Here is a brief report-back from the Oom Paul’s Escarpment Hiking Trail at Five Assegais (23-25 July 2010):

Here is a brief report-back from the Oom Paul’s Escarpment Hiking Trail at Five Assegais (23-25 July 2010):

· Participants:
o Five Footprint hikers in total: Petro, Megan, Irene, Victor and David
o Margit could not join us as she was not feeling well on Friday
o Janice Kitchen also cancelled at the last minute
o See attached signed Indemnity Form

· Arrival & Departure:
o Petro and I travelled together and arrived early at Five Assegais – God’s Window Camp on Friday 23 July (16h30). Megan, Irene & Victor arrived later in the evening (at 20h00)
o We started hiking early on Saturday 24 July (07h30) and Sunday 25 July (06h30)
o We all departed from the God’s Window Camp at about 14h30 on Sunday 25 July 2010.

· Hiking Trail & Accommodation:
o The hiking trail led us through some of the most spectacular scenery in Mpumalanga – with deep valleys cut by waterfalls, pools, slipways and pristine riverine ecosystems, layered mountains with mazes of rocks and crevices, and expansive views of the surrounds.
o We were pleasantly surprised to observe wild horses, a few Nguni cattle (in the most unusual locations on steep forested slopes), Black Wildebeest, Blesbok and Zebra.
o Trails were well marked, with clear signs placed frequently along the trail. Signs were pasted on rocks or droppers; and a few of these had fallen and needed to be re-attached. We used the trail map extensively, which was quite accurate. We noticed that there were bridges that are not marked on the trails map.
o The farmer has really made Five Assegais a special place for Footprint Hikers – there were several ladders (some taking us into holes in rocks), bridges, a tunnel through a cliff face – and the most funny sign we have ever seen “the Fat Man’s Trap” which is a narrow crevice that one has to walk through (definitely not for the overweight).
o We observed a number of Hiking Trails that cross and run along the Oom Paul’s Escarpment Hiking Trail – such as Num Num Trail, Milk Plum Trail, Pom Trail and Bladder Nut Trail. This confused us at times and had to back track on occasion to locate the last marker.
o The hike was longer and more strenuous than we thought with long uphill stretches. However the trail was carefully planned with lots of flat stretches between the steeper parts – allowing us to catch our breath.
o We were pleasantly surprised by a maze of rocks on day two, which some may describe as a natural labyrinth.
o Accommodation was very comfortable and way above average with thick mattresses, electricity, loads of hot water and very interesting facilities (open air showers; loos with views – you literally look over the whole countryside whilst on the loo). It was beyond our expectations.

· Weather: Fantastic weather. Warm and sunny during the days. Nights were cold.

· General:
o There were no incidents, issues or problems experienced.
o We were joined by a large group of 12 people in our camp, which appeared to be bit uncomfortable for some members of our group. The facilities could nevertheless handle both groups.
o The hike was a totally awesome experience – and will be one of our favourites. The group size was great and we stuck together.

Kind regards

David Jacobs
The Project Management Office
Government Communications (GCIS)
Telephone: (012) 314 2496
Mobile: 0836818904
Fax: (012) 323 5196
E-mail: davidj@gcis.gov.za
Website: www.gcis.gov.za