National Hikes, Camps and Safaris c1960 - 1980
In 1964 there was a commission of enquiry dealing with 'Modernising Scouting' and it recognised the need to provide stimulating and challenging projects for the 'older' boy between the ages of 16 and 18. This applied equally to the 'older' girl. Initially Carveth Geach (Chief Scout 1968/73) was the driving force in planning and leading these adventures that would offer a physical, mental and moral challenge to the participants and they often included the Girl Guides.
The following is a record of some of those hikes, camps and safaris that have been sourced from the Scout Archives.
1964 - Scout/Guide Adventure Hike - Drakensberg
4 - 9 October / Scouts 16 / Guides 11
Preparatory exploration of various routes was carried out by adult Scout leaders Messrs Geach, Spargo, Ross and Brightman. Being the first hike, they sort to find a balance so that it was not too strenuous but still with a strong element of adventure.
The Guides and Scouts came from Natal and Transvaal, met at Estcourt and travelled to Winterton on the same train, so they were able to meet each other before the camp started. Headquarters was in the grounds of the Cathedral Peak Hotel, where the owner Mr van der Riet, kindly allowed the group to set up camp.
Saturday evening saw tents being pitched, supper was started and later a campfire was held. On the Sunday morning a Scout/Guides Own was held and in the afternoon there was a preparatory hike up One Tree Hill.
Monday morning saw the two groups of hikers setting off from Headquarters. Party A camped overnight for two nights. Once near the Pyramid and then hiked on to Sebaiene Cave where they spent the second night. The following day they hiked on to Six Mile Bridge and from there returned to camp. Party B camped overnight for three nights. They hiked towards Cathedral Peak and camped at the base of the Pyramid then on the Wednesday hiked on to Sebaiene Cave where they spent the night. The following day they hiked on to Six Mile Spruit and from there returned to camp.
On the Thursday evening a dinner was held at Cathedral Peak Hotel and the owner Mr van der Riet was presented with a Thanks Badge. The Natal contingent left on the Friday and the rest on the Saturday.
It was a good first attempt and it was felt that it met all its objectives for more to follow.
1965 - Scout/Guide Adventure Hike - Hogsback
A report by Western Cape Scout Johann van der Merwe
Front row J Young, A Ford, Mr Ted English, Miss W Johnson, Mr C Geach, Mrs V Sisson, Mr D Pitcher, M Boyd, B Hurley;
Second row P Blom, D Williamson, I Braid, J van Breda, T Calver, M Davies, E Perrver, M Usher, G Powell;
Third row J Gurney, J v d Merwe, V Pearson, S Rudman, H Ashbolt, B Ross R Gerber, L Bentley, E Roberts;
Forth row G Baldie, M Gornall, R Gornell, S Perrins, A Colquhon, C Hartley, R Aytoun, J Morton;
Back row A Leach, D Nixon, C Goodwin, P Gloster, A Lowry, V Openshaw, B Maree
Eleven of us, seven Scouts and four Guides, left the Cape Town Station at 20.00hrs on Thursday 30th September 1965. We arrived at Alice station on Saturday morning and were greeted by "Ted" English, the camp leader, and Miss M Johnstone, the assistant camp leader.
The twenty miles to Hobbiton-on-Hogsback by lorry was no joke, eleven tired bodies, spattered with mud thrown up by the lorry's wheels, dragged themselves out of the back and started helping with the setting up of camp. Rain stopped our labour and drove everybody down to the recreation hall of the children's camp where we were camping. During a games session Stanley Perrins from Worcester unfortunately broke his collar-bone, but afterwards he showed us that a Scout can hike and camp with a broken limb.
The Transvaalers arrived on the Sunday morning and at last all the patrols were full and we got to know each other. A "Scouts/Guides Own" was held that evening. The following day saw us on mini-hikes and we also had a most interesting and entertaining talk on the history and geography of Hogback by Prof. Giffen, attached to Fort Hare university staff.
Tuesday was the start for two patrols, while Wednesday was the start day for the remaining two patrols. We were actually setting off on the hike for which all had gathered here. We covered a varying terrain, ranging from a hard gravel road to patches of marshy ground. We hiked past the Madonna and Child waterfall, the big tree, Hogsback village, and Tor Doone until we came to our overnight stop, the farm Schoongesicht. We had a "lovely" camp fire and I do think that the Guides taught the Scouts to sing in tune.
The next day's programme saw us slogging up Gaika's Kop (6,400 feet / 1951 metre) and hiking across the rolling hills of the Hogsback district in a soaking cloudburst. Next stop was on the farm Vardun and the rain ceased in time for us to have supper and another camp fire. The third day saw us over hill and dale to the main Hogsback mountain, where we had just enough time to grab lunch before the heavens opened upon us. Back we went. Can some girls hike - they even outpaced the boys down a slippery path, covered in mud to the base camp.
The adult team stood everybody to supper on the Friday night at one of the local hotels and eventually the time came for us to say good-bye and look forward to seeing the "old folks" at home.
In retrospect, the hike was thoroughly enjoyed by all and everybody is looking to next year's hike. How about having it in our beautiful mountains down in the Cape?
I would like to thank "Ted" English and his team once again on behalf of the Cape Western Contingent, for the terrific fun they provided for us on the 1965 Guide-Scout adventure hike at Hogsback in the Eastern Cape.
1966 - Scout/Guide Adventure Hike - Cedarberg
3 - 10 October / Scouts 15 / Guides 20
In 1966 it cost only R6 each for 7 days all inclusive, meals, permits etc. The base camp was set up on the farm Driehoek in the Cederberg. The leaders from the Scout side were Esmond 'Fatty' Rutter (organiser), Richard Dey, Dennis Lambert and wife Flora (HQ cook), Peter Watt, and Carveth Geach (Chief Scout Commissioner) and from the Guides Vi Ettershank, Alison Donnal, Shirley Fitton and William 'Dassie' Fracis.
Arriving in Cape Town from all over the country and mainly by train the 15 Scouts and 20 Guides then convened at the Tulbagh Hotel on the Foreshore in Cape Town for breakfast. The long bus trip to Citrusdal was accomplished in good time and after a light lunch pushed on over the Nieuwoudt and Sederberg (now Nieuweberg) passes to arrive at Driehoek at 3 pm. The site had very kindly been prepared by the Scout Mountain Club with tents pitched and ablutions erected.
The hikes were led by experienced SMC leaders Neville Weller (wife Colleen HQ support) and Wally Struthers. However, it soon became clear that what they thought were reasonable hikes differed somewhat from what the participants thought. They did however visit the Raadsaal Rocks, Bushmen paintings, Wolfberg Cracks and Wolfberg Arch on their first day. A longer two-night hike took them to the Crystal Pool where they spent the night and then on to Middelberg hut for the second night. Another day was spent hiking up Tafelberg that dominated their campsite.
On the last night a campfire was held and a letter of thanks given to the owners. The participants then held a 'Bop' session through to midnight.
A mere three years later in 1969 a Scout experimental camp took place at Driehoek and launched what has become known as the Senior Scout Adventure.
1971 - Chief Scout's Invitation Camp - Camp Korhaan, Vaal Dam
12 - 19 December / Scouts 36
At the invitation of the Chief Scout, each Division sent some of its best Scouts to camp with him at Camp Korhaan on the Vaal Dam. Thirty-Six Senior Scouts, including four from Rhodesia, spent seven glorious days in senior activities.
The camp was a challenge to the boys and the programme was a tough one. A high standard of camping was expected and the challenge was accepted. Every one worked hard to produce the results.
It has been the case on the previous two camps, the boys were divided into patrols, the names of which were of the constellations seen in the sky, namely Southern Cross shortened to Crux, Orion, Pleiades, Scorpio and Taurus. They selected their own Patrol Leader and Second and it was surprising to note that many of the older Scouts were passed over in favour of the sixteen-year olds as Leaders.
Arriving in camp at 5 p.m. on the 12th, tents were soon up and everyone settled in, Supper was served to all by the Scouters. This was to break the ice and let everyone get to know the others. After a welcome by the Chief and briefing by the Camp Leader, the camp settled down for the night.
Aiming to be tough, the next day the Patrols were sent off after lunch on the first full day to hike by compass, spending the night out and having to return next morning in time for inspection. It was tough because it started to rain just after they left and continued to do so for some three hours. All came through well and managed to keep dry even though they did not have tents.
As the camp was on the shores of the dam, which was 75% full, many water activities were included. A whole day was spent either rowing, sailing or canoeing, each Patrol having a turn at each. In between they constructed man-size rafts to hold the whole Patrol. These rafts were later used for a race and the great Battle of Trafalgar when water bombs, crackers and rockets were used. One raft obtained a direct hit with a rocket on the hat of the Chief who was watching from the shade of a tree on the shore. No one knows who won, but the boys enjoyed the fun of boarding one another's rafts.
On the holiday a fleet of sailing cruisers came over from Deneysville and took all on board for a two-hour trip back to the town where the sailing club provided lunch. On Saturday afternoon the local yacht club put out with the boys on board. These were similar yachts. A great storm blew up and amid excitement all battled to get back. The warden went overboard but suffered no ill effect other than a wetting. The yacht had a hard time rescuing two men in a sailing dingy which was shipping water. Some exciting tales were old on the return.
The next toughest assignment was the night orienteering stunt. Prepared by a member of the Training team with the help of a rover crew, teems of four set out at 7 p.m. to cover a route of 16 miles, trying to collect points from up to nine check points in five hours. The standard was high and the enthusiasm great. Some Divisions linked up to form a team while others banded themselves into a team according to friendships formed. The Border Team won the Cups with Cape Western second.
The Scouts constructed a tough Commando Course, and after many practises held a competition to see who could go over in the shortest time. The winners were only one second ahead of the second team.
As a good turn to Camp Korhaan, Patrols spent 45 minutes collecting stones to build a wall along the shore to discourage trespassers. Each Patrol was also given a six-foot log and told to carve a totem. Five excellent totems appeared and were placed around the camp fire circle with due ceremony just before the final flag down. Every Patrol planted its totem expressing their thanks for the camp and hoping that this would be a reminder of the great time they had had together.
The customary formal dinner was held at the Aloe Fjord Hotel. Toasts were proposed by the boys themselves and all spoke fluently. This was another Training exercise.
The enthusiasm was great as evidenced by many who rose at 5 a.m., to get in some sailing in the Chief's Enterprise before morning inspection.
A Youth forum on present day topics such as 'Drugs', 'The Generation Gap', 'Mixing with Voortrekkers' produced useful opinions and lively discussion. While an evening of music with a competition thrown in was enjoyed by the youthful audience. Unfortunately, the evening set aside for the campfire was washed out, instead a sing-song led by the boys on banjo and guitar proved a highlight.
Too soon the time arrived for all to wend their way homewards, with happy memories of a wonderful week spent in camp with the Chief Scout.
Ack: F.J.(Impie) Bryant.
1972 - Chief Scout's Invitation Camp - Ceres
4 - 8 April / Scouts 40
At the invitation of the Chief Scout, forty Scouts of the Coloured Association camped with him on the farm "Loch Lynne" in the Koue Bokkeveld district, Ceres. The boys came from Natal, Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Midlands and Cape Western Divisions.
Mr. G. Hermanns was in charge of the camp, assisted by Mr. J. Thomas, Divisional Commissioner Cape Western (C) and Scouters James September and Melvin Moses. As Advisers Mr. E.J. Bryant acted as Programme Controller, and was assisted by Mr. Colin Inglis.
The Scouts camped in Patrols, named in honour of previous Chief Scouts and Chief Scout Commissioners of their own section, these were Sir Herbert Stanley, Arthur Johnstone and Percy Fowle, Charles Thebus and J. Allies. The inspections were strict and of a high standard, while meals were well prepared. Mrs. Thomas prepared the meals for the Scouters and they were well cared for.
The farm school rooms which had been placed at the disposal of the campers were used for food storage and cooking special meals. The farm manager and his staff were particularly helpful, they supplied many boxes of apples and grapes, as well as the necessary firewood.
In their enthusiasm the young scouters had the boys out of bed each morning at 6 a.m. for physical jerks, much to the amazement of the local farm hands who commented upon the fact that the scouts were up before dawn.
After constructing a tough Commando Course, the patrols enjoyed a 'timed' competition, the results were very close. Other activities included a Venturer Obstacle Course, swimming in the dam, a night orienteering hike, an over-night hike, when all but one patrol failed to arrive at the selected camping spot, so had to prepare their supper and breakfast without water, which was only available at the camp site. It had been carried, (on their backs) by the Scouters. Rafts, rock climbing and abseiling instruction and practice under Mr. C. Inglis was a highlight of the camp. Though many would not tackle the abseiling they enjoyed the looks of terror on the faces of the more venturesome, as they moved down the rock face.
The Camp Fire was a great success. Held on the final evening it was attended by many of the farm labourers, who had never seen anything like this before. They contributed an Item; six teenage and younger girls sang a song in beautiful harmony. Many humorous items were put over by the boys.
The boys were wildly excited at having camped with their Chief and voted the camp a great success. The Scout Spirit and humour was of the highest order.
The Sir Herbert Stanley Patrol, affectionately referred to by. themselves, as the Sir Stanley Matthews was judged to be the best patrol in camp, and to the Patrol Leader, the Camp Leader of the Camp Korhaan Camp, (Dec. 1971) presented his camp scarf as a token of the continuity of these camps. This camp should do much to fester Scouting among the boys of this Association.
1972 - Scout/Guide Adventure Hike – Graaff Reinet
23 - 30 September / Scouts 25 / Guides 15
The hike was a great success, and the fact that those coming by train were met in the early hours at the station by Carveth Geath the Chief Scout himself, who helped them with their bags and baggage, set the tone from the beginning. The arrangements at Graaff-Reinet were good; each two boys shared a small "Flat", "Suite" call it what ye may. Arnold Witte reports that the fellow in the next "Suite" did not talk during the night so they slept well, but he woke them in the early morning with a hearty 'neigh'; he wasn't a Scout but a Gee Gee, and that is not a Girl Guide.
Each of the five patrols consisted of five boys and three girls. It is said that the Guides were fit and set a roaring pace through Graaff-Reinet at the beginning of the hike, but when the climbing started they were very conscious of the very wonderful view and stopped every ten paces to admire the scenery. The Guides were impressed by the fact that no specific duties were allocated, but when things needed attention, all co-operated. They were old enough to look after themselves and did not abuse the camping privilege. The hike itself was most enjoyable, and sleeping under the stars a great experience not normally enjoyed by Guides. "Lastly, I would like to mention how nice it was to be put on our honour and trusted".
The Chief Scout's birthday was celebrated on the hike with a great braai on the second night out.
Thank you, Troop Leader Arnold Witte, Patrol Leader Sidney Davis and Patrol Leader Marion Rushman, for your very interesting reports.
Ack: Scouting Digest 1972
1974 - Scout/Guide Adventure Hike – Graaff Reinet
30 September - 5 October
The base camp was on the farm Welgemoed and the 50 Km hike was over the Nardouberg Mountain, the second highest mountain in the Cape, some 60 Km north east of Graaff Reinet. There was also time for swimming, shooting, horse riding and sheep shearing.
The local newspaper reported that: -
Twenty Scouts and fifteen Guides from each principal Scouting town in the Republic came together in Graaff-Reinet for the Graaff-Reinet Guide and Scout Nardouberg Adventure Hike.
The hike was organised by Mr. Bruce Maree, the local Scoutmaster and Kobus Olivier, Patrol Leader in the local Troop. They were assisted by Mr Carveth Geach, President of the Boy Scouts of S.A.; Dr. Gordon-Smith of Benoni; Mr. Clive Jackson of Rustenburg; Miss Trunell Cape Town and Miss Gill Bromiley of Port Elizabeth.
Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Olivier and Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Olivier hosted the hike on their respective farms. The route covered by these Scouts and Guides took them via various mountains from Welgemoed to Petrusdal in the Cradock district. From Petrusdal the hike took them over the Nardouberg peak, the second highest mountain in the Cape.
Front: M Soothill, R Worthington, E Gray, J Gouws, J Gregory, S Els, W Abrahams, J Uzzell, D Souchon, R Jackson.
2nd Row: D Tozer, C Peper, K-J Williamson, J Pinkham, G Forbes, C Viljoen, H Bro.
3rd Row: S Milne, D Benson, D Hannington, D van Vuuren, B Applewhite, J McFarlane, G Geddie, P Brown.
4th Row: J Muller, A Sonnemann, D King, A Watermeyer, E Thompson, C Boyd, R Robilliard, R Witte, D Pitt.
Top: C Nurden, H Geach, C Geach, D Gordon-Smith, B Maree, T Morum, K Olivier, G Bromiley, C Jackson.
On the hike, girls and boys shared all hiking equipment and their food for three days. The average weight of their kit was about 16 Kg each. The party was divided up into five patrols of four Scouts arid three Guides each, hiking and working independently of each other's Patrol.
It was interesting to note that one of the patrols elected one of the Guides as their Patrol Leader and controlled four Scouts very well.
The full programme consisted of a visit to Graaff-Reinet where the Mayor, Mr. A. L. Murray, welcomed the party at a Civic function. They also visited Reinet House, Stretch Court, Drostdy Hotel, the Grootkerk and the Valley of Desolation.
At Petrusdal, a braaivleis and social, the MPC for Cradock, Mr. Opperman, addressed the group, stressing the importance youth movements such as the Scout and Guide Movements.
On Friday after the hike was completed, a giant braaivleis was held where members of the Scout committee and councillors were able to join with the younger crowd in their weeks Achievements.
From many sources and from correspondence arriving daily from participants this Guide and Scout Activity was the best that had been held to date, and each and every participant left Graaff-Reinet with a lasting impression never to be forgotten.
1975 - Pony Trek - Lesotho
January / Scouts 6
In a Join-in Jamboree venture of a different kind, South African Coloured and White Scouts recently ponytrekked together in Lesotho, led by Colin Inglis, Provisional Commissioner, Cape Western Division (W). The Coloured boys were Edrich Williams, Kevin du Plessis, and Terence Adams, and the, White lads were Pieter Graaff, Malcolm Weaver, and Howard Geach. Scouter Phillip Mauritz, Coloured Association, also rode along, and White Scouters were Michael Russell and expedition leader Colin Inglis, plus Carveth Geach, President of the White Association.
African riders scheduled to take part were unable to do so as they did not receive their travel documents in time. They were Scouter Charles Mehane and Scouts Tarquin Williams and Michael Edilele. Better luck next time!
For a week the horsemen rode the trail from Marakabei to Semonkong and the famed Maletsunyane Falls, then back to Marakabei along the course of the Sinquanane River. A thrilling ride amid wild and magnificent Lesotho scenery, spiced with the additional pleasure of meeting Lesotho Scouts of the Semonkong Troop and many other friendly Basuto en route.
The trip as reported by Jock Russell
If, one day during an idle moment, you should be browsing through an atlas, turn to the map of the Kingdom of Lesotho. In the West you will find Maseru. Using this as a starting point follow the road that leads Eastwards to Marakabei.
Allow your mind to depart from the present and join us as we journey by Land-Rover the 25 miles from The Alpine Bunkhouse to Fraser's Stores at Marakabei. From here on we travel on horseback; up the steep hillside away from the stores; past the outstretched hands of children who incessantly cry "Gimmesumzeets!"
Soon, as you ride in and out of the folded mountains, you become accustomed to the dust, and the smell of horse and leather.
Then, stop for the night, cook and eat a very welcome supper. Gather around the dung-fire for a chat with the Mosotho guide, Miller, and his son Everett. Try to get your tongue to form some of the Sesotho words and phrases which he patiently tries to teach you. Take a look at the faces lit up by the firelight; Coloured and White Scouters, small Basotho children enjoying each other's company.
The next day, join in the race away from a thunderstorm, and experience the thrill of a near cavalry charge, capes flying, into Semonkong where the Maletsenyane Falls are, and where we stop for the night.
Early the following morning, walk with us to the top of the falls. Suddenly, you come upon them; a great white pillar of water which falls silently for 630 feet to crash in a cloud of colour and spray at the bottom. Then you realise why this is the highlight of the trip.
The guide refuses to accompany you to the bottom of the gorge, and you recall the Sotho legend of the serpent in the pool. Being a sceptic, you continue down for a swim, sunbathe and lunch. Then, back to camp to re-join the horses.
From that point on, the journey flies past and becomes a blurr of impressions and memories; the friendliness of the blanketed Basotho horsemen; the wandering pack-horse; the spectacular falls of Edrich Williams and Malcolm Weaver; the horse-encouraging "Aaiitt! of Kevin, du Plessis and Terence Adams; the movie camera of Pieter Graaff; the quiet humour of Carveth and Howard Geach; the sincere friendliness of Philip Mauritz; all combined under the competence and leadership of Colin Inglis.
If from this report, you have derived some small trace of the aura of Lesotho, you can begin to appreciate how much the Divisional Commissioner's invitation Pony-Trek was enjoyed, and will forever be remembered by those who took part.
Ack: Jock Russell, Cape Western Scouter 1975
1976 - Okavango Wildlife Safari - Botswana
27 June - 11 July / Scouts 16
A fifteen-day Safari which started and ended in Johannesburg was led by Colin Ingles, a stalwart of Scouting in South Africa. The sixteen Scouts, of all races, and from various parts of South Africa, arrived a few days prior to the starting date. They were accommodated at the residence of Mr Carveth Geach, assistant to the Safari Leader and commenced their holiday with tours of the city.
Setting out from Johannesburg at 6.00am on the 27th June in their Landrovers they headed for the South African/Botswana border but unfortunately were delayed by a series of breakdowns and only cleared through the Customs at 8.00 a.m. the next day. Their destination was through Palapye to camp at Seruli before entering Francistown and then travelling on to the huge 4000 sq. mile (1 million Hectares) Makgadikgadi Salt Pans with its dancing mirages and herds of plains game, where they camped for the night.
Next it was on to Maun and the Okavango Delta which is a vast network of clear waterways, streams and lagoons. A camping trip into the Delta enabled the party to observe the myriad of birdlife. From the camp there they were poled by an African Boatman, in a Mokoro or dugout canoe, through the network of channels of the waterways of the delta, experiencing an ancient way of transport still sometimes used. The silent travel was ideal for bird observation. The next day they penetrated deeper into the delta by outboard motorboats, to set up camp on an island, and eventually, to sleep around the campfire, drifting off, to the roar of lions.
Then it was on to the Moremi Game Reserve where they spent two days camping and game watching in the remote African bush. The routine was up early, at 5.30, for a day of driving through the bush, around the lagoons, observing the now plentiful wildlife. The next day they went North to the Savuti Channel where while selecting a campsite they observed tracks in the trail dust, to turn a corner and come upon the maker, but a few paces away, an elephant.
The following day they headed through the Kachican to the Chobe River, a highlight of the tour. From their camp on the river bank, in the evening, they watched numerous elephants drinking. Next day it was on to Chobe Lodge were they again embarked in motorboats to spend the day tiger fishing.
Early next day they broke camp and continued towards Kasane, where South West Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, meet. Late that morning they passed through the Customs into Zimbabwe and on to the Victoria Falls. There it was a delight to shower and then lunch at the Wimpy, then a visit to the Falls, by a walking tour, a visit to Matabele Village and a flight, by plane, over the 400 metre high spray from the thundering Victoria Falls in flood. An evening of Tribal Dancing with Shangaan & Marishi Tribes, costumed in their original dress with grotesque painted masks pivoting around the woodfires with weird gyrations - very bravely our two African Scouts joined in one earth shaking dance. Then they were off to a braai in the village.
Following the night camped at Victoria Falls they departed for Bulawayo, which they hastily toured on their way to the Khami Ruins - little fortresses built of dry stone, leading back some 40,000 years - then back to the Matopos, to camp at the Rhodes National Park. Rhodes grave, "B.P's" Tree and cave paintings, were visited and viewed.
At last it was the return home. They drove in convoy to Beit Bridge, on the Limpopo River where they crossed to our homeland.
An experience of a lifetime, a viewing of countless game: giraffe, impala, kudu, tessebe, wildebeest, wild dogs, hyena, foxes, monkey, besides others previously mentioned, an adventure together of 16 SCOUTS from all Scout Associations in South Africa and South West Africa.
Ack: Andrew Buckley, Colin Inglis and Cape Midlands Scout Trail - October, 1976
1978 - Wildlife Safari - South West Africa / Namibia
A highlight of adventurous Scouting in 1978 was South Africa's 16-day National Senior Scout Wildlife Safari in South West Africa.
In addition to Senior Scouts from all over the Republic, the Safari was also joined by Chief Scout Colin Inglis and former Chief Scout Carveth Geach.
The objectives were:
- 1. To provide an adventurous expedition to a remote, unspoiled region.
- 2. To create an opportunity for friendship and understanding among Senior Scouts of different races.
- 3. To encourage interesting and extend knowledge of conservation and ecology.
This challenging long-distance Safari included exploration of the remote Great Fish River Canyon, the forbidding Namib Desert, and the huge Etosha Pan Game Reserve and its teeming wildlife.
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Cherished memento
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Andrew Ivey, Michael Bosman, Richard Bennett and Mike Grey
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Fish River Canyon
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Petrified Forrest
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Cooling off in Walvis Bay
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The Team
1981 - Scout/Guide Adventure Hike - Wild Coast
29 December 1980 - 9th January 1981 / Scouts 10 / Guides 10
This adventurous hike took place along the Wild Coast, Transkei. It was organised by Peter Foster, Scoutmaster of 2nd Somerset West Troop, Cape Western Area.
The party assembled at the Scout Campsite "Gilwood", East London, on 30th December, and were transported in three Kombis driven by local Scouters from East London to Port St. Johns, on the 31st December. On 1st January, the Scouts and Guides plus Scouters and Guiders of both Movements - the party totalling 30 - were taken on a tour of the Transkei's Capitol Radio Station at Port St. Johns.
The hike proper, from Port St. Johns to Hole-in-the-Wall, started in the evening of the 2nd January, and ended on 8th January, when the party was transported back to East London.
The hike, which was extremely successful, was along the beaches, through forests, over rolling green hills, and through rocky seashore terrain. Several rivers had to be crossed either by boat - they had a rubber dinghy with them - or by ferry, or by wading.
Two visiting Venturer Scouts from Australia, Craig Fisher and Brett Bussell, took part in the hike - as did Chief Scout Colin Inglis, and the Vice-President of Boy Scouts of South Africa, Carveth Geach.
Hike Route
In summer the Transkei is emerald green with deep blue skies and glorious cloud formations. The wild Coast is superb in its unspoilt beauty.
There are lagoons, cliffs, palm trees, caves, arum lilies, sandy bays, remnants of shipwrecks, and rivers reaching the sea in deep valleys. Exploring the coast is a delight to the hiker.
The Wild Coast is ideal for walking and it is along this magnificent stretch of coastline from Port St Johns to Hole-in-the-Wall beyond Coffee Bay that the 1981 Chief Scout's Invitation Scout and Guide Hike took place.
The hike started at Port St Johns where the Mzimvubu River reaches the sea between Mt Thesiger and Mt Sullivan in a setting of tremendous cliffs densely covered with sub- tropical forest. The Port was named after the Portuguese ship, St John, that was wrecked further up the coast in 1552. Port St Johns has three superb beaches, several rocky headlands, and a wide river. From Port St Johns the party hiked to the Mngazi River mouth where it reaches the sea in a lagoon. The Mngazi Valley is home to about 130 species of birds. Onwards to Mpande Bay, past Rame Head and Ubombo Head, the hike continued through magnificent scenery to Whale Rock and the mouth of the Mtata River. Here the richly-laden Portuguese ship, the Sao Bento, was wrecked with the loss of 150 people drowned
From Mtata River the hike continued to the high hills and soaring cliffs that make a spectacular setting for Coffee Bay, which received its name from a ship carrying a cargo of coffee beans that was wrecked in the bay. Beyond Coffee Bay lay the Hole-in-the-Wall, a high cliff standing out to sea in which the waves have bored a hole big enough for a double-decker bus to pass through.
From Hole-in-the-Wall, after the 8-day hike, the party returned to East London with unforgettable memories.
Ack: Paul Bezencon, SAHQ,
