The Klein Swartberg Mountains situated in the Klein Karoo are not only spectacular but also have a rich history in South African mountaineering. It is after all here where the first rock climbing route was opened in the country and the spirit of possibility born amongst grand peaks.
The traverse spanning from Towerkop to Seweweekspoortpiek is around 40 km. Approximately because this is an off-trail (no path) hike and picking your line across obstacles will determine how far you end up hiking between the two peaks. Caves mark overnight stops, with the Skull Cave being my favorite as there are bushman paintings here and the view from within the cave is pretty awesome at night with the milky way in the sky.
We decided to hike up to the summit of Seweweekspoortpiek, which is the highest peak in the Western Cape from the northern side. Summit and then traverse along the ridge to Skull cave. Along the way we could not resist to drop our bags and bag Steenslang Peak as well. Where we looked but did not find any snakes. Day 1 turned out to be 21km with 1900m of ascent. Not bad considering we were carrying big heavy bags with all our winter gear.
We had a grand evening in the cave where we met three local mountain goats from Ladismith.
The next morning, we woke to terrible weather outside. Misty with cold rain. We decided to join forces as navigation in the mountains without a path can become tricky with only a couple of meters visibility. But before we braved the frigid conditions, coffee.
Day 2 started in rain and mist and ended in rain and mist. I am happy to report that my Vertex jacket kept me warm and dry. Protected against the elements and visible to my partners. An important point when visibility is down to 20 meters and getting separated can become life threatening.
We arrived at Nell’s Cave on Towerkop. I jumped into my warm Ice Breaker sleeping bag and spent the rest of the evening preparing warm cups of coffee and hot chocolate. The 8km had taken a ridiculously long 8hrs. Fighting with the elements, bushes, wrong turns and did I mention the cold rain.
On our third morning we finally awoke to a golden sunrise. Sipping coffee and staring out at the mountains all around us we took it all in.
Next came the task of boiling water to defrost boots and shoes. All our wet gear had frozen during the night.
We hiked down happily and thankful that we brought the right gear for a winter adventure.
Cheers to the mountains.
Author: Corrie van Niekerk (@mountainbarista)