Groenkloof (original) (raw)

MY FIRST HIKE IN THE RAIN, YOLO at GROENKLOOF By Ntombifuthi Ntanzi Come rain or sunshine, literally! This idiom would be most appropriate given that I have grown accustomed to hiking every weekend. You see my 2023 mantra is all about being intentional in all that I do and hiking every weekend is not short of the list. It is 06h51 as I drive into Groenkloof, uBhuti security greets me with a smile, asks for my name and proceeds to say; �Mara, Ntombi le hika le ko pulenge (Ntombi you even hike in the rain), I exclaim proudly, �vele�. The staff is very friendly and helpful. So off I went! I did the yellow 10.5-km loop trail in reverse, a moderately challenging route and very rocky with inclines here and there so you will get a mini workout on your thighs and glutes. I have hiked Groenkloof before in the scorching sun, so they are various sections that are shaded areas, more like a forestry escape. This time around I hiked in the rain, I was amazed at how different the trail looked in the rain as it poured 95% of the time. The lush green vegetation appeared even more vibrant - the groen in Groenkloof came to life, and the popping browns of the rocks, a picture would not do justice to this beauty I witnessed. The sound of the raindrops hitting the leaves, it was music to my ears. The trail is well marked with lovely marking indicating how far you have hiked throughout the trail, even in the rain. There were fewer people on the trail, and it was much more aesthetic with the air clear and fresh, thanks to the rain. Nearing the end of the trail amid the gray skies and mist that accompanied the rain, a flock of ostriches and a lone zebra graced us, it felt very mystical adding to my hiking experience. On a sunny day you will see more game such as wildebeest, zebra, ostrich, and giraffe.