August 2024
- Hiking in the Witteberg Mountains
After we told you about our road trip to Balloch Farm outside Barkly East (read here) and also shared our stunning camp site (read here), it is now time to take you with us into the Witteberg Mountains on a short hike.
After it was bitterly cold the night before, we were very happy that the new day brought sunshine and blue skies.
We packed fruit, water and warm jackets in our backpacks and decided to first climb a small hill at the back of the cave where we camped to get a better view of “our” mountain with the little dusting of snow.
View from a hill
Panoramic view of the Witteberg Mountains
We followed the road along the river to the main farmhouse. On the way, Ches (one of the farm owners’ dogs) joined us. She mostly ran ahead and we decided to just followed her (she clearly knew the hiking trails on the farm).
Along the river
Crossing the river
Approaching the main farmhouse
Main farmhouse
We first stopped at the farmhouse to find out where we could walk as there are no official signs. We had a nice chat with Margy and her husband and then followed the path they showed us.
The farmhouse is surrounded by beautiful rock formations
We followed a path along the river for about 5km before turning around and walking back on the same route.
The tree in the middle showing signs of Spring
The river was between us and the beautiful mountain range
We met three horses on our way. Two walked away slightly as we approached, but the third horse walked up to Berto and sniffed his backpack. Berto got a chance to take a close-up before we walked on.
Horses on our hiking trail
Berto and the horses
We saw the most beautiful rock formations on our hike. This area is truly picturesque and it was difficult to choose just a few photos for this post – but here are a few:
Rock formations
Snow on the mountains in the distance
Different layers of rock
Blue skies
Ches waiting for us
Towering mountains
Fence on our hiking trail
Bare trees after the Winter
More rock formations
The view back to the farmhouse
Crossing a stream
Lovely tree and farm building
Horses in the field and back at the farm
Back at the farmhouse, Doug (the older dog of the owners) joined us and walked with us back to our camp site at the cave. You will remember from our previous post that Doug slept with us in our tent that night (read here).
Ches and Doug join Berto as he takes photos
More Winter trees
Back at the river crossing to our camp site
Doug on his way to drink water from the river
Berto and Doug on route to our camp site
A large rock and old wagon
After 10km we were back at our camp site. We had a final uphill to walk to our tent and by this time our legs were pretty tired.
One last uphill
Back at our camp site
We put down our backpacks and took off our shoes – now it was time for something cold to drink. As we sat on the grass and gazed over the beautiful mountains, Berto said: “That was a great hike”. One thing is for sure, we leave Balloch with wonderful memories.
“That was a great hike”
Wet and Dusty Roads 
Fabulous rock formations, Corna! What a very satisfying walk.
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As we walked among these majestic mountains, I told Berto it was quite amazing to think that nothing here had changed in thousands of years … well, except maybe for erosion. You’re right Jo, a very satisfying step!
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The first landscape photo is incredible. What a place. It looks very dry, but I imagine this region has summer rainfall? A most satisfying walk with the blues of skies.
Are you remaining in the Eastern Cape then for longer?
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It truly is a special place – perhaps an undiscovered gem in the Eastern Cape if you ask me! You’re right, Jude, it’s a summer rainfall region (they got quite a bit of rain – and snow – just two weeks after our visit). I’ve seen pictures of Balloch Farm taken in January, and then everything is bright green!
Yes, it looks like we’re going to be here at least until the end of March next year. But then, on the other hand, with the Eastern Cape government (who is handling the project Berto is working on), nothing is ever really certain! We are taking it from one month to the next … and in the meantime discover more new places 🙂.
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That’s good news about the contract. Maybe you can get back to Balloch in the green to see how different it is. I feel there is still a lot to explore in your new homeland.
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Awww, the dogs are so cute! How fun to get to hang out with them while you hiked and camped. This looks like a fun place to explore, and I love the little dash of snow on the mountains!
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We really enjoyed the dogs … and with Ches running ahead on our hike, we didn’t need a guide! Two weeks after we left Balloch, there was a big snowstorm, so I reckon the dash of snow on the mountains is now considerably more. Their rainy season is starting now and this world is soon going to be green – I think that’s a good reason to return to this camp site!
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Your Pictures are exceptional. I grew up in RSA, and moved away in my early 20’s. Some 6 years ago I re-visited with my 20-ish daughter and we drove through the wine lands of Cape Town. We were caught in freak weather with snow covering the mountains. She was in awe, as it was so pretty but extremely cold. We had planned to do a walk in some of the hillsides but I was warned against it, by the Airb&B owner where we stayed in Robertson. He said we would certainly be running into trouble with some opportunistic persons lingering on the walking routes. It was a big disappointment, so we came up with plan-B. We booked our lodgings on a farm and rented horses from a farmer. He insisted on escorting us as he did was not familiar with our riding skills, and we did not know his walking/ horse-riding paths. It was one of our best experiences yet. Seeing your pictures, brought back very happy memories – thanks for sharing.
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I’m happy you enjoyed the photos and that it brought back wonderful memories. This part of the country is incredibly beautiful. It is a pity that you cannot always go for a hike everywhere you travel in South Africa. Here in the Eastern Cape, it is only safe to go hiking in a group or with a guide (or on a farm like Balloch). It is very frustrating for us at times, but something we must take to heart. Oh, and Robertson is such a beautiful area to explore on foot … luckily you guys had a plan B (and a wonderful one I must add). It’s a lovely story you shared and also a lesson that we must remember there might be an alternative – thank you for sharing this with us.
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Just a short walk, then! goodness, you must have worked up quite an appetite. What a glorious day to take in such stunning scenery. I would have loved meeting those horses and having the dogs to make sure I didn’t get lost. What a lovely pair they are. You have some great photographs and yes, I can imagine it was hard choosing which to post. I enjoyed them very much. Thank you!
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Ha, we’re always hungry when we’re done walking 😜! I’m glad you liked the photos – I don’t think it really does justice to how beautiful Balloch farm really is. I was surprised when one horse almost came to rub against Berto’s shoulder (he may have smelled the apple in his backpack)! We really enjoyed the dogs – they were good hiking buddies. It’s such a beautiful place … I would love to see what it looks like in 3 months after their seasonal rains, I can only imagine how green this area will be then.
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Great landscapes and mountains. It’s such a good adventure to reconnect with nature, wondering on its formation, while embracing the cycles.
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I don’t think one will ever be disappointed with the scenery when you go hiking in the mountains – the rock formations are incredibly beautiful. And you’re right, when one walks, it’s the perfect way to experience the beauty of nature.
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This is a trail we’d definitely enjoy hiking! The rock formations are lovely and the photos of the horses were just lovely.
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It is a beautiful area to explore on foot. There are so many different rock formations that one hardly knows where to look … and the horses were a lovely surprise (especially since they were so comfortable with us walking so close past them).
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The rocks formations are so fascinating. I want to drive out west in the US to see all the rock formations too. I don’t know why but they just are so intriguing.
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I’m always looking for figures or animals in the rock formations – it’s great fun to do that (sometimes Berto can hardly believe what I’m seeing … and then I’m telling him he knows nothing about imagination 🤣). But then, after a couple of hours, you suddenly realise how far you have walked and you have to turn around and walk all the way back again!
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Can you imagine having your home there, like the farmers, and waling up to that beauty every morning; wow! It’s so beautiful! Lovely post Corna!
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I know it’s probably not always easy to be a farmer – droughts and pests will get me down – but to have a farm in such an incredibly beautiful place must be awesome. It’s good to hear that you enjoyed this post Tricia – we loved it!
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Going for a hike in the sunshine is a great way to warm up. The scenery looks beautiful. Love the rock formations. It definitely looked like a great hike!
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When the sun is shining and the sky is blue, I’m up for a hike anytime. And when it’s in such an incredibly beautiful area, you’re going to have a hard time stopping me!
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What a scenic hike Corna and how lovely to find horses along the way. Even though your legs were tired by the time you got back to the camp, the memories of the day’s hike will be there a long while.
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It was lovely to walk among the majestic mountains and I was amazed at how tame the horses were – we had a good laugh at the one horse sniffing Berto’s backpack. You’re right Marion, even though we were quite tired when we reached our campsite, we had a wonderful feeling of satisfaction – what an absolute beautiful place.
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Those drinks look familiar just now! Another great hike in a beautiful place. The owners of the lodge which we’re leaving today are from South Africa and we’ve been talking a lot with them about where to go and what to do in your beautiful country. The more we hear, the more we think we’ve made the right decision to make it a longer visit and see more of your land. Next Sept/Oct is a distinct possibility…
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The scenery at Balloch took us by surprise – there’s little on the internet about this beautiful place. Ha, those beers — well, one is actually a cider — are our preferred drinks when we’re camping. I’m glad you guys feel that you have made the right decision – and bless the South African owners of the lodge who were able to tell you more about the attractions in our country. See you next year then …
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Sept/Oct a good time of year?
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Let me see: When is not a good time? Joking. Although it is spring, it is still cold-ish (South African standards cold) and you will miss the heat of summer. For me, this is the most beautiful time of year in the Western Cape in terms of flowers and green fields (if you’re not prone to hay fever). The rainy season then starts in the northern part of the country in the form of thunderstorms, but it’s still moderate at that time of year. Of course, the weather is not the same every year, but I can confirm that you will miss the crowds of December months – summer holiday in South Africa.
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Thank you x
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Looks like a great hike with gorgeous views.
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The views are spectacular. There are so many different trails that one can take – I wish we had more than just a weekend there.
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What a wonderful hike 🙂 It looks absolutely beautiful, and the perfect weather!
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I think it’s always lovely to hike between these mountains, but the sunny weather definitely helped.
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Were is this located please, hiking is one of my hobbie 🙏
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Hiking is a wonderful hobby to have. If you are not from South Africa, you will unfortunately have to travel quite a long way to get to this beautiful farm between the mountains. But I suppose hiking anywhere else is always great … as long as you enjoy it.
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Such a scenic hike, Corna! The area is so photogenic, I really love so many photos from this piece. It’s always lovely to come across animals while hiking, and horses top the list of preferred animal encounters. How charming that the dogs kept you company. Seems like a very special and restorative weekend.
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You’re right Leighton, it’s a very photogenic area – all the different colours of rocks (I suppose it’s a type of sandstone) make you want to take a 100 pictures within just a few steps. We are always happy to encounter animals on our way – well, if they are lions, we should preferably be in a vehicle … but the horses and dogs were good company. And oddly – while it’s quite a long drive to Balloch farm, we got home completely rested after the weekend – that must say something about this place, right?
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Okay
But I’m in California, that quite far right ?
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Haha 😊 , yes that’s a very long flight over the Indian Ocean!
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well explained in simple language and colorful photos.
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. We love spending time in nature and it’s always fun to share all these lovely places with our readers.
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Great photos!!
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Thanks a lot. The majestic mountains make it a beautiful area for hiking.
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Yes indeed 👍
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