Tillietudlem, 19 March
Report: Penny Purchase
Photos: Vinola Govender, Beth Bester, Amanda McCarthy,
Rebecca Wakeford, Kate Brown,
Libby Deysel, Penny Purchase
Tillietudlem – nature reserve, game and trout farm, conservation area, mist belt grasslands, bubbling streams, cool pools to swim in, serene dams, abundant flowers in spring, wild life and free roaming Nguni cattle, an old pioneer farmhouse and a fisherman’s lodge … it’s a remote farm in a valley off the Dargle valley. Oh yes, there is more, especially for the MHC hikers ….tea, coffee and scones on the wide deck of Hleka Manzi Lodge, the fisherman’s cottage.
There were 17 of us who ventured to Tillietudlem from Howick, along the beautiful Dargle valley, in cars of high clearance. We had one lone man, brave Dave Langstone. The last 8 kms of the dirt road had recently been graded, so it was in fair condition.
We were met at the Ogram Guest House by Christian Pelser, the new manager. I appreciated all the comms I’d had with him re the road and the weather. Fabio, a German student, who had come for a few weeks to experience wild Africa, accompanied him.
They led us to Hleka Manzi, where we left the cars. Christian returned to the main lodge to attend to guests.
Our leader was Spamandla, a ranger who was in the anti poaching team. Fabio assisted. Spamandla led us on a hike to a waterfall, along an overgrown animal path alongside the river and beside a thick grove of wattle.
Then he blazed a trail, bundu bashing through long grass on a sunny hill slope. It was tough going, especially those with short legs, like a little Dutch lady we all know!
The sun was high and we flagged in the scorching heat and from the exertion required. We arrived at a view point above the waterfall. We rested with relief and enjoyed some refreshment but were still exposed to the heat.
Our leaders then led us down a hill. More long grass, to the river upstream. Here was a bit of adventure, which some of us enjoy on a hike.
A full river crossing with flat stepping stones and big rocks. Spamandla and Fabio willingly assisted and no one fell in!
Rose was battling with heat fatigue. Our sweepers, Libby and Kate, kindly stayed with her throughout the hike and moved at her pace. They gave her rest with water, salt and sweets. That’s camaraderie and what good, experienced hikers do. Thanks, Libby and Kate.
Then we walked through a cool plantation of wattles, alien and invasive, yes, but what welcome shade after the fierce heat of the sun.
We walked past the deep inviting pool below the fisherman’s cottage and arrived on the deck with the welcome sight of tea, coffee, cold water and scones and jam. We fell upon the refreshment. At R50 a head it was worth it. The hike was only about 3 or 4 kms, short but hard going in the heat.
Amanda and Joanna opted to swim in the river pool. Some decide to stay in the cool cottage and proceed home. Spamandla led about 7 of us on a short walk to Otter Dam in front of the big guest house. No otters or fish eagles were seen. We wound our way back to Hleka Manzi on the road, passing a herd of beautifully marked Ngunis. Other animals we saw were wildebeest, zebra, blesbok and eland, birds spotted were an owl and 2 secretary birds.
It was a disappointing hike in many respects on account of the trail chosen. The grass being so long after the excessive summer rain made it hard going. The intense heat added to the discomfort. Spamnadla and Fabio were friendly but not experienced in leading hikes.
However, as always, the beauty of the rolling green Midlands hills and the camaraderie of the hiking group made up for an enjoyable summer hike in this remote Midlands valley. Thanks to Tillietudlem management for letting us hike on your nature reserve. We were blessed to be there.
