. After a good rest and some snacks we took a
short detour across to find the Tiger Falls. Now we are not sure if we did
or not, but there were a troop of baboons further on the path and who are we
to spoil their fun!! So back down the concrete path it was, and again harder
than if it had just been a normal path with rocky steps. The Cascades pools
looked quite inviting as we passed them again, but we didn't have any
swimwear on us and too many people around for skinny dipping!!
Sadly that was our one and only walk at Mahai. I had just about kicked off a
hacking cough that had plagued me for 3 weeks, Sue was just starting on it,
oh and I had managed to pull muscles in my back too, so feet up for the rest
of the stay except from a short walk to get a view of the Amphitheatre when
the early morning sun was free to shine on them with no cloud cover. The
campsite quickly filled up with the coming weekend. First a German couple
with two very whiny young kids, thankfully only stayed a couple of nights.
Then a school trip from a French school in Joburg!! Quite amusing watching
them try to organise camp in the dark on the Friday evening. They eventually
disappeared off on a long walk Saturday so peace resumed for a while.
Finally Sunday arrived and it was time for us to leave. Again a place to
return to sometime, but NOT in school holidays. Our only problem with the
place was the local residents, small cockroaches! Thankfully not in the tent
or truck but they hid every where in the folds of the tent outside and we
spent most evenings hunting them down and applying a gentle touch of size
10s to them!
The drive back to Joburg was easy and very pretty. Cosmos flowers everywhere
to be seen up thru the Free State, and bright clear sunny skies, well until
we got back to the city anyway. Back in town it was time to hide out until
after Easter and avoid the really mad busy time. For those in the UK, you
think Easter is mad on the roads there, you haven't seen anything!!
After Easter, well, off again for 8 weeks or so until we settle back in to
city life again for the duration of the World Cup. COME ON ENGLAND!!!!
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