Category: PAST EVENT

As part of our 125 Jubilee Celebrations Kingswoodians are invited to join us for a hike to the summit if the Compassberg where we will proudly display the KC Jubilee Flag.

To register your interest or find out more please e-mail Dee Hobson on d.hobson@kingswoodcollege.com.

Compassberg, the highest peak in the Sneeuberg range, resembles a compass needle towering 2 502 metres high. – it is the highest peak in South Africa outside the Stormberg-Drakensberg massif. The mountain harbours a diversity of species, including endemics such as the Compassberg Skolly butterfly, found only the slopes of this mountain. The vegetation along the climb is montane grassveld. There are 360° views of the Karoo from the summit. Apparently during the Anglo Boer War the heliograph world record was set here by British troops who managed to send a message to the Cockscomb mountain near the coast.

About the hike

Compassberg is located near the village of Nieu Bethesda, 55 km north of the town Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape Province. The hike to the summit is rated moderate to difficult and will take between 4 and 5 hours each way. Our guides, Keith James and Greg Pienaar have recommended that the maximum number of climbers in the group is 30 and that all participants must be 12 years or older.

Itinerary

  • Thursday 17 October 2019: Meet at Weltevreden Farm for a bring and braai.
  • Friday 18 October 2019: Climb the mountain. Those not climbing have the day at leisure to explore Nieu Bethesda and surrounds. Bring and braai at Weltevreden Farm
  • Saturday 19 October 2019: Return home.
  • Sunday 20 October 2019: Those wishing to remain in the area for another day are welcome to do so.

Ready for the adventure?

The farm Weltevreden is close to the mountain so we recommend that this accommodation be used. If demand exceeds the capacity we will source more accommodation close by. A detailed list of requirements for the climb as well as the cost will be sent to participants early next term.

To register your interest or find out more please e-mail Dee Hobson on d.hobson@kingswoodcollege.com.