Location: Marloth Nature Reserve, near Swellendam. Map here.
Walkers: Helen, Ian and Dorothy
Our first walk in the reserve was the circular route through Koloniesbos.
It was an easy stroll in the morning sunshine along fynbos-covered slopes to reach the forest in the kloof. The Eleven and Twelve O'Clock Peaks towered above us.
The bush got thicker, and then we were into the cool leafy forest!
Here we found a mix of spindly shrubs and indigenous trees.
Further in there were lots of tree ferns too.
Oh, what beautiful Afro-montaine forest!
We took a break on the mossy boulders in the (almost dry) riverbed, and then - onwards!
We crossed the river again lower down. The water here was crystal clear, and there were wild almonds and other shrubs growing on the banks.
(Above photo by Dorothy)
From here we made our way back along the path to the start of the walk.
We then proceeded on to the start of our second walk of the day in Marloth. This route took us up the hill, past the pine plantation, to Doktorsbos (another patch of indigenous forest) and to a viewpoint.
We could see Koloniesbos and Ten O'Clock Peak to the right.
One O'Clock Peak could be seen to our left.
There was some colourful fynbos on the lower slopes.
We passed other patches of forest in the deeper kloofs.
The path then levelled out, at Doktorsbos.
We walked on a little, to the view point. Here we got a wonderful view of the Hermitage Valley below.
An easy stroll back to our car brought our morning in Marloth to a close.
(All photos by Helen)
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