#7: [13-Mar-21]

#4: [07-Sep-12]

#2: [06-Dec-03]

#1: [27-Dec-00]

#6: [17-Oct-15] (incomplete)

#3: [04-Jul-06] (incomplete)

11-Jun-2013 -- I was going to travel from Pietermaritzburg to Matatiele during June 2013. As Richmond was not far away from 30S 30E, I decided that this would be an ideal opportunity to visit a Confluence. I noticed that Hela Hela Nature Reserve was not very far away and I arranged to stay in one of their chalets. Being in the vicinity I also worked in visits to the Baynesfield Tractor collection and the Minerva Stationary Engine collection. Minerva is on top of a mountain from where you have beautiful views of the Umkomaas valley, and the plantations on the hills towards the Umkomaas.

From Richmond the first part of the road is tar which changes to gravel. The gravel surface is reasonable but care is needed for some washaways. You have a gradual descend towards the Umkomaas river and after crossing the river you climb out of the valley with the Hela Hela pass which is steep, but the road is in a reasonable condition and can be negotiated with a sedan. Hela Hela comes from Zulu and means "steep and narrow", referring to the original track out of the valley. Fairly close to the Confluence is a beautiful waterfall, the Qunu waterfall which is worth a visit.

After the visit to the waterfall I returned to the area of the Confluence and found it 50 m from the road amongst some bluegum trees of a plantation on a slight slope. As was remarked by prior visitors, the view at the Confluence is very uninspiring, basically only trees being visible with a faint glimpse of the road to the East and a farm road to the West. This visit took place on 11 June 2013 at 16:05. I took the required photos at the Confluence, the GPS showing S30:00:00 E30:00:00 and 1304 m.

From the Confluence east towards the Umkomaas river you see plantations whereas towards the West it is mainly farms with pastures and cattle.

I approached the Confluence from Richmond which is 41 km to the Northeast. You can also approach from Ixopo, 24 km to the South. I found getting to Richmond more convenient than getting to Ixopo.

Remark: Visit #2 refer to the Umzimkulu river but that is 45 km to the West of the Umkomaas.