Oorlogskloof Mountain/Gorge Trail run

Deep gorges, cliffs, cracks under the mountain, plateaus covered in stands of Cape Sugar bush and large Waboom trees, massive rock pillars, caverns, rock arches, Hyracidium [Crystallised Dassie – Rock Hyrax – urine] as old as 400 000 years, ancient rock art, moon-crater like sandstone rock slabs etc. A Magnificent Wilderness. Rich in history.

The run routes follows a combination of hiking trails. The variety is simply relentless with pristine beauty to match.

Names like Draaikraal, Granaatdraai, Donkiestasie, Arrie se Punt, Pramkoppie and numerous others marks areas of significance including ancient burial sites on route. There are plenty natural rock shelters along the route. Cell phone reception is sketchy and mainly on the South and East side of Oorlogskloof – from around the halfway mark to the finish but only on high lying areas.

Many decades ago, the pioneer farmers in the area used donkeys to transport Rooibos Tea from the mountains to lower ground. When they left, they also left their donkeys behind. These have now become wild and runners might well spot 2 or more in the area between Doltuin and Granaatdraai. A rare sighting is that of the Red Rock Rabbit up on the plateau. 2-3 herds of Cape Mountain Zebra prevail, especially in the Pramkoppie and Brakwater areas.
The area is described and listed as “pristine” and runners will – in every sense – experience a unique adventure!