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.
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