An easy ascent (using the cable car) but a slow activation due to poor propagation, worth 6 points
details to follow...
Monday, November 10, 2025
Activating ZS/NW-075 (No summit name) in November 2025
A short steep climb to a lovely summit with amazing views over the Hartbeespoort Dam
Charles ZS6U was the only previous activator of this summit who had accessed the hike through a gate at Katima Mountain View Lodge, North West of the summit. Charles kindly provided the contact number for Johan at the Lodge (the current occupier in 2025) who was more than happy to allow me access through his gate and offered me future access whenever I needed it (so I am sure fellow hams would be more than welcome). I did not mention my radio intentions, but I am sure any future activator could contact Johan and mention me. Johan responded best via Whatsapp - ask Charles or myself for the contact number.
Having contacted Johan and gained permission, my next challenge was to actually get to Katima Mountain View Lodge (marked X on the map below). Google Maps had it listed, but it directed me onto a dirt track that ended up a dead end (Southbound track just right of the river). Looking at the map, I identifed another route from the South, but this turned out to be an impassable dirt track that would need a 4x4.
The access is actually via the very smart Redstone residential development (shown with the roundabouts/traffic circles above) where I needed to pass via a security gate (I told the guard I was heading for Katima Lodge - he let me through with no need to sign in):
Katima Mountin View Lodge is actually signposted from the main road (I noticed when I left!) and on the dirt track after passing through Redstone: Once at the Lodge I parked near the house and was let through the gate and started my hike to the summit.
As this is not a well walked path there was no beaten track, so I used my cellphone map and GPS to work out a route up. Going through the gate a little distance you can see the almost vertical cliffs that lead up to the summit.
I walked round to my left to approach the summit from the North which offered a safe albeit steep ascent through the grassy and rocky slope. Johan had warned that there were plenty of snakes on the hill, so I wore long trousers and hiking boots, and was careful to create plenty of ground vibration as I ascended! I did not see any snakes, but Johan mentioned that his dog had caught several recently!
The ascent took me about 30 minutes and the summit offered amazing 360૦ views and a quiet, safe activation spot. The summit had a convenient fence post that I used to support my Sotapole with bungees:
I enjoyed 17 QSOs on 40m and 20m before packing up and heading back down.
Many thanks to Charles ZS6U for access information and to Johan for allowing access via his gate.
Activating ZS/GP-023 Witwatersberg November 2025
Lovely safe hike to a rewarding summit worth 6 SOTA points
This summit can be accessed from the Bushbuck Trail which is shown on the Open Topo map, and the trail runs into the activation zone. It is simple to come off the trail and walk right to the summit, as I did.
The trail lies within the private grounds of the Weaver's Roost Resort, a caravan and camping site. It is necessary to sign in at reception and collect a key for the padlocked gate. There was no charge or deposit for the key, and the lady I spoke to at reception (Riette) told me that they have a number of visits from hikers and hiking clubs to access the trail. I felt very welcome and safe here!
I parked my car within the grounds and set off at the start of the trail (signpost above, near the Resort entrance gate, see below for a map that Riette gave me with lots of trail detail, which aligns with the trail shown on the Open Topo map). I walked past a few chalets and then to the padlocked gate which I was asked to re-lock when through.
The trail is very well marked with yellow markers hanging from branches or wrapped around branches.
After 500m or so of level walking I came to a junction, point 6 on the map below, and marked by a large rock with a warthog skull on top:
The trail map (below) suggests a clockwise route to the summit, but Riette mentioned that the right hand trail was less steep and so I chose the right hand fork for my ascent. The trail was generally well worn and easy to follow by means of the yellow markers, but I did find myself lost at one point and in fairly dense thorny thicket. I decided to walk uphill towards a clearing, from where my orientation and the summit direction were clearer and easier to get back on track. The area is fairly open with only low barbed wire fences, so it is possible to walk wherever is required to get to the summit.
The summit is fairly flat and rocky and already has some fence posts that could be used to support an antenna pole. I set up my station in a more open area where a tree offered some shade, and used rocks to hold down the antenna string ends:
I managed 13 SSB QSOs on 40m, 30m and 20m.
Here is the trail sheet provided by the Resort (downlodable PDF to be added soon):
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Activating ZS/NW-037 and ZS/NW-039 at Kgaswane Nature Reserve, 4th Nov 2025
2 straightforward activations worth 8 and 6 SOTA points
I visited the small Kgaswane Nature Reserve situated to the west of Johannesburg as a day trip with my wife. This Reserve contains 2 SOTA summits, and having paid our entry fees we were able to explore the roads and tracks to gain access to both summits. Brandon ZS6LZ had advised that 037 was a straightforward hike along a 4x4 track, and 039 could be reached with a normal car.
We entered through the Reserve entrance and made our way to the visitor centre. Unfortunately no maps or information were available to help identify areas where we could drive or walk. However the reserve is easy to navigate, with the circular tarred 'Sable Loop' linking all parts of the reserve.
ZS/NW-037, Aasvoelkrans - 1700m, 8 points
Driving anti-clockwise round Sable loop from the visitor centre I passed the sign for Naga Hut, then took the next right hand track, driving as far as I dared with my small hire car.
Once parked up near a rocky outcrop (where the track became more challenging to drive), I walked along the Jeep track which ran to the summit (there are commercial masts at the top).
It was easy to follow and after a gentle climb levelled out to follow the fence line up to the summit. The activation zone is large, flat and rocky with plenty of options for activating.
I set up my Sotapole and bandhopper antenna using rocks to anchor the 3 string ends which fortunately held firm against the increasing wind.
ZS/NW-039, Rietvlei - 1690m, 6 points
I headed back round the Sable loop clockwise to pick up the Jeep track to Rietvlei. This is marked as a Jeep Track on Sotl.as map, but also with 'Concrete strips' in many sections. It is perfectly driveable in a small car right to the summit, with a little care.
I left the car just below the summit and walked 30 or so metres to find an activation spot on a rocky outcrop:
I managed 12 SSB QSOs on 40, 30 and 20m.
Activating ZS/GP-015 Magaliesberg, November 2025
A unique activation experience running high power with ZS6LZ, worth 8 points
I had been in touch with Brandon, ZS6LZ as a previous activator of this summit. He advised that the summit and access road are part of a game reserve on farm land, with the owner "twitchy" about allowing access. However, as he knew the owner, Brandon kindly offered to accompany me and drive us both to the summit in his 4x4!
This was a great opportunity to operate with a local ham and gain access to a restricted summit, so of course I jumped at the opportunity.
We gained access to the reserve through the gate shown and proceeded to the summit on the track - this was in fact in very good condition for a dirt track, and with permission my small hire car would have been able to proceed around half way up, reducing the length of hike needed.
Brandon's other motivation was to experiment with operating QRO, so his 4x4 enabled us to get his FT-710, a linear amplifier, ATU and 2 large lithium batteries to the summit, along with a very civilised table and chair set.
The summit is pretty flat, providing a large activation zone, so we chose a spot away from the commercial masts and set up the station. We used Brandon's homebrew linked dipole, cut for 10, 20, 30 and 40m, offering DX possibilities on 10m (where the QRO would hopefully pay dividends).
The linked dipole was oriented to maximise gain SSW/NNE for local contacts (pointing to the Western Cape) and then a small adjustment to maximise gain to western Europe and hopefully North America. We spent 1.5 hours operating jointly on 40, 30 and 20m, logging 28 local ZS QSOs up and down the country, then switched to 10m for a further hour where we managed a further 24 QSOs all into Europe. I was delighted when F4WBN called first on 10m; Christian is my biggest chaser when operating in Europe!
With grateful thanks to ZS6LZ for a great activation experience.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Activating ZS/GP-008, Magaliesberg Nov 2025
An easy drive up summit, perfect for the end of the day, worth 6 SOTA points
This was the last of 3 activations on 1st November, requiring no physical effort to reach the summit and rewarding with a beautiful sunset.
Access is off the R513 through a large apparently private but open gateway:
The drive to the top was easy, on a well tarred road. I met a couple of cars coming down, but none stopped to question my presence.
Once on the summit there is a large activation zone on flat, rough stony grassland. I chose a spot away from one of the masts and enjoyed 10 SSB qsos on 40 and 20m.
Activating SOTA summit ZS/GP-024, Swartkop November 2025
A straightforward activation requiring access permission, worth 6 SOTA points
ZS6MDX's messages on the Sotadata page for the summit indicted that permission was required as Swartkop lies in the property of Kloofzicht Lodge. Permission must be obtained before entering at the security boom. General enquiries +27 76 149 002.
Having been given permission, I told the security guard that I had permission to visit the antenna mast on the hill (there is a tower with several dishes) and he let me right through. I did not even need to give my name or sign in!
I drove along the tarred track and diverted onto a dirt track to start the ascent, shown with a red line below. I parked at point P, the furthest I could ascend with my small hire car.
The ascent was then approximately in a straight line to the summit, following a faint track through the bushes (not too difficult). Arriving at a viewing platform the track continued through a gap in the middle of the picture below:
I then followed the fence on my right hand side to the summit. Note that this fence was apparently electrified and the beaten path ran very close to the overhead electric cable!
Arriving at the summit I chose an activation spot away from the mast (to reduce the chances of QRM) and under a tree for shade. The top is very rocky and uneven, with razor wire and other hazards that could frustrate an activation, so sturdy shoes and long trousers recommended!
I managed 10 SSB QSOs on 15, 20, 30 and 40m SSB. This was a nice safe activation with an easy hike up.
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