The Journey Inward

I booked a flat on what I thought was a farm; in actuality, it is a gated neighborhood that starts down at Shoreline level and through a series of switchbacks takes you higher up into the mountains. I am three or four switchbacks up.

Also called “Harties,” the area is just south of the Gauteng province, where both Johannesburg and Pretoria are. It is in the Magaliesberg mountain range and was an easy 1 hour drive from Pretoria on a holiday Friday morning.

The dam was built in the 1920s on the crocodile river and has a beautiful Roman style arch wall. like most of the dams in this area, it is plagued by water hyacinth, which are beautiful, but a problem. They have introduced a bio bug here, which seems to be killing them off. All of the brown that you see in the pictures is the dying hyacinth.

The hiking and water activities are fabulous in this area. The surrounding markets and attractions are very touristy.

 Here are some pictures and videos of my flat.

I was looking for a hiking trail up into the mountains that began not far from where I am staying, but after walking 3 miles and never finding it, I gave up. I did come upon some stunning views and a beautiful old chapel.