|
LET'S TALK
Near the famous Witsand holiday village, where the Breede River flows into the sea,
is Ostrich Eco Trails along the Slang River. The area is renowned for its grain and
canote fields and the colourful patchworks they produce. It is the overflow of water
from this seemingly flat area which feeds the Slang River and it is therefore only
during wet winters that the river really flows with any volume.
 
Some challenging
river crossings also happen only in these times, but the lasting pools left
behind are a treat, with some of them being as much as 500 metres long and
twisting through the kloofs. It's these twists in the river which it derives
its name from. The idea behind Ostrich is to give visitors a guided tour
allowing an insight into the area and its special environment, and it's
certainly no car-breaker.
 
After an information session, it's time to tackle
the trail through indigenous fynbos, lots of aloes and protected milkwood trees.
Low range is needed for some of the sections and one a too sharp bends will
require some manoeuvring to get through. On the most scenic section of the trail,
where you are almost completely surrounded by water, is the ideal place for a
picnic lunch under a giant milkwcod tree. A fish eagle nest high on a ridge
above proves that there are fish in the pools!
 
The campsite, under thorn trees, is reached in the early afternoon. Level
tent sites have been made around the central braai area and great care has
been taken not to disturb the trees. The ablution facilities are neat and
new with two hot water showers and two separate flush toilets as well as a
dishwashing area, with hot water.
 
Ostrich Eco Trails is what it says it is - an eco trail for the whole family.
Novices should cope with ease and be comforted with the knowledge that Piet is
always close at hand!
 
|
