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DateOriginal Topic
27th January 2005Fugitives trail
By Allen Graham
A colleague and myself are due to stay at Fugitives Drift Guest House, and although I have visited the area a couple of times before, I have always done any tours accompanied by guides (and most enjoyable too!). However, this time I would really like to explore a couple of walks unaccompanied by a guide. First, I would like to walk the Fugitives trail, and second, a walk to the summit of the Oscarberg if it is possible. In the opinion of those fortunate enough to have already undertaken such adventures, are these two tasks feasible for a couple of reasonably fit people. I just wondered if any of you could offer any tips or suggestions in order to achieve such feats.

Thanks
Allen
DateReplies
27th January 2005Neil Aspinshaw
Allen
The Oskerberg is no problem, there is a small gateway and track which leads to the sandstone ledge initially to the Bell. After that the first bit is the hardest as it is literally jumping stone to stone, as the summit "levels out" it does become a little easier.The view from the top is breathtaking, the view along the Buffalo and towards Isandlwana stunning.
If you make you way down there is a track which leads around the bottom edge. just be careful of the local "mutts" who come charging over yapping, so take a stick!. nothing to worry about as the run a mile as soon as you raise it!.
I wouldn't do the Fugitives trail without a local, if you are staying at FDL, see Rob Caskey, he will give you one off the staff, we were a fit bunch who did the trail, but it did get to 34 degrees!. Rob e-mailed me yesterday, they have had heavy rain recently so the Buffalo might be un-fordable. down at Fugitives (so its a long way back!)
This time of year with all the vegetation the Fug Trail is difficult to follow.
The key word on the trail, drinks... lots of it!.

enjoy

Neil
27th January 2005Allen Graham
Neil
Many thanks for the info, glad to hear the walk to the summit of the Oscarberg is no problem (we'll take sticks), its just what I was hoping to hear.
As for the Fugitives trail, well we still fancy doing the walk unaccompanied, but we will heed your words and seek advice when we arrive at FDL. I'll try and talk to this Rob Caskey and see what he thinks. Of course, the weather at the time (early March) will have to be taken into account, but the intention is to ford the Buffalo if possible.
Can't wait

Thanks again
Allen
27th January 2005Mike Snook
Allen,

Be careful about snakes. There are black mambas and puff adder in the area. The chances of being bitten are admittedly not that great but the beasts are there, and you don't want to be bitten by either. It is a serious matter.

I would advise that you should, repeat should, have a guide with you for this reason alone, or at the very least take detailed advice from the staff at FD on your 'actions on' if somebody was unlucky enough to be bitten. You do not have time to play with in such a scenario.

The Puff Adder will lie doggoe beneath your feet relying on its excellent camouflage. Step on it however and you've got a problem. It is slow moving but one of the fastest striking snakes in the world. I came within a couple of inches of stepping on one.

Make sure that everybody understands that even small or baby snakes pack a potentially lethal punch. I have seen people remark 'ooh isn't it sweet!' of a small/baby mamba, and then advance upon it for a better look. To which the answer is - 'no it bloody well isn't sweet! Its still a mamba.' (!!) And this after I have briefed them on the lethal dangers posed by these particular nasties.

Big walking boots and not sandals certainly. Plenty of water. Contingency plans in the event of snake bite, broken ankle, or getting lost. I would say not less than 4 people in a party.

The river as Neil indicates is the principal problem. Even in the winter there is a significant jump from one slippery rock to another which could get somebody hurt if they get it wrong. Definitely not one for the over 60s.

I would strongly advise the use of a guide, my friend.

Regards,

Mike
27th January 2005Peter Ewart
Surely without a local guide there is a fair chance of getting lost? It is nearly 5 years since I walked it with a party of around a dozen but I don't remember any obvious ways of following the route in many places without being shown. I vaguely remember a few yellow-marked tree trunks, but not many. Perhaps the "trail" has since then actually become a trail, with a worn path in places? There are certainly many places where one might wonder about the right direction, unless detailed local maps help.

Allen, when you say "ford" the Buffalo, do you mean swim? It could be in full spate in early March (it was in fairly full spate in late March/early Apr in 2000, a few weeks after an excessive & late rainy season in southern Africa). Looking across & trying to gauge the width of the river, I calculated it roughly as about 100/120 yds from shore to shore at FD. Certainly too far to shout & be heard although the river wasn't that noisy. It was certainly fast flowing & it seemed that David Rattray's sons, strong swimmers, knew exactly how the current flowed and the right zig-zag "route" across. It certainly wasn't straight across. If you're strong swimmers I suppose you'll be OK, provided you're not encumbered by army boots or a colour pole!

Which raises a point. Does anyone know if an attempt to gallop the whole route has been attempted since 1879, or would that be too cruel on the horse, bearing in mind that galloping proper is impossible?

Peter
27th January 2005Coll
Peter

Fascinating idea, although it would be too dangerous for both horse and rider.

Coll
28th January 2005Mike Snook
Peter

Yes. I am aware of two people who did try, even though they were advised against it. Obviously they didn't gallop but even so both returned with lame horses.
Regards

Mike
28th January 2005Allen Graham
Mike & Peter
Thank you for your replies, both your comments are of value. Mike, your explaination on snakes has probably clinched it as far as I am concerned, a guide it will be !
Peter, I like to think that we will be able to swim the Buffalo, but I realise that this will depend on the state the river is in at the time.

Many Thanks
Allen
28th January 2005Allen Graham
Mike & Peter
Thank you for your replies, both your comments are of value. Mike, your explaination on snakes has probably clinched it as far as I am concerned, a guide it will be !
Peter, I like to think that we will be able to swim the Buffalo, but I realise that this will depend on the state the river is in at the time.

Many Thanks
Allen
29th January 2005Melvin Hunt
When I walked the trail I was fortunate in that the Buffallo river level was quite low and easily fordable. With all this talk of swimming the river I'm wondering what the health risk is of disease such as Bilharzia?
Any views Mike?
29th January 2005Mike Snook
Melvin

I am no medical man and hesitate to offer an opinion. People do cross the river at the Drift regularly and I am not aware of anybody going down with anything subsequently.

I crossed a river in the backwoods of Kenya once and was ill for a year afterwards!! But it might have been something I ate, or put my hand in. Its easy to pick things up in Africa at the end of the day.

But I definitely wouldn't drink from the Buffalo.

Regards
Mike
30th January 2005Derek C
Regarding Bilharzia, when I was a kid growing up in Africa, the rule of thumb was, no swimming in stagnant water, especially if you have any cuts or scratches. Remember, re-apply tic bite spray after crossing. A friend of mine caught Bilharzia, it lay dormant for years! To this day he can't drink a beer.

While on the topic of exotic ailments, a retired game ranger said this of Malaria pills... only take them if you won't be within 24 hours of a hospital. There is sound logic to this, but do your own research and decide accordingly.