Bee Trail
Medium difficult walking trail through a beautiful rivier past a wild beehive and over the Springbok pump back to the farm house.
Time: 3-4 hours
Description
This, depending on whether you chose to make a detour to the summit of the Poviansberg, three to four hours walk takes us through one of the bigger rivers with impressive rock walls to the Springbok pump and on the farm pad back to the lodge. Anyone who likes can make a short detour to the summit of the Poviansberg which offers a magnificent view over the farm area, to the northeast towards the Gamsberg and the mountain chain of the great escarpment as well as to the dunes of the Namib in the southwest.
We leave the lodge towards the campsite. At the first branch of the road we turn right, passing Camp Flintstone and a gate, as well as the Poviansberg with its slopes covered with bushman tea (see box) to our left. The pad ascends to a neck where we have to decide whether or not to make the detour. If we choose to climb the Poviansberg, we turn left at the crest and climb without a marked path until we reach the summit. From here we have a fantastic view towards the Gamsberg and over the whole estate of the Rooiklip farm. Having sufficiently enjoyed the breathtaking panorama we descend to the farm pad again where we continue with our walk.
After 10 minutes the pad crosses a big river. At the sign indicating the Bee Trail we turn right and follow the river. Soon the rock banks become steeper and narrower. Now and then we have to traverse a rock threshold or avoid boulders. The ample vegetation in the riverbed delights us with its lush green, even during the rainy season. During the rainy season we can admire many flowering plants and occasionally enjoy a footbath in one of the remaining pools and waterholes.
After 20 more minutes an improvised ladder can be seen in the left steep face. It leads to a beehive in the rocks. But careful: the bees can be rather aggressive, so we better keep our distance. Soon thereafter the riverbed widens and our rivier joins another one. In front of us, on top of the steep bank, we can already see the Solar panels of the Springbok pump. We are close to the turning point of our tour. For now we continue to follow the rivier. From the right the rivier with the Leopard Trail joins. We turn left and around the hill with the Spingbok pump in a gentle river bend. Soon we see the remains of an old pump on the right hand side. Here we exit the rivier to the right and ascend the hill on an old pad towards Springbok pump.
From here our way is easy. We follow the pad towards the lodge, facing the majestic Gamsberg. We enjoy the magnificent views over the undulating hills of Rooiklip and suddenly the farm house comes into view. A few minutes later we will have reached the lodge. Here we relax our tired bodies in the shade of the lapa and enjoy a well earned beer or Savanna, telling others about our wonderful and eventful tour.
What you should bear in mind on your walk
Before starting your walk you should notify the reception about your intended trail and when you expect to be back. Do not forget to inform the reception after you got back to avoid a possible search. And keep in mind, that there is no cellular reception in most parts of the area.
Never leave the marked path and do not try to shortcut the trail. The terrain with its deeply cut rivers and ravines is confusing and orientation and progress off the trails and pads will be strenuous and difficult. Especially during summer temperatures can be very high. Even in winter temperatures often rise over 30° and there will be almost no shade available on your walk. Always take enough water with you and expect the walk to be strenuous. Pay attention to sufficient sun protection and good footwear.
During the rainy season the rivers can still run, and parts of the trail may be flooded and impassable. Keep this in mind and ask at the reception about the current situation. They will provide you with valuable information and useful hints. On your walk you will most certainly come across some game. Mostly this will be zebras, kudus, oryx or dassis and duikers. Although there are also predators like hyena, rooikat, leopard and even cheetah, they are rather shy and will avoid you. If you are lucky, you will recognize their tracks in the sand. There are also snakes and scorpions, but these too will hardly be seen. Nonetheless, always keep in mind, that you are in a wilderness. Never deliberately disturb the game, do not take or remove stones or plants. Respect nature and walk with open eyes. Leave nothing but your footprints. If you consider this, your walk will be a unique experience.