HOME TO THE SAN PEOPLE- KAGGA KAMMA
“I am as young as the most beautiful wish in my heart – and as old as all the unfulfilled longings in my life…” – San elder
Keen to get away from a fast-paced life engulfed by the technological age? Then Kagga Kamma is the perfect getaway destination. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is situated on land which was once the hunting grounds of the San People.
For those who aren’t aware, the San People are one of my ancestors (with the others being Sotho, Xhosa, Scottish and British). Hence, this experience was incredibly fulfilling for me. The San, also known as the Bushmen, lived a nomadic lifestyle, only hunting and gathering enough to fulfil their needs. Sharing, celebrating and humbly giving thanks.
“Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time.”
In order to truly experience the ecological features of The Cederberg Mountain Range, hiking should be your top priority. Kagga Kamma offers guests self-guided hiking trails, with marked arrows that lead the way. The exquisite rock formations had me awe-struck and captivated at every turn. I’m not a geologist, but I can fully understand the excitement I’ve seen in friends when passing such rock formations.
-
The level of balance!
“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” – Anatole France
There are 3 different hiking trails (4, 7 or 9km) depending on your fitness levels and expectations – the 9km trail was unfortunately closed.
The 7km (Red Trail) had more terrain. The trail was tough to follow, because it was easier to miss the red arrows on the ground and get lost. We ended up creating our own path and would seldom find red arrows.
The 4km (Blue Trail), which was my favourite, had more rock formations – which meant, more rock art! Whoop whoop! We intentionally set out to find rock art when we went hiking, and to our excitement, found a few.
Although it looks like basic stick figures, the rock art are deeply embed with spiritual and religious significance. Painting was seen as a spiritual act to the San People.
With both of us being overachievers, once we discovered the first painting, we then set out to uncover them all! The history is so rich yet so majestically well kept within nature and I am all here for it
We were really dedicated to the cause, and even climbed large rocks to ensure that we did not miss any rock art.
After a hike in the heat, a dip in the icy pool is the perfect reward to your body. There are two pools at the Game Reserve, unique in their own way. In my opinion, the bigger pool is the better one and has the best sunsets with dassies (rock hyrax) minding their own business in between the rocks.
-
Soft life huh?
-
The smaller pool seemed more like a big jacuzzi.
-
Sunsets at the bigger pool
Kagga Kamma has a cozy bar with really affordable beverages. From shots (in massive shot glasses) to a warm cup of Milo.
-
Relaxing ‘n bietjie.
There are ample amount fun activities to do at the resort, from Game Range drives to playing Putt-Putt at the Khari Khari Mini Golf facility, with a cultural feel.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience away from all civilisation, then Kagga Kamma is the one! My hope is that my blog brings you closer to nature and creates a desire for you to want to learn more about the cultural heritage of South Africa.
Watch my Instagram for videos from the adventure 🙂
Location: Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederberg
When: Summertime
How much: For rates
For more information, visit Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Want to learn more, here are a few insightful posts.
Please subscribe to my blogs here xo
“I am as young as the most beautiful wish in my heart – and as old as all the unfulfilled longings in my life…” – San elder
Keen to get away from a fast-paced life engulfed by the technological age? Then Kagga Kamma is the perfect getaway destination. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is situated on land which was once the hunting grounds of the San People.
For those who aren’t aware, the San People are one of my ancestors (with the others being Sotho, Xhosa, Scottish and British). Hence, this experience was incredibly fulfilling for me. The San, also known as the Bushmen, lived a nomadic lifestyle, only hunting and gathering enough to fulfil their needs. Sharing, celebrating and humbly giving thanks.
“Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time.”
In order to truly experience the ecological features of The Cederberg Mountain Range, hiking should be your top priority. Kagga Kamma offers guests self-guided hiking trails, with marked arrows that lead the way. The exquisite rock formations had me awe-struck and captivated at every turn. I’m not a geologist, but I can fully understand the excitement I’ve seen in friends when passing such rock formations.
-
The level of balance!
“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” – Anatole France
There are 3 different hiking trails (4, 7 or 9km) depending on your fitness levels and expectations – the 9km trail was unfortunately closed.
The 7km (Red Trail) had more terrain. The trail was tough to follow, because it was easier to miss the red arrows on the ground and get lost. We ended up creating our own path and would seldom find red arrows.
The 4km (Blue Trail), which was my favourite, had more rock formations – which meant, more rock art! Whoop whoop! We intentionally set out to find rock art when we went hiking, and to our excitement, found a few.
Although it looks like basic stick figures, the rock art are deeply embed with spiritual and religious significance. Painting was seen as a spiritual act to the San People.
With both of us being overachievers, once we discovered the first painting, we then set out to uncover them all! The history is so rich yet so majestically well kept within nature and I am all here for it!
We were really dedicated to the cause, and even climbed large rocks to ensure that we did not miss any rock art.
After a hike in the heat, a dip in the icy pool is the perfect reward to your body. There are two pools at the Game Reserve, unique in their own way. In my opinion, the bigger pool is the better one and has the best sunsets with dassies (rock hyrax) minding their own business in between the rocks.
-
Soft life huh?
-
The smaller pool seemed more like a big jacuzzi.
-
Sunsets at the bigger pool
Kagga Kamma has a cozy bar with really affordable beverages. From shots (in massive shot glasses) to a warm cup of Milo.
-
Relaxing ‘n bietjie.
There are ample amount fun activities to do at the resort, from Game Range drives to playing Putt-Putt at the Khari Khari Mini Golf facility, with a cultural feel.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience away from all civilisation, then Kagga Kamma is the one! My hope is that my blog brings you closer to nature and creates a desire for you to want to learn more about the cultural heritage of South Africa.
Watch my Instagram for videos from the adventure 🙂
Location: Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, Cederberg
When: Summertime
How much: For rates
For more information, visit Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Want to learn more, here are a few insightful posts.
Please subscribe to my blogs here xo