However, very few of us have experienced a sunset hike at the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve.
Having faced the crowds in the morning, experienced some road rage, perhaps even had an argument or two, and now feeling frustrated and probably even angry, I took a ride to the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, parked my bike and started to walk down the trail along the river.
The time was around 14:00 and it was sunny and hot. Before long, all the days’ woes started to disappear and all I could think about was how beautiful and peaceful the reserve is.
I took a left turn up the yellow trail, not a tough trail but it gets your blood flowing and your heart rate up, plus it takes you to the highest point in the reserve, Beacon Hill (1 750m), and before long, having thought of all the irritations of the day, and even the week while hiking up.
I reached the top and was met with a stunning view of my surroundings, from Johannesburg CBD to the Alberton area, to Suikerbosrand back over towards Southgate and Soweto, where the sun was setting, and even more stunning was watching the sunset in the distance.
I could feel a sense of calm and peace fall over me, a sense of accomplishment and release. I took the time to reflect on my past, present and future, and to do some meditation.
Sadly, I missed the springbok, wildebeest and zebra grazing in the grass as they had already moved on to get ready for their evening of slumber, but I could hear the birds chirping around me, the dassies scurrying in the bush and then the ever-longing silence that only nature can provide.
After spending a good hour on the mountain, it was time to make my way back. I started to rush a little as the light was fading, the air was cooling down and time was running out as the gates close at 18:00.
I came back down the same way I went up and as I entered the valley, I was met with an array of fantastical colours illuminating from the different grasses, plants and trees that fill the valley.
I felt like I had left this dimension and entered another, it was mesmerising. Pictures could never show what you see, hear, feel when you are there.
By the time I got back to the entrance, it was 17:55, just in time to get my bike and start my 5km ride home. I had an uneventful ride home and that evening I felt at peace with everything, followed by one of the best sleep I’ve ever had.
Sunset hikes are totally worth it when you’ve had a hard day. Let your feet do the walking and nature do the talking. Blessed be.
#ShareYourAdventures #GemsOfTheSouth
