Old Coach Road Mountain Walk

From waypoint 11 it is a fairly steep downward climb and you may encounter Zebra, Baboon, Kudu and Porcupine. Here the tree line starts again. Depending on season, usually October to November, look in the underbrush for Scadoxus multiflora.

 

You will also find evidence of mining activities from the gold rush days of Barberton. There are many old abandoned mineshafts in the area. Please do not venture into the shafts. They are unstable and a hiding place for animals and snakes. Python Natalensis occurs in the area. Not poisonous, but treat with caution and keep a safe distance.

 

If you enjoy the outdoors and nature that surrounds you and want to know more, the following books are a must for the novice and expert:

• Field Guide to Wild Flowers Natal and the Eastern Region: Elsa Pooley, Natal Floral Publication Trust.
• Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa: Braam and Piet Van Wyk, published by Struik
• Complete Guide to Snakes in Southern Africa: Johan Marais, published by Struik
• Field Guide to Butterflies of Southern Africa: Ivor Migdoll, published by Struik
• Sasol Birds of Southern Africa: Sinclair. Hockey and Tarboton, published by Struik.
• The Story of Earth and Life-A Southern Africa Perspective: McCarthy and Rubidge, published by Struik.
• And of course, my  gratitude to the geological scientists, Don Lowe, Gary Byerly, Christoph Heubeck and Wiegbert Leipold, who have returned to Barberton for many years and shared so much knowledge while visiting Old Coach Road Guest House. Knowledge and wisdom is priveliged information. It is passed to you by those wiser than you. I am forever gratefull for this shared wisdom.