What better way could there be to ring in the first day of a new year than exploring new places? Especially after ending 2014 on a literal high atop the Brandwag Buttress? That’s why Marilize and I decided to undertake the Echo Ravine trail at Golden Gate Highlands National Park that day (Joubert was out exploring other pastures in Golden Gate with his grandpa), a walk we’ve not done before. We were not disappointed that we did, the scenery on the way to, and inside, the ravine is simply awe-inspiring and in our view this is one of the best short (taking an hour or two to complete) walks in the Park. It’s not an easy walk, requiring you to clamber over boulders at several stages, especially as you near the head of the ravine, but the rewards are entirely worth the effort.
DeWetsWild 
Pingback: Echo Ravine in The Golden Gate National Park – London Traveller
An interesting spot I never knew of until today.
We’re glad to know we could introduce you to a beautiful South African spot, Kalyen!
Pingback: Summer at Golden Gate | de Wets Wild
Beautiful pictures and landscapes.
Thank you Sonya!
Oh, WOW! What else can I say?!
Wow’s good enough, thanks Patti!
Looks like such a wonderful place to hike! It looks like the trail is rather challenging but worth the effort.
Absolutely worth every boulder you have to clamber over Joanne!
The last photo look like stars!
These falling stars will drench you very quickly though 😀
I’m sure I wouldn’t mind – especially after a trek like that!
It’s a lot more refreshing in summer than in winter 😀
Yes true! How cold does it get in the wintertime?
The coldest we experienced at Golden Gate was -12 Celsius before sunrise on an August morning!
Yeah, that’s very cold! I originally came from a tropical country and even at about 21°C here in Southern California, I get cold! 😀
I also like the warmer side of the scale much more than the colder end!
Oh but I like the cold too! Snuggly!
Sjoe, jy’s gelukkig met die 2 insekte (motte?). Pragtige reeks.
Baie dankie Spokie. Ja, twee baie buitengewone motte daardie.
Pragtig,Dries!Mens voel sommer die atmosfeer daar.Ek hou veral van die een waar die waterdruppels oor die rand spat.
Baie dankie Dina, ek is bly as die fotos so bietjie daarvan kon oordra!
i so like the moths.
They’re certainly more colourful than most moths I know, thanks Sedge!
What a wonderful place!
Definitely very special!
Wow, the view is stunning! Great photos. 🙂
Thank you Amy!
Wow, these are really wonderful rock structures. Gets the ravine still fully filled with water or has it been carved by a once more powerful stream? Your story reminds me of the fact that we (still) have the best hikes when we’re just the two of us – although it’s getting better 🙂
The ravine must have been carved out of the sandstone over millions of years Maurice. I’m sure the little stream flowing through it must swell a lot after a good downpour, but not enough to fill the gorge.
Indeed, as our children grow bigger the options available for experiencing nature also expands.
Those are some dizzying heights. You are hardy souls.
We just love being outdoors much more than being indoors Rosemarie 😉
All the photos are wonderful, but that last one is just gorgeous!
Thank you Lois!