Silhouette hiking trial offers you-
A TWO DAY TRIAL:
Day 1: (13km)
The route twists through various valleys, rocky hills, interesting scale formations etc. In the distance the Sutherland Observatory and radar station, one of the most important aviation beacons in South Africa, can be seen.
The comfortable hut of the hiking trial, next to an old poplar forest
Day 2: (9 km)
The many valleys make for an interesting day's walk. Beautiful lookout points, ladders, a bridge, tunnel and the unique mince meat rocks are only a few of the highlights.
Some of the interesting rock formations to be seen on the route.
SPECIAL HIKING EXPERIENCE:
A Sunset Hiking Trial (2km)
This route can be done either on the day of your arrival or after the second day's hike and some rest. It is on this route that that the silhouettes take various shapes hence the name Silhouette Hiking Trial. On this route is the "Wonder bore hole", where a thick stream of water bubbles continuously day after day, winter and summer. This bore hole is 120m deep and has for the previous 11 years supplied 90l of water per minute without the help of a pump.
WHAT TO SEE ....
80% of the farm Eseljaght consists of beautiful dolerite formations which give the hiking trial its unique character. The weathered dolerite starts to get life of its own in the late afternoon sun. People, animals and a variety of silhouettes start to make their appearance against the sky.
A rare phenomenon is the "maalvleisklip" (mince meat rock). These rare rock reminds one of entwined mince meat worms. It is to be found on a specific area of the farm.
The rich plant life consists of "roosmaryn, perdebos, bitterbos, renosterbos" and a large variety of succulents which will enthrall a flora lover.
The rock formations house a large population of hyrax (dassie) which lures the birds of prey such as the black eagle. There are also jackal, cats, buck, porcupine, hare, baboons, tortoises and several bird species.
Eseljaght is also the home of a variety of insects and is part of a study project by the Zoology department of the University of Stellenbosch on the adaptability of insects to extreme cold temperatures.
Lichens, also known as rock flowers, can be seen in a variety of red, yellow and green mass.
WHAT OTHERS SAY AND SHOW....
Stephan de Klerk has taken some very nice pictures of the hiking trial.