On the morning of 3 December 2018, the Green Team members of KEHS departed for a rather strenuous but exciting hike in the breathtaking Southern Drakensberg. After two hours of driving by bus we arrived at Cobham, our chosen starting point. On arrival we buckled up our backpacks and began our first day’s nine km scenic hike. The warm sun from above beat down on our sunscreen slathered arms, legs and faces as we determinedly walked along the grassy trail. We stopped here and there to catch our breath, as this hike was not for the faint hearted, and to admire the scenery. Halfway through our quest for the day we stopped by a jewel of a cave with an enchanting little waterfall flowing through it. We quenched our thirst there and had our lunch break. Then we were on the go again, on to our first day’s accommodation, Mzimkhulwana Hut. There we found and swam in a natural pool of bitterly cold and refreshing Drakensberg water. Later during the day the wind began to freshen and we concluded our first day playing card games, sharing jokes and stories as well as a scrumptious supper.

Our second day started bright and sunny. After some breakfast, a lovely cup of coffee, and a quick photo shoot, we set out on a three km climb to the mountain top between Little Bamboo and Big Bamboo Mountain. After a baboon sighting and a small snack we started our decent down the very scenic Killicrankie Valley. Halfway down the valley we stopped at a natural pool for a rejuvenating swim. We then made our way down the valley to the foot of it where we got to the tar road. Some enthusiastic hikers decided to do some pushups on the hot tar road with their backpacks on! Thereafter we made our way along the road for about two kms before heading again onto the mountain path towards Winterhoek Huts. We made camp there and enjoyed a well-deserved and very welcome afternoon nap. Later that day we enjoyed a stunning sunset, made our supper and sat around our homely fire, sharing riddles and playing games, ending our night on some unexpectedly comfortable bunk beds.

We woke up at the break of dawn to embark on the last 12 km stretch of our hike. Although exhausted from our last two days, we prepared ourselves relatively quickly and were soon on our way, walking into the cool mist. A few hours later we had completed the steep and treacherous 3 km climb up towards Giant’s Cup. Elated at reaching the top we took a hard-earned rest before setting out on our way again. After a million ‘almost there’s’ we finally reached our destination, much to the delight and relief of all the hikers. We took a sip of water, caught a quick breather and then we were off, on our way back home.

On the journey back we discussed and shared some of the lessons we had learnt on our 35 km hike. We realized that it was not only the discovery of the rugged beauty in our environment but also a discovery of strength within ourselves. We were reminded of God’s grace through our hardship and perseverance. It was truly an enlightening experience! Thanks must be extended to Mr Young, Ms Rawlins and Mrs Tarr. And hearty congratulations to every single hiker!