Comments on: Witels

By: Marius de Wet

Marius de Wet — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:50:36 +0000

Nice…..brings back my memories of 3 Witels trips in the 80′s.
We used to carry heavy but were very fit and supple in those days.
Interesting comments on some of the kit.Lilo is a must.You sleep on it at night and float your pack
We all had Israeli canvas army boots which we bought from the old Cape Union Mart.They were the best.Grip,light and dry instantly.You can still get them overseas.Made by Palladium in France.Used them in the Swamps,Malolotja,Ndema Gorge,Suicide etc.
We just stuck to the river and very seldom looked for paths.
What a blast

By: AUNDRE SCHULTZ

AUNDRE SCHULTZ — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 06:24:55 +0000

i am a regular mountain freak and have been down the river a few times in ROCKIES. IF YOUR FEET ARE STRONG ENUF. their grip in the wet is fantastic, to bolder hop down the MIDDLEMANETJIE of the river is profound.

By: Coen Pretorius (Free State Section MCSA)

Coen Pretorius (Free State Section MCSA) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:33:20 +0000

I like Ralph’s photos. We started on the 31st Dec. This was my fifth time down the Witels. (I’m 68)It was the most difficult. The water was much higher than normal and it was extremely hot. (Some had blisters on all their fingers from the hot rocks) Some wades were swims and walking in the water on loose rocks was difficult.
Ralph’s comments on rucksack and shoes are 100% correct. You need a shoe with Vibram soles and ankle support and treat your toe nails in advance!
In the past I have walked most of the time in my hiking boots and it was fine. This time I tried those water tackies. Big mistake. Totally inappropriate.
Nevertheless, it remains one of the best hikes in SA. Will do it again.

By: Peter Groves

Peter Groves — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:37:35 +0000

Sounds great. Would love to have participated. Blighty is not the place for any serious hiking at the moment.

By: Paul Watson

Paul Watson — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:52:29 +0000

Alder Ring – I made a good portion of that camp – with two UCT hiker friends of mine – the flat rocks, steps to the pool, and the most significant, planted two more trees to the ring 20 years ago – but naturally – that no-one will easily see – on the mountain side not the river edge – to give shade in the afternoon.