Monday, January 17, 2011

My Weekend Hike: Sibebe

This weekend I finally climbed Sibebe, the largest exposed granite dome in the world, which is a mere 10 minutes--and one very steep hike--from my house. I can't believe it has taken me this long to do it, as it is one of Swaziland bigger claims to fame (I know, I know, you've never heard of it--but now you have!). However, given the precarious weather we are having--during what is supposed to be summer but has been strangely more akin to London or Seattle with a few thunderclouds thrown in--a large granite rock is not the best place to be in inclement weather. In fact, Swaziland also holds a reputation for "one of the highest numbers of people struck by lightning per capita in the whole world," as reported on Wikitravel.

The hike made for an adrenaline rush, spectacular views, and some much needed training, as I will be hiking Kilimanjaro at this time next month! In a hilarious twist, my hiking boots which I'm quite sure I've had since 1995 (and which my parents kindly lugged to Swaziland for me) disintegrated about halfway up the climb, leaving me to hike in what more closely resembled moccasins. It was made all the more hilarious by the fact that I had just remarked on how impressive how some things last for so many years (careful what you say!). I don't recommend climbing in moccasins, but I did make it to the top not too much worse for the trouble. In any case, better to happen now than on Kili, but I definitely have some shopping to do before then!

View from the start:


Hard to show the steepness, but these should give some perspective--
View from hikers above--I'm the one lagging behind!:


A side view of the rockface we climbed:


Look ma, no shoes--well, just no soles really:


Panoramic shot from the top:

1 comment:

Unknown said...

cool...im going tomorow :-)