Just as well, it felt like camping near the Arctic Circle. It’s the middle of winter here in the Drakensberg Mountains and a gusty north-easterly wind keeps me chilled to the bone. Not with my oodie and furry beanie though.

I arrived late afternoon at Mahai Campground in Natal National Park, a very strong breeze blew Zimba almost off the road. After a quick discussion with the gate warden, it was cleared that the school holidays had finished and prizes dropped from 480 Rand a night to 160 per night. The fun of holidays.

My cousins had word of my arrival and kept my camping spot open.

I am in for a treat.

It’s the exact same spot I camped 7 years ago and nothing much has changed since. Several hiking trails lead into the Drakensberg, I retraced my footsteps in familiar terrain.

This was my very first camping adventure with Zimba in 2017, before discovering South Africa for three months. I saw it as a good omen to start here again, before setting off with this rejuvenated zebra. Another big drawcard was the fact that the shower blocks had hot baths. What better way to relax after a full day hiking on a cold windy night?

Zimba was rocking and rolling within the rut of the wind, but the new canvas tent stood strong. In hindsight, I don’t think that the old, holy tent would have lasted all night. It’s a fair breeze coming down the mountains. I eventually fell asleep, cozy and warm after that hot relaxing bath.

Shaken and riddled, the baboon army woke me up just before sunrise with some monkey business. It’s dark and warm up here in the loftus tent.

I felt like relaxing in the sun all day. But that’s not what I came here for.

I had a busy day ahead. This mountain range offers vast walking tracks and photo opportunities galore. I packed my two cameras and Rick for an entertaining day up the hills. The wind dropped down to ‘normal’ strength as I packed my backpack with fruits and vegetables.

But first of all, a coffee in the strengthening sun accompanied by some tasty cereal should get my legs going for a while. Off we go.

Phew hundred hundred-meter elevation tested my stamina. The air is 1500 meters thinner here than at sea level.

And my lack of exercise of late got me huffing and puffing a bit. But it’s a sunny day and I was the only one on track this early morning. Serenity and peace.

I followed an idyllic stream over some cascades.

Long shadows cast towards the mountain ridge, glowing brightly from the early morning sun.

Higher up I tracked, towards the bluff which exposed a scenic view over the valley.

The Mahai Creek trickled over a few cascades further up the track.

Glass clear waters were collected in little pools, reflecting superbly by the sun.

It’s the dry season at the moment, as most waterfalls stopped flowing.

Leaving only tiger marks visible. My idea this morning was to hike up to the escarpment, but by lunchtime I recomposed.

The wind has picked up dramatically, blowing cold gusty air up my shorts.

I made the most of the locations I went to, my three cameras kept me busy.

The mountaineer’s backdrop looked dazzling from different angles. In different corners. I won’t be making it back to Zimba before sunset at this pace. I was looking forward to dinner, boerwors and veggies, and a hot relaxing bath. Bliss. Just what the doctor ordered after a long day in the Drakenbergs.

I was eager to get up and photograph the sunrise the next morning but the wind had intensified overnight, blowing me almost out of my tent.

Yeah, naaah. I don’t think so mate.

With only a half day on hand before seeing the nose doctor tomorrow, I opted for a chilled morning.

Zimba was purring all the way home as I was rocking and rolling with some favorite tunes. Fabulous.