GIBA GORGE Hike on 9th Jan 2011
One would not exaggerate to say that Giba Gorge is one of the most excellent hiking areas in Durban. It doesn’t take much to find oneself outside city life and in a wilderness setting of great beauty. It was refreshing and exciting to be able to lead a group of 25 enthusiastic, experienced and novice hikers to explore this paradise. After leaving our vehicles safely parked at Giba Gorge entrance next to the restaurant, we proceeded along the well-used cycle track before turning off at a check point to cross the Giba River. After another 1km the cycle track makes way to a hiking trail and crossing under the N3 toll road bridge, well over 100m above the gorge and enters private property. One is inspired by this impressive concrete construction, and the contrast of speeding vehicles above and the tranquillity of the Gorge below.
The route climbs to the top of the falls and crosses the Umhlatuzana River and then rises to a higher level and enters the Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter (pictured on the right), the history of which stretches back to the Stone Age and is of immense historical value. The Shelter is protected from the elements, faces north and is well screened by vegetation. The rock shelter is 43m long, reaches a depth of 6.5m and the maximum roof height is 17m, and was discovered in 1982 by Dr R R Maud during a geological survey of the proposed N3 toll road. The floor of the shelter was excavated in 1985 to a depth of 2.6m and contained deposits of pottery, stone tools, seeds, beads, shell, bone, ground stone and bone objects. Along with the radiocarbon dates there is proof of human habitation here 70 000/ 100 000 years ago. Evidence of this is documented in archaeological manuscripts housed in the Natal Museum. The shelter was also used by the McIntosh family as an emergency safe haven in times of unrest.
Apart from the prolific bird life the other unique feature in this environment is the Potter Ruby footed giant black millipede (shongololo) endemic to this area.
After reaching the highest point, by way of a safely constructed chain ladder the route descends back to the base of McIntosh falls and picks up a well maintained cycle track. As the clouds had dispersed, the welcome ramble through the tall leafy trees back to the restaurant went by in a flash.
To arrange this hike I met with Colleen and Rick Witten The owners of Edgecliff Estate (McIntosh Falls as well as Kirkman Falls are on this property) they have contributed immeasurably to the conservation of this environment and have wonderful and exciting plans for the future which include sustainable management with eradicating of alien vegetation, and establishing erosion controlled hiking tracks and the reintroduction of Rock Hyrex {Dassies] All these projects are quite a challenge.
When Durban wants to brag about their great hiking trails, this 12km approx. 5 hour hike, which is not strenuous must rate as one on top of the list. David Tighe
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