Treverton College learners tackle mountainous Drakensberg Grand Traverse hike
Jarred van Alphen and Kai Broom showed their strength in climbing the Grand Traverse in the Drakensberg earlier this year.
Two Grade 11 learners from Treverton College have climbed to great heights to raise funds for a conservation initiative.
Fourways resident Jarred van Alphen (16) and Mooi River resident Kai Broom (17) took part in the Drakensberg Grand Traverse hike and were accompanied by two staff members.
After completing the hike, they were invited to be ambassadors for the Rhino Peak Challenge. Jarred and Kai have aims to raise as much as they can for conservation needs.
“My reasonability as an ambassador of this challenge is to make an effort in raising funds and awareness of this challenge which I am trying to do. I would love to raise R20 000, even more if possible,” said Kai.
The hike of the Grand Traverse covers about 246km and is regarded as the toughest hike in the country because of factors like the mountainous terrain, distance, weather conditions and lack of a predefined route and path.
The school frequently organises hikes in the Drakensberg throughout the year, learners had yet to complete the traverse along the summit of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains.
Both Kai and Jarred said their love for hiking and the berg was a motivator for them to take part in the hike.
“We had planned to do it in 12 days but ended up doing it in 9 – this is because of the good weather and big pushes on some of the last days.
“In general, I think that the grand traverse was a life-changing experience. I find myself looking back at the lessons I learnt and memories I made with the people in my awesome group,” Jarred told Fourways Review.
Both learners said given the chance, they will continue their efforts to raise funds for the conservation.
“Combining adventure and fundraising is a great way to do the thing I love while making money for conservation efforts,” said Kai.
“At the end of the day the funds that are donated are not going to me as an individual, but back directly into conservation in South Africa,
So I plead that if you love the nature of this country and want to preserve it, donate to this challenge,” concluded Jarred.
Kai and Jarred are set to continue their fundraising efforts when they ascend and descend Rhino Peak in the Drakensberg in September.
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