Activating SOTA Summit ZS/WC-047 Constantiaberg, November 2025

 A well marked and safe hike with fantastic views, worth 2 SOTA points

 There are a few hiking route options to reach Constantiaberg: from Chapman's Peak Drive, from Hout Bay (both of which require over 800m vertical ascent) or the easier route from the Silvermine reserve (which I chose).  I had visited Silvermine many times previously when living in Cape Town and knew it as a safe and well maintained reserve.  But I had forgotten the access charge: R200 as an international visitor (much cheaper for South Africans).

 

I had walked to Elephants Eye cave before as part of a circuit within Silvermine.  From the Silvermine car park this is over half the distance to Constantiaberg but only 40% of the vertical ascent.  In the picture above, the distant mountain is the 'elephant' with the eye (out of view) in the 'head' on the right hand side, and Constantiaberg on the elephant's 'back' with the commercial mast almost at the summit.

After Elephants Eye Cave the path splits and remains well marked and easy to follow, but fairly steep for 100 metres of ascent.

 

It is then less steep for the final 200m ascent.  Approaching the summit there are 2 gates closed to traffic (presumably for access to the commercial mast) but the pedestrian gates were open allowing easy access past the mast and up to the rocky summit.  I used the trig marker to support my Sotapole and pointed my inverted V dipole North East to maximise gain towards Gauteng.

There was very little shade on the summit, but I kept my KX2 out of the sun (which seems to reduce power output when it gets too hot) at my operating position under a rock just below the trig marker.

 

HF propagation had not been playing ball over recent activations in South Africa so I was prepared for limited longer distance QSOs.  I only managed 3 unique callsigns on HF, despite moving up and down between 20,30,40 and 15m and self spotting through the chasers' Whatsapp group.  2 of these were local ZS1's and the 3rd was a very weak ZS4 in the Free State, so my 10W signal was not getting anywhere near Gauteng.

 

I had been in touch with Phil ZS1WW who posted my activation on the Cape Town Radio Club's forum, and as soon as I switched to 2m I was greeted with 13 further enthusiastic callers, activating the summit with ease.  Constantiaberg overlooks a large part of Cape Town and its suburbs and so is well suited for VHF and UHF.  I was using a Yaesu Hand Held with its stock rubber duck antenna, 5W, but mostly 5/9 reports.

 

Overall a nice hike to the top with fantastic views over both Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts, and great VHF/UHF take off.

 

 

 

 

Activating ZS/KN-168 Qulashe November 2025

 An easy and quiet summit accessible by car worth 6 points

 This was the last of 3 activations of the day so I chose one that I could drive close to.  This summit is fairly near KN-158 so worth activating the two together to justify the long dirt track drive!  I was able to get very close on the farmer's track with my small hire car and park close to the summit - this track is marked on the open topo map:

 A short steep ascent over grassy farmland took me to a grassy/rocky summit with plenty of space for activating. 

I used the trig point to attach my sotapole which made it easy to change orientation to point towards Gauteng or the Cape.  I needed this flexibility as band conditions were terrible due to solar activity and a recent Coronal Mass Ejection!

 

I only just managed to activate this summit with 4 confirmed QSOs in the log all on 40m.  CQ and self-spotting on 30m and 20m did not provide any responses.  All contacts were struggling to copy and it took me 40 minutes to log these 4.

Next Activation: ZS/WC-047 

 

Activating ZS/KN-158 November 2025

 A short, steep ascent from a rural village to a well wooded summit

 The D3 dirt road (yellow road below) is signposted from the R617 and is driveable with a normal car.  It took me about 25 minutes to get to the junction with the grey road.  I parked just off the road next to an electricity pole as indicated by the blue dot below:

A local worker pointed me to the nearest ascent track which looked well used (see arrow below).  In fact there seemed to be several tracks up the summit which criss cross from various points.
 

 

 

 

I just kept walking upwards until I was in the activation zone.  The actual summit was well wooded with thorny bushes and, I suspect, snakes and other hazards, so I chose a clearing with some shade and space for my sotapole:

HF Propagation conditions were challenging and it took me an hour to achieve 7 QSOs on 20, 30 and 40m SSB.  2 QSOs were possibly unconfirmed (we exchanged callsigns and signal reports, but the other station did not confirm the report I gave).  So 5 definite QSOs with the summit activated, but hard going!

 

My bandhopper antenna also got caught by the thorny bushes and broke at one point, so I needed to perform an emergency repair!

 

Next Activation: ZS/KN-168 >> 

 

Activating ZS/KN-129, Hlokomo November 2025

 A lovely hike up Hlokomo, easily accessed within Underberg, worth 8 SOTA points

 The hiking trail starts along a dirt track off Woodford Road in Underberg:

 I parked on the road, near the start of the beaten walking track, opposite Hawley House:

The track proceeded through a gap in the fence near a UHF dish on a pole (TV or internet dish?) and was easy to follow, with the occasional cairn to mark the route:
 

The trail was steep in parts but not technically difficult.  It took me about 45 minutes to reach the summit.

 I used the summit's trig point to hold my Sotapole with bungees.  Therev was limited shade on top. 

 I managed 9 SSB QSOs on 20m and 40m.  Propagation was reported as poor due to solar activity, including a Coronal Mass Ejection.  The bands were very quiet, even the FT8 channel!

I did meet a couple who had also hiked up, so this seems to be a popular walk.  There is a fairly large activation zone so plenty of space to site antenna and station.

With thanks to Adele ZS5APT for advice and access information for this summit.

Next Activation: ZS/KN-158 >> 

Activating ZS/NW-041 Magaliesberg Aerial Cableway November 2025

An easy ascent (using the cable car) but a slow activation due to poor propagation, worth 6 points

Although it is possible to walk up from the cable car base station on a good track to the summit (about 370m ascent), we chose the easy option and took the cable car.  In fact my ticket was free because my birthday was within a few days; free tickets are advertised on the price board, but I was surprised that this extended to international visitors.

 

The summit has a number of bars, restaurants and family attractions, but just behind these is some rough land with commercial masts with plenty of fairly private space to activate.  I did not see anyone while activating except my wife who had gone for a walk!

 

I started on 40m, but only achieved 1 QSO: Propagation was challenging and I moved to 15m (using the same 40m bandhopper antenna on its 3rd harmonic) to get just 1 more.  I moved to 30m, then 20m and 45 minutes into the activation I still only had 3 unique call signs in my log.  Graham ZS6GL asked his son Nathan ZR6BN to step in and he saved the day, in the log as my 4th unique QSO... Phew!

 I then managed a 5th QSO on 20m exactly an hour after I had started, and by this time the storm clouds were rolling in and I had heard reports from Jo'burg contacts that it was raining heavilly there.  I packed up and we headed for lunch at one of the restaurants...

But the weather deteriorated rapidly and last calls for the cable car were too late; the cable car closed before we could get down.  The restaurant did continue providing coffee and a light meal which was thoroughly enjoyed, so we hunkered down in the restaurant and watched as the teriffic thunderstorm lingered for an hour or so (and water poured in through the ceiling!).

The cable car did then open for a short window to allow the 25 or so "stranded" visitors to descend.  A very memorable activation for the wrong reasons, but thanks to Graham and Nathan it was very worthwhile!

Next Activation ZS/KN-129 >> 

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.

 Next activation: ZS/NW/041 >> 

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 depart from the trail and walk right to the summit, as I did. See bottom of this page for the trail map leaflet.

 

 

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 signs 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:

 

Next Activation: ZS/NW-075 >>
 

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 was 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.

I managed 13 QSOs on 40, 30 and 20m before packing up and heading back down to....

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.

Next activation: ZS/GP-023 Witwtersberg >> 

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 uncomfortable 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 if I had been on my own 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!  We started with around 1000W with the linear amp, but it had a problem half way through our 10m QSOs, so we switched to running 100W direct from the FT710.

 With grateful thanks to ZS6LZ for a great activation experience.

Next activation ZS/NW-037 Aasvoelkrans >>