Story andrea abbott
Waterfalls also trigger madness, otherwise known as extreme adventure. This takes many forms and includes stunts like tumbling over the steepest, tallest waterfalls in barrels, or riding them in kayaks; walking a tightrope across Victoria Falls, or paddling and sometimes swimming to the edge of that 1 688m wide, 108m high basalt cliff to stare into the roiling depths far below.
They inspire legends too. One example is Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape whose inaccessible pool is said to hide a fortune in diamonds that have washed down the Orange River over the centuries. Closer to home, the monster Inkamyamba (a snake, they say, with the head of a horse) reputedly inhabits the deep, dark pool at the bottom of Howick Falls. And right here in the Upper Highway area, the pool at the base of the Lower Nkutu Falls in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve (KKNR) is home to another giant serpent, a python. “It’s why I haven’t checked the depth of the pool,” quips Kloof Conservancy chairman, Paolo Candotti.
Daredevils who’d like to fathom those depths and make the snake’s acquaintance need to know that access to the site was closed a few years ago. Paolo points out, though, that within Kloof’s famous gorge there are eight other impressive waterfalls and many minor ones. Five of the big ones can be reached via marked trails, while the remaining three – Ronald’s Kloof, Uve Stream and iNgulube – are virtually inaccessible, thus best enjoyed from view sites.
Of the accessible big five, the best known are the spectacular Kloof Falls on the Molweni River, just a short walk from the main picnic area at KKNR, and the equally scenic Mphiti Falls over which the iPhiti (Zulu for blue Duiker) River cascades. A circular trail heading upstream from the reserve’s Interpretative Centre leads to the bottom and top of this popular waterfall that’s sited on the eastern edge of Everton.
Also upstream from the main picnic site is the little known Porcupine Falls. Hidden in the forest, it’s an atmospheric place where a no-name river that describes the northern boundary of Everton drops down a many-stepped cliff on its way to merge with the Molweni. Sure-footed hikers who are not prone to acrophobia (fear of heights) can clamber up a steep, rocky slope to a platform behind the water curtain.
Only the base of nKonka (male bushbuck) Falls can be reached, the route there going via the Watsonia Place entrance to KKNR off Bridle Road. The Upper Nkutu Falls, known for its sandy “beach” and sizeable pool, lies on the Nkutu River that flows through Waterfall and along the northern edge of KKNR to eventually merge with the Umgeni. Access to this part of the gorge is from the reserve’s Valley Drive picnic site in Forest Hills.
Outside of KKNR but on the Molweni River and thus part of the wider Krantzkloof system is the Everton Waterfall. Few people visit this beautiful site yet, being on the border of Everton and Gillitts below Neville Drive, it’s practically in the middle of suburbia. Everton Conservancy is in the process of establishing a circular trail to the base of the falls that will start at the bridge in Acutts Drive and follow the banks of the river for most of the way.
The Big Ten waterfalls of KKNR and immediate vicinity contribute greatly to the outstanding natural beauty of the Upper Highway and thus play an important part in attracting tourists to our region. The trails leading to the falls are also gaining popularity with trail runners, who must welcome not only the glorious scenery but also the chance of a refreshing shower along the way.