Albert Falls to Midmar Dam (Eich!)

The day was so beautiful that we did not get going early. The dam was like a mirror after an early morning rain shower so there had to be a boat trip and some fishing first (a fair-sized Tilapia got away… really?), then lunch before starting to pack up.

Roger’s fishing report:

“Letitia decided to stay in camp while I took Splash out for a last excursion. A short distance from the camp by boat there is a pretty inlet with reeds and water lilies which looked like a good fishing spot. The water was so clear that I could easily observe a number of large Bass, Carp and Tilapia swimming about 2 meters below. It was extremely frustrating as they had absolutely no interest in my lure which I tantalizingly (well I thought so!) dangled in front of their noses. I then spotted a Tilapia guarding a nest. I dragged the spinner past the nest hole and the fish darted out and snatched it in a blur! Even though it was a defensive attack rather than a feeding strike I was most impressed with having a fish on the line at last!

Now to get the camera out for a quick pic (one always needs evidence you know) while keeping the fish in the water alongside in order to release it quickly and allow it to return to guard duty. Now this is not as easy as it sounds as after my last experience with camera and boat at Nzhelele Dam, where I dropped the camera and it took a week to dry, it stays wrapped in a dry-bag clipped to Splash. In this whole process I let the line slack and the fish took advantage. With a tail flick it spat the hook out and disappeared! Must get a head mount for the GoPro!”

We eventually left the Albert Falls dam at 15h00 and headed for the Karkloof Nature Reserve, or so we thought! Our ‘trusty’ Garmin (called Ma’am) found the place and off we went. The very dusty, rather narrow road wound through pine and bluegum plantations, sugar cane field and maize field. It was very monotonous, except for the occasions where we had to avoid oncoming traffic that seemed to be travelling at break-neck speed. Then suddenly the monotony was lifted by a surprise field of wild flowers.

We spotted a bird on the telephone wires and think it is a Lizard Buzzard. If not, please let us know what it is.

We followed all the signs taking us to a KZN Wildlife Reserve, which usually is there for public use, even up to where the KZN Wildlife Office was indicated. The road got narrower and seemed ‘unused’ but we could not turn around with the ‘train’. Eventually the road petered out to a very overgrown ‘twee-spoor’ with an arrow to the office. Roger jumped out and walked up to the ‘office’ to find it totally derelict and obviously with no sign of life.

We fortunately had cell phone coverage so after an internet search we managed to phone Rockwood Forest Lodge which is in the area. They referred us to someone else who then informed us that the reserve is private and access was restricted to the land owners and lodge residents only. No day visitors are allowed! The KZN office was disbanded more than 10 years ago! It was almost 17h00 and we had to leave the area. Why no-one had removed the signs is anyone’s guess…

The closest next point for camping would be Howick so we backtracked to the main road and headed in that direction. Alas, no camping in or around Howick or Howick Falls either! The campsite at the falls is indicated on the town map but has in the meantime been converted to a parking lot. Next try was Midmar Dam. Success! We were setup for the night at about 20h00 and thanks to left-overs we still managed to get an early’ish night.

Today we will hopefully be collecting and installing a RaceTech chip for Ufudu which will hopefully improve power and fuel economy. Roger heard about it from Charles Moller and ordered it; to be delivered to Pietermaritzburg. He also made contact with Eugene Meyer who just happens to be in the area today and will come and inspect our solar installation at 14h00.

More about Howick, Midmar Dam and surrounds in the next post…