Spanafrican Adventures - The Blog

Giant’s Castle with Markus and Christiana – 8-10 February 2012

2012-02-15T20:51:00.000+02:00

Markus and Christiana from Munich with Giant's Castle

Giant’s Castle, the easternmost point on the Natal escarpment, is a prominent peak in the Drakensberg. 3314m above sea level it is the 10th highest point in South Africa and can be ‘easily’ climbed on foot via the Giant’s Castle Pass, its head being only 2km from the summit.

While researching for their 3-week holiday in South Africa, Markus and Christiana from Munich had read about the Giants Castle in the Drakensberg Mountains, and decided to start their journey with a hike in the area.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Christiana hiking up Giant's Ridge

First close view of Giant's Castle Pass

We arrived at our campsite just before the afternoon thunderstorms

The next day we hid our backpacks and went for the top unladen

Even without a backpack on Giant's Castle pass is a long 800m ascent

As you approach the top of the pass this gets steeper and rockier

Not far from the top now

Once on the escarpment all the hard work is rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas

Markus with the Long Wall in the background

Our campsite for our 2 nights in the Berg - No bad, hey?

The last day we woke up to a rainy morning - It was time to leave the mountains

We packed everything and waited in our tents for the first break in the rain to get moving.

Mafadi with Bradley, Ruan, Peter and Donovan - January 2012

2012-02-06T11:20:00.000+02:00

The escarpment illuminated by the first beams of sunlight

The first hike in 2012 was Mafadi, our most popular hike in the Berg. Bradley, Ruan, Peter and Donovan, 4 fun-loving law students from Pretoria, made up a super vibrant party. It was their first trip to the escarpment so this was a great adventure for them, a great way to charge batteries before the start of their final year at university.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Our campsite by the Centenary Hut. We had walked in the mist most of the day

In the evening started to clear up, which allowed for the first vistas of the escarpment

It got better and better

Finally we could appreciate what a fantastic campsite we were at

The clouds hovering around us made it even more photogenic

Our lightweight shelter for the following 3 nights

What followed was a festival of colour

It was as though the sky was on fire

Last tea before bed

Sunrise at 5:30am

Not a cloud in the sky

panoramic shot of the escarpment

From Giants Castle Ridge to the Trojan Wall

From the Triplets to Cathkin Peak

Break at the bottom of Judge's Pass

Judge's Pass: 700m in 2.3km

A local Basotho with his Basotho pony

Views from 1000m high basalt cliffs

Our campsite by the Injisuthi Triplets

5:15am before sunrise - The Corner sticking out of the escarpment

I stuck my arm out to take this pciture on the edge of the escarpment

As close as you can get

Sunrise of the 3rd day

sunrise by the Corner

It takes a little longer for the sunlight to reach the valleys in the Little Berg

Eastern Injisuthi Triplet

Upper Injisuthi Cave

The group on top of Mafadi

Panorama from the roof of South Africa

Contemplation at 3450m above sea level

Our first Basotho shepherd

A sheep leader

Wild flowers growing out of the basalt rock

Another young shepherd. Basotho in their late adolescence are sent to the mountains as an initiation into adulthood.

A break above the Lesser and Greater Injisuthi Buttresses

Following the edge of the escarpment down to the top of Leslie's Pass

The Basotho shepherds are always accompanied by the loyal dogs.

Intercultural picture at the top of Leslie’s Pass, before going back to the South African side of the Drakensberg.

With a total descent of 1000m in 2.6km, Leslies Pass makes you wish you were going up instead.

Fortunately, at the bottom there are a few rewards

Our campsite at the bottom of Leslies Pass

A break in the bushy section from the bottom of Leslies Pass to Marble Baths

Marble Baths - How cool is that?

This one deserves a close-up

An another one!

Peter enjoying the jacuzzi-like Marble Baths

Relaxing before the final 8km back to camp

The end - From left to right: Bradley, Ruan, Peter and Donovan, 4 intrepids soon-to-be lawyers from Pretoria.

New Year's Eve at Tarn Cave - December 2011

2012-01-25T14:18:00.000+02:00

Tarn Cave is big and deep overhang in the Clarens sandstone with fantastic 180-degree views.

Finally, this year I had the opportunity to spend a New Year’s Eve in the Drakensberg. Our friend James Voortman had scheduled a combined meet for the Mountain Club of South Africa and the Mountain Backpackers hiking club of Durban, and invited us to join them. Tarn cave, one of the finest natural shelters in the whole range, was the chosen venue. Located in the Bushman’s Nek Area in the southern Drakensberg, a 10km moderate walk from the main camp, this deep overhang in the Clarens sandstone has great vast panoramic views all the way from the Devil’s Knuckles to the Garden Castle.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

During our wet summer the rivers in the foothills of the Berg fill up with water.

Moraea inclinata

Watsonia socium

Following a side valley towards the top of the Little Berg.

On our way up we were caught in a big storm.

We got a little wet but it didn’t last long. Here, ourfriends Julia, Shannon and myself keeping the spirits high.

Although the sun was shining again the weather was stilllooking threatening.

On our way up along the last steep ridge leading to the highplateau.

More Watsonia socium.

Views from Tarn Cave.

Julia and Shannon making themselves home.

The Devil’s Knuckles with Watsonia socium out of focus.

Changing the focus to the Watsonia.

Watsonia lepida.

One of the tarns on the plateau which give name to the cave.

Shannon enjoying one of the jacuzzi-like ponds in the area.

Satyrium cristatum.

Dierama pauciflorum.

Another natural pool. Pity of the cold weather.

Enjoying a big hail storm from the comfort of our shelter.

The last beam of the day’s sunlight right after the storm.

Opening the first bottle of champagne. We were suspecting wewouldn’t make it to midnight.

This picture gives you an idea of how deep the cave is.

A picture of Bridget and myself taken by photo-enthusiast Anthonyvan Tonder.

January 1st, 2012.

Another Moraea inclinata.

It was a fantastic day so we went for a short walk in thearea before heading back home.

The group enjoying the unladen walk.

The ever-present Devil’s Knuckles.

The man and the mountains.

One of the first proteas in flower in the season.

Enjoying a swim in Cedric’s pool, along the Ngwangwane River.

Cedric’s pool is a well-know pool in the Bushman’s Nek Area,only 5km from the camp.

A 3 day hike in the Cathedral Peak Area - December 2011

2012-01-11T20:23:00.000+02:00

The long steep climb to Cleft Peak

Sue and Roger are ones of the many South Africans living in the UK. Christmas is always a good time to come back home for a family holiday, recharge and take a break from the long, cold, rainy English winter. For them, a few days hiking in the Drakensberg at the start of their holiday was the quickest way to switch off from the busy city life.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

A little scrambling right at the start of the hike: "where the heck are we going?"

Sue replenishing her salts with chips, a must-have snack when hiking.

As the day progressed the usual summer afternoon thunderstorms developed

We were surrounded by localised storms but somehow we were never caught.

Following the long ridge towards Organ Pipes Pass, far in the distance.

Once you get to the base of the basalt cliffs the path levels off...

...until we reach the grassy slope leading to the top of the pass, clearly visible in the background.

At our idyllic campsite with all the cooking paraphernalia. (I look like I’m dancing or something)

The following morning the day started with a long steep climb to Cleft Peak. We quickly took most of our layers off. The weather conditions were perfect: cool and windless.

On Cleft Peak summit. We got as close as we could to the edge of the escarpment to admire the great views below and around us, from Cathkin Peak to Eastern Buttress.

At 3280m, 1800m higher than our starting point, we really felt like we have come a long way.

Right above the cleft. I couldn’t go a step further. What a great shot!

Looking north: the Column and the Pyramid in the foreground, the Cathedral Peak Range in the middle ground and Eastern Buttress right at the back.

A few hundred meters away from Twins cave, somewhere on the left hand side, overlooking Mlabonja Pass.

Early the following morning, before the start of our descent.

Looking back to where we were coming from. Twins Cave is on the other side of the saddle.

Looking down the Mlabonja Pass.

Any downhill is easier if you use hiking poles.

All the passes in the Drakensberg are very steep and, when going down, care must be taken to avoid injuries.

The strong thick grass is great for support and balance.

It was a very hot day but fortunately we were walking right by the Mlabonja River, its clear crystal waters more appealing than ever.

During the last kilometres of our hike, now on easier terrain, we would often look back with wonder at the mountains we had been privileged to enjoy.

An Afro-Italian hike to Mafadi - November 2011

2012-01-10T01:08:00.000+02:00

The party on the escarpment. From left to right: Simona, Tank, Valerio and Elna.

A few months had elapsed since my last visit to the High Berg so I was really excited to this hike. This time the party was made up of Valerio and Simona from Italy and Elna and Tank from Pretoria, a nice Afro-Italian mix. This was my 6th hike to Mafadi in 2011 but, no matter how many times you hike in the Drakensberg, it is always a different and inspirational experience.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

On the first day the Dragon’smountains were looking a little moody.

Tenting by the Centenary Hut.Unfortunately, the hut is completely derelict and not very hospitable these days.

The short but steep 300m sectiontowards the contour path right at the start of the second day.

Notice the Centenary Hut in the background

Simona and Valerio working hard up Judgespass: a vertical ascent of 700m in only 2.3km.

Once on the escarpment we couldenjoy clear blue skies. The westerly winds coming from Lesotho usually preventthe clouds from advancing over the escarpment.

Views from our campsite by theInjisuthi Triplets. Cathkin peak always looming in the background.

A typical social evening in themountains. We were all happy to keep out of the cold wind.

On top of Mafadi. Believe it or notthis is what it looks like on the highest point in South Africa.

Fearless Tank getting a little tooclose to the cliffs.

Tank with the Lesser and theGreater Injisuthi Butresses.

Elna and the Greater Injisuthi Butress

Head of Leslies Pass, our way downfrom the escarpment. Here Tank was helping me to show the scale.

Zooming in.

And a bit closer.

The first metres down Leslies Pass.The pass is 2.6km long over rough terrain with a total vertical elevation of1000m.

It takes about 3 hours to complete.You’d never say 2.6km could take so long, would you?

Here we’re almost done. The head ofthe pass is right in the middle of the picture, the left one of the 2 smallsaddles.

At Marble Baths on the last day. Thispool is a paradise for tired hikers. From here is "only" 8km to the head trail. Noticethe Greater Injisuthi Buttress high above us in the background, which we wereoverlooking 2 days before.

Accomplished hikers at the end ofthe hike.

Zulu Cave - Greg and Michelle - October 2011

2012-01-09T12:12:00.000+02:00

Greg and Michelle with Sterkhorn

After a 2-month ‘break’ running our cycling tours in the Indian Himalayas, I was happy to be back in the mountains I love so much. American siblings Greg and Michelle were looking for an overnight hike that would allow them to experience the real wilderness of the Drakensberg. Zulu Cave is one of those overnight spots that are close enough from camp to make it easily accessible in a day, but far enough to feel remote.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Enjoying a break on the soft short dry grass.

A beam of sunlight through Intunja, In Zulu “The Eye of the Needle”.

Unfortunately, my camera had been stolen in India. These pictures were kindly sent to me by Greg and Michelle. For more pictures on this particular hike please read the following posts.

From Mafadi to a hike in the Little Berg - August 2011

2012-01-08T01:12:00.000+02:00

Sunrise from our campsite at the bottom of Leslie’s Pass, in the morning of the 3rd day.

It was the beginning of August and this was to be our last hike of the long cold winter of 2011. A few cold fronts had swept across the Drakensberg so I was expecting the passes and the escarpment to be partially, if not fully, covered in snow. For this reason my plan was to do the route the opposite way around: up Leslie’s Pass and down Judge’s Pass. This way, most of the route to Mafadi would be on the warmer northern slopes where the snow melts quicker. Once on top, if the colder southern slopes on the other side of Mafadi carried too much snow, we could always retrace out steps and go back down the same way. In the end, things didn’t go according to the plan but this still ended up being a great hike in the Little Berg.

This time I had a very special group: a truly South African blend: the Pedi, Gabriel, the coloured guys, Duane and Charlton and the white dude, Howard. And then, of course, it was me, the Spaniard, the complete foreigner!

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

The party along the first kms of the hike: Duane, Charlton, Gabriel and Howard.

First blooms of a Natal bottlebrush (Greyia sutherlandii)

First sights of Leslie’s Pass (left of the 2 snowy slopes), confirming it carried some snow.

In the evening there was radical change in the weather. This was the situation in the morning.

We decided to stay put and wait for the weather to improve.

In the end, we didn’t move that day. Other parties arrived that afternoon and set camp. We were all hoping for a better tomorrow.

Watching the pass for any sign of improvement.

However, that night the weather got colder and colder, and rain became snow. We came out of our tents to a white world.

We felt as though we were snowed up.

Our hopes for the peak were gone but the views were so spectacular that it didn’t really matter.

As soon as the sun was up the snow started to melt down quickly.

Some of our neighbours were also looking around in disbelief.

While some others opted for a late morning.

It was a glorious cloudless morning. We decided to spend our last night at Lower Injisuthi Cave.

A few hours later it was difficult to believe we had been in deep snow.

Walking up the narrowing Injisuthi Valley towards our cave.

My party was happy to be moving again and they were excited to be living a real mountain experience.

The Injisuthi Triplets above hovering clouds.

Excellent close-up of Leslies’s Pass, the left of the 2 snowy slopes. It would have been a mission to try to go up there.

Sunrise in the morning of our 4th and last day. There was hardly any snow left.

Lower Injisuthi Cave, where we spent a pleasant night.

Ready to go back home.

But before that, Charlton wanted to enjoy the freezing cold waters of the Lower Injisuthi pool.

Another shot looking back to Leslie’s Pass. The snow in the shady passes takes a lot longer to melt down.

A final surprise at the end of our hike: the eland and his friend the starling.

The traditional final group picture at the trailhead.

Mafadi with Gilly and Mark - July 2011

2011-07-26T13:18:00.002+02:00

Brilliant picture on top of Mafadi. You can tell it was “quite” chilly.

UK-based Gilly and Mark had decided to spend their honeymoon in South Africa, Gilly’s mother’s country of origin. Being outdoor enthusiasts they had planned a very active holiday, including some good challenging hiking in the Drakensberg.

Have a look at all our Mafadi Treks.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Day 1 - The long climb up to the Centenary Hut

We pitched our tents by the Centenary Hut to get some shelter as it usually gets very windy on this spot. The Injisuthi Triplets and the Injisuthi Buttresses after sunrise in the background.

From the Injisuthi Triplets to Cathkin Peak.

Gilly eagerly waiting for the first sunbeams of the day to warm up.

On our way to Judges Pass. Sometimes the contour path is not as flat as the name implies.

300m from the top of Judges Pass.

Gilly and Mark enjoying the rest. We would have a 5-minute break every time we gained 100m, a very popular system.

This picture can give you a very good idea how steep Judges Pass gets sometimes.

Our second overnight spot, above the Injisuthi Triplets.

My favourite shelter out of the wind on Mafadi.

First metres down Leslies Pass. The few patches of snow on top of the pass were iced up, needing some careful negotiation.

A fantastic campsite at the bottom of Leslies Pass.

The Marble Baths Valley. The white sandstone of the Marble Baths clearly visible.

Marble Baths Cave (The Annex)

Bizarre thorny leaves. I had never seen that before.

Mafadi Trek with Charly and Charlie - July 2011

2011-07-14T23:23:00.000+02:00

Cathkin peak and its other companions just before dark.

Charly from Belgium was coming to South Africa to take part in the Big Five Marathon in the Entabeni Game Reserve. But he wanted to take the challenge a little further and hike to SA’s highest peak a few days after the marathon. He admitted it would have been better if he had had a few more days rest in between. He had done Kilimanjaro by 3 different routes and according to him that was a child’s play in comparison with Mafadi.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

A panoramic picture of the escarpment in the Injisuthi Area, with the Injisuthi Triplets, Red Wall and the Lesser and Greater Injisuthi Buttress.

On the big climb of the first day on our way to Centenary Hut

Charly keeping the smile despite the strenuous effort.

Our campsite by the Centenary Hut.

Early winter is the burning season in the Drakensberg. The park is divided into different sections that are rotationally burned on a biennial basis.

Following the contour path on our way to Judges Pass.

Up Judges Pass. The smile is still there.

The path was iced up in some sections so some care was needed.

Somebody had been through the snow before us. We just had to follow their footprints.

On the southern slope before the hanging valley where our cave was. Fortunately the snow was quite hard and didn’t demand any extra effort from us.

On top of the saddle at last! The cave was not far from there.

Sunrise from Upper Injisuthi Cave.

Upper Injisuthi Cave, our cosy shelter. At 3300m it’s the highest cave in the Drakensberg.

On the Mafadi platform, at 3450m above sea level, with all the southern snowy slopes in the distance covered in 4 week old snow.

Despite the freezing winds the vistas were well worth it.

An unusual for winter layer of clouds was quickly rising.

The head of Leslies Pass. It’s hard to believe it’s possible to walk down there.

I was worried about the pass being full of snow but it wasn’t too bad after all.

Once we were past the top section the pass was free of snow.

Something different: the escarpment casting a shadow on the clouds.

The final metres of Leslie’s Pass.

The scary looking Leslie’s Pass in full display

The clouds quickly dissipated during the evening and this is how it looked the next morning.

The escarpment in that typical pinkie light after sunrise.

Looking back to where we had come from.

The Ape and Old Woman Grinding Corn in the background.

The confluence of the Injisuthi River and the Marble Baths Stream.

A Snowy Hike in the Drakensberg - June 2011

2011-07-14T23:00:00.000+02:00

Once on top we were surprised to see that the Berg was mostly covered in snow, especially on the southern slopes.

This year winter arrived early and in full force. At the beginning of June, a powerful cold front coming from the south west left the whole High Berg covered in snow, a beautiful wintry sight like I hadn’t seen in years. However, I was hoping that most of the snow would be melt for my next hike in 2 weeks time. It wasn’t going to be.

Snowy landscapes are picturesque, inspiring, beautiful..., especially in Africa, but soft snow is not a hikers’ favourite. Matt, Tank and I tried and walked for 2 days at a crawling pace. That was enough. It was decided to take the first escape route out of the escarpment to spend the final 3 days in a more pleasant environment.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Tank and Matt on the path leading from Sentinel Car Park to the Chain Ladders with the snowy Maloti Mountains in the background.

Tank in the final metres of the Chain Ladder. He was very happy to be over. He definitely felt the rush!

Matt loving the void!

A beautiful wintry sight. So nice to see but not so much when you keep on sinking in soft snow.

On top of the Amphitheatre with Beacon Buttress and the Sentinel looming behind us.

Overlooking from the 1000m basalt cliffs of the Amphitheatre.

In a clear day, the vistas from the Amphitheatre are simply mind-blowing.

We especially struggled on the Southern slopes which were fully under the snow. We would have died for a good pair of snow shoes.

Sometimes we would even go down to our hips.

This is the spot of our second campsite. We had to put the tent on the snow for the second time. A new experience for the 3 of us.

As usual the wind picked up during the night and in the morning it was still blowing. In the southwest direction the sky was full of cirrus, a harbinger of an approaching cold front

The weather deteriorated quickly in the next few hours. Gale force winds were expected for the next few days which, together with the struggle in the soft snow, suggested that it was time to get out of the escarpment.

So we took the first pass down, Fangs Pass, not the easiest of the Berg passes.

There was no path to follow and for most of the time we were boulder hopping. The going was at a crawling pace but we had no other choice but to be patient and try not to sprain an ankle. On the other hand it was a pleasure to be out of the wind and take some layers of clothes off.

In spite of being only 18 Matt proved to be a tough hiker. He just kept going and going without any complaints. He was having a good time after all.

Tank, who had been with me in a previous hike, was loving the challenge. That night he was already asking for the next one.

That night we stayed at 5-Star cave at the end of the Mbundini Valley

Mweni Baths at the bottom of the Icidi Valley

Matt gave it a go and had a swim in the freezing waters. Tank and I were more than happy to be spectators.

Walking in the beautiful red grass (Themeda triandra).

makeshift aerial in the Mnweni Area. It works!

Enjoying a rest at the local spaza shop

From there we've got a lift to the Mnweni visitor's Centre

For the 4th night I thought it was a good idea to stay with a local Zulu family

Local guide Chaiphus Mthabela has been hosting tourists at his home for years

Caiphus' children enjoying the morning warm sunlight

Caiphus and his 4 children.

The Saddle, a prominent landmark in the Mnweni area.

Mountain rescue practice with the Mountain Club of South Africa - June 2011

2011-06-19T18:33:00.000+02:00

MCSA rescue team members keeping low waiting to be hoisted up the helicopter.

All search & rescue operations in Kwazulu-Natal are lead by the KZN section of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) in conjunction with the provincial Emergency Rescue Medical Services (EMRS), the South African Polices Services (SAPS) and the South African Air Forces (SAAF)). The MCSA rescue team are all volunteers who regularly attend rescue sessions, cliff practices and helicopter practices.

The Oryx is the preferred helicopter on rescue operations.

We were deployed on the escarpment which was covered on a thin layer of snow fallen during the last few days. After about half an hour on the escarpment, the first team was collected and transferred down to the Little Berg, a much more pleasant place.

The huge blades of the Oryx produce a big amount of snow spin-drift which makes the use of googles a must. You also need to stay as low as possible otherwise you're risking to be blown away by the little hurricane.

Then the second team, mine, had to wait its turn. It was great to see the Drakensberg covered with snow again but there was an awful freezing cold wind blowing from the west that made it very unpleasant. Fortunately, I had put all my thermals on. But by the time the chopper was back I was ready to leave.

After a few minutes wait everybody started moving around trying to keep warm.

The snowline was quite high, only the High Berg was under the snow. It was actually quite nice when it was calm.

The second part of the day's practice consisted on hoisting operations in the Little Berg. Here, the helicopter looks like having crashed against the rock cliff, pure optical illusion.

From our point that chopper looked way to close to the rock cliff. The weather was holding where we were but it was a lot more ominous a little further north from us.

The helicopter engineer is in charge of controlling the hoist while lowering and lifting passengers. Everybody inside is secured by means of carabiners and slings. It was my first helicopter practice. Even though I had been hoisted up as a patience once before (I'll tell the story one day), this time the rush of adrenaline was a lot bigger, just because I was now aware that our lives were pending from a thin cable, a carabiner, a short sling and a harness. And I say "our lives" because we were hoisted in twos!!!

Vaalribbokkop and Zulu Caves, a hike with friends - June 2011

2011-06-19T18:00:00.002+02:00

Not a bad spot for lunch, is it? It was a spectacular day.

Even though I have been spending lots of time hiking in the Drakensberg lately as a mountain guide, I was looking forward to sharing the Berg with some of my friends, just for the sheer love of it. Without the weight of responsibility I could relax and admire the mountains I love so much.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Sarah posing with the Sterkspruit Valley, Cathkin Peak and Sterkhorn

14km after the start of our hike at the Monk's Cowl camp we could finally feel away from civilization. The Mhlawazini Valley just before sunset

An overexposed version of the same picture.

Matt on the ridge that separates the Mhlawazini Valley from the Culfargie Area. The ever-present Cathkin Peak in the background. The Zulu name for Cathkin Peak is, very appropriately, Mdedelelo which means the "bully" or "the one that stands out".

Matt, dish-washing in the bush (with biodegradable soap, of course)

We spent the first night in Vaalribbokkop Cave in the Hospitalspruit Valley. As we were about to leave, Matt had to unpack his backpack after discovering a leak in his water bladder.

On our second day, we followed the Hospitalspruit Valley down to the Mhlawazini Valley.

Protea trees thriving in the warm slopes of the Little Berg

After an hour's walk we reached the Mhlawazini Valley which then we followed upstream.

A picturesque spot in the Mhlawazini Valley - Not many hikers come to this part of the valley.

The path runs high above the river before dropping down to the river again. Here my 3 fellow hikers (Sarah, Matt and Kath) admiring the landscape.

Looking downstream. The Mhlawazini river joins the Mlabonja river 15km later in the Cathedral Peak area.

Sarah and Kath with Clarens sandstone cliffs for a background.

Lunch in the Mhlawazini river. Yes, that's Cathkin Peak.

My friends had a swim before lunch. I decided to take pictures instead ;-)

And we had good snacks for the trail. What else can you ask for?

Zulu Cave, our second overnigth spot, in a side valley of the Mhlawazini Valley.

In Zulu Cave we were joined by the rest of our friends, who could only come for 1 night.

Jack, one of our friends suggested climbing to the top of Intunja (in Zulu, "the Eye of the Needle") or in Afrikaans Gatberg ("the Mountain with a Hole") I thought it was a great idea so up we went, Jack and I. The rest of our friends took the path back to Monk's Cowl

One of the rewards of climbing peaks, apart from the sense of accomplishment, is the bird's eye vistas. Intunja is a great vantage spot. Here looking down into the head of the Mhlawazini Valley. From Left to right: Sterkhorn, Cathkin Peak, Monk's Cowl and Dragon's Back.

From left to right, The Amphletts' and Turret below Sterkhorn (out of sight on the right hand side).

I couldn't help myself and I asked Jack to take a picture of me.

Self-portrait with the hole.

Jack and I joined the rest of our friends on the way down Keartlands Pass. Here a panoramic shot of the broad Sterkspruit Valley (named by the Zulus Mpofana) where Monk's Cowl Camp is set on.

Northern Drakensberg Traverse - Forsdick group - May 2011

2011-06-19T16:23:00.002+02:00

The whole party. We had spent 5 unforgettable days together in the mountains. This is a picture to look at in 10 years time!

At the end of May 2011 I had the fortune of spending 5 fantastic days in the Drakensberg Mountains with 9 adventurous Capetownians. With 9 porters we were a big yet harmonious party. We had to endure tough weather conditions with ice cold high winds but the mind-blowing vistas made it all worth it.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

On the path that runs from the Sentinel Car Park to the Chain Ladder.

That day the air was so clean that it looked as though you could touch the basalt cliffs on the other side of the Amphitheatre. The Devil's Tooth is the most prominent peak.

The last stretch before the Chain Ladder with the Sentinel in the background.

Expectantly waiting their turn up the chain ladder. Richard looked a little bit tense.

The Chain Ladder in full display (pity of the shady bottom half). The original chain ladder has been there since 1930. It actually consists of 2 sections of 15m and 5m approximately each. Some years later, a twin chain ladder was installed.

On the left hand side, Karen reaching the top of the first section. The second and shorter section visible on the right hand side of the picture.

Everybody up. Good spot to cool down and let the adrenaline settle.

Mike Strong, at 63, is still a great mountaineer. A good role model for me.

Views of the Amphitheatre from the top of the Tugela Falls. From Left to right: Eastern Buttress, Devil's Tooth, Inner Tower and the escarpment.

Looking down the rather empty Tugela Falls, arguably the 4th highest waterfall in the world.

And then the sunset came and brought the usual beautiful pastel light of the winter's evenings.

Everybody was blown away by the cold beauty of the twilight.

This is my favourite picture of the trip. I find it so inspiring. So easy to dream with it.

Of course, as the sun set the temperature plummeted. Gail and Maryke putting on some warm clothes.

We had started the day rather late so it was decided to overnight by the Bilanjil Falls, 5km short from the planned campsite by Ifidi Pass. A shortish second day to the Mbundini Abbey was on schedule so we had enough time to make up for the lost time.

The last light of the day was exactly as it is shown in the picture. I promise.

Leaving from our first campsite. Everybody was happy to walk spread out, with the porters at the back of the group.

Mike overlooking a gully by Mount Amery.

Karen, my hero: notice she's on a t-shirt while everybody is warm jackets, beanies and gloves. She was sweating while the rest of us were almost shivering. How does that work?

Going over yet another ridge. The porters and Karen always keeping us on sight from the back.

Clear vistas of the Mnweni Area in the middle ground and Cathedral Peak, the Bell Cathkin Peak, Monk's Cowl and Champagne Castle in the background.

Just leaving our second campsite

Mike with the Madonna and her Worshippers, with the Mnweni Needles in the background.

Turn for John and the Needles.

John, once again, what to say? Simply amazing!

From this view point we could just make out the top of Mponjwane. Our overnight spot, Mponjwane Cave, was right next to it.

Wow!

John overlooking the Mnweni Valley

Peter at the top of the Mnweni Pass with the Mnweni Pinnacles in the background.

Mponjwane or Rockeries Tower. There's a huge vulture colony in this spot. You can look at the vultures for hours and hours.

The Mnweni Needles.

Sunrise from our cave. The weather looked a bit uncertain. You know what they say: "Red sky in the morning, sheppherds warning"

Mponjwane Cave. a cosy shelter with wonderful views.

Damp air from the east was pushing its way up to the escarpment. I was preparing myself for another day of GPS navigation.

That eerie feel of the misty peaks that I like so much.

The Dragon was around but it ended up being another great day.

Walking down the first stretch of the Mlabonja Pass towards Twins Cave our fourth and last overnight spot of the trip.

At Twins Cave enjoying a magnificent evening.

But the weather deteriorated during the night with light snowfalls and high winds blowing right through into the cave. It was a tough night. In the morning the weather was still as bad, so we were eager to make our way down to the comfort of the Cathedral Peak Hotel.

Colleen and Peter wisely had decided to pitch their tent in the cave to keep out of the wind.

We had been through a freezing night. This is the proof.

Mlabonja Pass on a precarious stretch.

Surprise! The elusive klipspringer was one of the highlighs of the last day.

The Mlabonja Pass is famous for its overgrown path.

Looking back at the Mlabonja Pass

Arriving in the Cathedral Peak Hotel grounds.

Mafadi with Driekie and Riaan - May 2011

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Driekie and Riaan with their Leslie's Pass. How to forget that climb?

Driekie and Riaan had visited the Drakensberg many times before and done a few challenging day hikes but they had never backpacked and been in the High Berg in the past. They had visited the Injisuthi Area before and knew that Mafadi, South Africa’s highest point, was somewhere up there not far from the top of Leslie’s Pass. It was time to go for it. But nothing could prepare them for that steep climb up the pass, not to mention the unexpected high winds that we would encounter on top. It’s so easy to underestimate the Drakensberg... However, even though it was probably the toughest 4 days they had ever been through, I knew they had what was needed and they managed just fine. It’s hard to forget that close look at the Dragon, its changing moods and its indescribable beauty.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Along the unending and tedious boulder-hopping section between Marble Baths and the base of Leslie's Pass, our first overnight spot.

The start of the second day, along the first metres of Leslie's Pass. Finally we were on a path again. The maze had been left behind.

Leslie's Pass clearly on sight. It's the grassy slope on the left hand side of the spur in the middle of the picture.

Looking back down the Injisuthi Valley from the top of the first ridge .

Once on the top of the pass, we found ourselves among snow patches that had fallen a few days before. The wind was howling and it was very cold, so we had to put on several layers to make ourselves more comfortable. The Pass took us a lot longer than we had planned so we decided to cut the day shorter (the plan was Injisuthi Summit Cave) and look for a spot by the river where to pitch our tents for the second night.

During the night the wind got even stronger. By 4:30am my tent couldn't bear it any longer: one of the poles snapped and went through the flysheet tearing it. Fortunately it was only 1 hour to sunrise and it was dry, so I just laid down in what was left of the tent. Here, at the beginning of our third day, making our way to the top of Mafadi, the broad Dome in the top centre of the picture.

This is the small shelf on Mafadi where we usually have a rest to keep out of the wind. This time it hardly provided any shelter, so it was a short break.

Coming down from the escarpment by Judge's Pass (usually the way up on our regular Mafadi hikes). We were finally out of the wind. What a relief! The third day was a very long day as we had to make up for the time lost the day before. We got to Centenary Hut just before dark.

The morning of the fourth and final day was memorable, with clear views of the most important landmarks of the area. From Left to right: the Trojan Wall, the Injisuthi Triplets, Lesser and Greater Injisuthi Buttress, the Ape, Old Woman Grinding Corn, Champagne Castle, Monk's Cowl and a bit of Cathkin Peak.

A close-up of the Injisuthi Triplets. From left to Right: Eastern Injisuthi Triplet and Western Injisuthi Triplet. The Middle Injisuthi Triplet is out of sight tucked in between the other 2.

A close-up of the Lesser Injisuthi Buttress (left) and the Greater Injisuthi Buttress (right).

Another panoramic shot with the sun much higher up. Leslie's Pass is just visible, between Scaly Peak and the Molar.

Another close-up shot of the Injisuthi Triplets. The Middle one is nowhere to be seen yet. Injisuthi Summit Cave is on the top grassy slope on the left hand side of the Eastern Triplet.

Mafadi Trek - April 2011

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Our campsite by the Centenary Hut. As soon as the sun set the temperature plummeted.

Autumn is usually a lovely time of the year to hike in the Drakensberg as it offers the best weather conditions: cloudless skies and cool temperatures. The air is crispy, the visibility fantastic, the light simply stunning with beautiful sunrises and sunsets in cool pastel tones that provide food for the soul.

Loudina and Arjan, from Cape Town, had visited the Drakensberg in numerous occasions, done a few day hikes but never been far into the mountains. A few months ago Arjan had contacted me to arrange the 4 day hike to Mafadi to be the highlight of their Easter holidays. I believe it really was.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

From the Injisuthi Area there are great views of Monk's Cowl Area's most emblematic peak: Champagne Castle, Monk's Cowl, Cathkin Peak and Sterkhorn.

Injisuthi Camp with a lovely Autum feel to it.

Loudina and Arjan, happy to be on the trail at last

The hike runs along a seldom visited bushy valley.

Even though in April the main flower season is over you're still able to see things like this.

Experienced hikers know well about the climb up the long ridge leading to Centenary Hut.

Beautiful afromontane grassland. In April the grass starts drying out.

In Autum the light is at its best.

A sunset with beautiful pastel tones.

In the morning our tents were completely frozen.

The frost melted down as soon as the sun was up. The conditions were perfect for hiking.

The everlasting helichrysums.

The slope in some of the sections along the contour path is really steep.

Judges Pass, our gateway to the High Berg, 700m above us.

A well deserved sunny rest on top of the pass.

Judges Pass is often used by dagga smuglers. They're no danger for hikers.

Sunset at 3300m.

We spent the night at Summit Injisuthi Cave. Loudina and Arjan keeping warm the next morning. Arjan got bad altiude sickness, he wasn't feeling too happy.

The sunrises from the cave are legendary.

Sun, you are a star!

Summit Injisuthi Cave is on a hanging valley overlooking the Injisuthi Triplets.

Loudina and Arjant on top of Mafadi. Mission accomplished!

Head of Leslie's Pass, 900m total elevation from tip to top.

Half the way down the pass.

The pass gets seriously steep at times. Fortunately there's always a bush closeby which offers a good grip.

The final ridge down the pass (on the left hand side).

Sunrise from our campsite, at the bottom of Leslie's Pass.

The campsite is a cosy grassy spot big enough for 2 tents.

Final day!

Typical Berg lunch, beautifully prepared by Loudina.

Marble Baths Cave, the annex.

Wild dagga.

The end of the trip.

Loudina and Arjan all smiles after having spent 4 days in the Drakensberg.

The Grand Traverse of the Drakensberg - April 2011

2011-05-11T11:25:00.005+02:00

This is why I love what I do.

The Grand Traverse is the mother of all hikes in the Drakensberg. With a total distance of about 230km and a total elevation gain over 9000m (higher than Everest), the preferred length of this trip is between 12 to 15 days. The hike runs along the top of the escarpment, keeping as close to the edge as possible for good vistas, and stays at an average altitude of 3000m, crisscrossing the border between Lesotho and South Africa. It’s a remote area, inhabited by the hardy Basotho shepherds, accompanied by their loyal dogs, who use these high lands for grazing for their sheep, goats, cows and horses. They leave the area during the winter months when it gets too cold for comfort.

Perpendicular to the escarpment, 34 ridges with their corresponding valleys need to be crossed. Due to the duration and undulating terrain, the Grand Traverse requires not only an above average physical fitness but, most importantly, mental strength and determination. Only a handful of people do this trip every year.

Recently I had the opportunity to organise my first Grand Traverse for Dési and Bart from Belgium. They had been inspired by the book, “Encounters with the Dragon”, a masterpiece by John Hone, in my opinion the best photographic book on the Drakensberg ever published. They were experienced and had done long distance hikes in other parts of the world and were looking for a trip of at least 10 days. The Grand Traverse was for them.

Pack animals are not used in the Drakensberg, so to organise a trip of this nature I had to arrange 3 Porters and 2 resupplies. April is usually an ideal time of the year to hike in the Drakensberg. However, the reality is that weather patterns and climate are doing some strange things these days, as we found out during our trip. However this was beyond our control and with a bit of patience we were duly rewarded.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

The full Party: Desi, Bart, myself and our 3 porters: Mohlakoana, Alfred and Shabalala.

Beautiful picture of the Amphitheatre struggling against stormy clouds.

Walking by Stromberg basalt cliffs.

Porter Mohlakoana loaded with a 30kg backpack. On gumboots!

Bart negotiating the chain ladder with confidence.

Last steps for him.

This was my 10th ascent of the chain ladders.

On top of the Amphitheatre it was misty again.

As usual we had some encounters with Basutho shepherds.

A beautiful view with the weather deteriorating quickly.

During our second night in the mountains the rain started to fall and didn't stop for more than 24 hours. We decided to sit it out for 1 full day.

At the source of the Orange River (Senqu for the Basotho) the ground was saturated with rain water. Bart have to dig a trench around their tent to avoid flooding.

Desi and Bart's fantastic tunnel tent, with a very roomy and convenient vestibule (especially in rainy conditions). I was jealous.

Eventually we could pack up and carry on walking. In the morning of our 4th day, we enjoyed a beautiful colony of vultures by the Rockeries Pass.

There were literally tens of them.

The mist fell on us once again and it wasn't long before it started to drizzle.

The next morning the weather seemed to give us a break. We were finally above the clouds.

Beautiful sunrise at Tseketseke Pass with views of the Pyramid.

On the way up to Cleft Peak. We could finally see what we had left behind.

From Cleft Peak it's possible to see all the way from the Eastern Buttress, in the Royal Natal area, to the Cathkin Peak, in the Monk's Cowl area.

The weather was still reluctant to improve completely but the light was great for photography.

The warm low warm damp clouds from the east were competing against the strong high dry winds from the west. A good change in weather was coming.

Sunrise from Didima Cave.

Ship's Prow Pass, one of the toughest passes in the Drakensberg.

At the head of Ship's Prow Pass.

A real Basotho "cowboy".

It's unusual to see a Basotho Kraal so close to the escarpment.

A great sunset at our campsite by Leslie's Pass.

Views from Leslie's Pass the next morning.

The Injisuthi Valley.

The Greater Injisuthi Buttress.

On the way to Bannerman's Pass.

Desi and Bart overlooking the Giants Castle Area. Gypaetus Point in the background.

The sturdy Basotho Pony ever-present on the High Berg.

Relaxing at our campsite by Bannerman's Pass.

The next morning I could witness one of the best sunrises I've ever seen. It was just magic.

It doesn't get much better than this.

Porter Alfred.

Porter Shabalala.

Porter Mohlakoana.

Bird's eye views of the Giant's Castle Area.

Desi walking on a carpet of helichrysums.

The Giants Castle.

My tent kept on leaking so I had to apply some makeshift waterproofing. It worked!

Our campsite by the Tent. Excuse the blurb but the colours are still well worth the picture. No photoshopping here.

Every morning in the Grand Traverse starts with a climb.

Overlooking Ka-Masihlenga Pass.

Above a perfect sea of clouds.

Descending towards the broad shallow Redi Valley.

Our stunning campsite by Mkhomazi Pass.

Desi celebrating the crystal clear blue sky.

A beautifully built Basotho hut.

Thabana Ntlenyana (The beautiful Little Mountain) - At 3482 it's the highest peak south from Kilimanjaro.

The Sani Flats.

Sani Top Chalet at Sani Pass is one of the most expected points along the Grand Traverse (for obvious reasons).

One of our porters got sick (in blue), so we had to come down the escarpment one day earlier. Here descending the Stones Pass north.

The first 300m of descent of the pass are very steep.

Discussing our route out of the mountains.

The first Span-African Bell Traverse - March 2011

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A great outlook point of the Mlabonja Valley no far from Twins Cave.

Last week I had the opportunity to lead my first black group in the Drakensberg Mountains. African people haven’t traditionally practised mountain sports for pleasure, but times are changing and, with better education and economical resources, cultural barriers are gradually disappearing. So this was a really special trip and I had been looking forward to experiencing the new South Africa since the moment my clients had confirmed.

I wasn’t disappointed. From the moment I met the tenacious trio Tank, Brian and Ntokozo at the car park, I knew it was going to be a really fun weekend. It was their first overnight hike and they were full with excitement. Their enthusiasm and humour was highly contagious and kept our spirits high for the duration of the hike. A Sotho, a Zulu, a Xhosa and a Spanish, we were the most extraordinary group, probably the first Span-African hiking party in these mountains ever!

The Bell Traverse is not a trip suitable for beginners. But they were young, eager, sporty and, most importantly, had the right attitude, so I knew they could cope well. Although it was a real challenge for them at times, especially that long slog up the Mlabonja Pass, these three took it all in their stride showing their determination. Once we arrived at the Cathedral Peak Hotel, and we could look back at the mountains over a 5-star burger and a beer, the “hardship” was quickly forgotten and they asked me: So, what’s next?

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

My very excited African group - They kept their spirits up until the end

uring our first day we had to cross the river an unending number of times. Here barefooted Ntokozo.

The very rocky and busy Tseketseke Valley tested our patience

The Tseketseke Valley. A very faint footpath runs along the steep hillside

The Tseketseke river. Here we had to take our boots off once again.

Our first night, a cosy shelter near Xeni Cave.

On the second day we made our way up the Mlabonja Pass

The side valley of the Mlabonja where Xeni Cave is. Unfortunately the spectacular Pyramid was in the mist.

Taking a well-deserved break after reaching the contour path which we would follow for 2km before regaining the Mlabonja Valley for the start of the pass.

Mlabonja Pass, a very steep and long climb

At the end of the summer the grass is at its highest making progress more difficult.

Some sections of the pass are really steep and hiking becomes scrambling

High about the clouds. Here the final steps to Twins Cave

Morning of the 3rd and final day. Leaving Twins Caves towards the Bell Traverse

Some sections of the Bell Traverse require a head for heights, which my friends had.

The Bell Traverse contours for 6km from Twins Cave to Bugger's Gully.

Bugger's Gully, no need to wonder about the origin of the name.

From this point, the adreanaline kicks in as one wonders how on earth you can make it safely to the gully.

It's just an optical illusion, the path is actually 100% safe

The ominous looking Bugger's Gully is littered with loose rocks. But with a little patience one can make his way up safely

It's not a route that I would like to attempt in icy conditions.

Brian and Ntokozo close to the top on safer ground

Tank showing the tension of the moment. On this kind of situation you need to be 100% focused.

The other side of the gully is not any better.

The final ridge down the mountain. The Cathedral Peak Hotel is only a few km away.

A cold drink and a pub meal at the Cathedral Peak Hotel is one of the highlights of the hike

And you can finally relax while looking back in awe at where you have been a few hours before.

An overnight hike to Zulu Cave - March 2011

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Great light from Zulu Cave

Christina and Bernhard from Germany had never camped in the mountains before. They just wanted to do 2 day hikes in a nice area. Didn’t they want to overnight in a beautiful cave instead, I asked them? To stay in a cave is of the unique experiences that we are fortunate to have in the Drakensberg. The Bushmen used these natural shelters, formed by erosion in the Clarens sandstone, for many thousands of years before the arrival of the white man in the mid 1850s, when they were sadly hunted for trophies until they were completely exterminated. The Bushmen are now long gone but the caves are still there. Some of them feature some of the finest rock art in the world, which is one of the reasons why the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was declared world heritage site in 2000.

So I managed to convince them to be like a Bushman for one night. They had never hiked with a backpack on but being only one night it wasn’t much that we needed to take with us. I provided all the camping equipment and they brought their clothes, the right attitude and a good sense of humour. They managed without any problems, it was something new for them and they realised they quite liked it.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

Christina and Bernhard at the start of their first backpacking trip ever!

Helichrysums, probably the most common flowers in the Drakensberg

Crystal Falls, barely 2km after the start of our hike. We had gained though in hot temperatures though , so a little refreshing time had been well earned

Hesperantha baruii

The long way to Blindman's Corner

Another night in Zulu Cave, a well known shelter in the Drakensberg

Most caves in the Drakensberg are formed in the Clarens Sandstone cliffs

A morning shower before our return

the steep climb from the Mhlawazini River

Moraea brevistyla

Scabiosa drakensbergensis

From left to right, from highest to lowest: Cathkin Peak, Sterkhorn, Tower and Amphletts

Corycium nigrescens (black-faced orchid)

Descending Keartlands Pass

Signs like this are common near main camps. But a little further away there's nothing to guide you but a good hiking map

A hike to Mafadi, the highest peak in South Africa - February 2011

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Sabine and Herbie on the summit. At 3450m, Mafadi is the highest peak in South Africa

Sabine and Herbier from Holland have done some interesting and serious treks in the Andes and Jordan, and were eager to experience the Drakensberg during their visit to South Africa in March. Not surprisingly they were fit and were up for a serious challenge.

Mafadi, at 3450m, is the highest peak in South Africa. It’s really just another round dome shared with Lesotho but it’s the getting there that makes it a fantastic hike. What it so special is the remoteness and the fact that getting there, is challenging. The 4-day trip starts at Injisuthi Camp, one of my favourite spots in the Berg. The elevation at that point is 1450m, 2000m below the peak. While there’s a lot of climbing which isn’t easy with a heavy pack the views are something else. I think you will find that the pictures speak for themselves.

If you would like to do this hike contact us at info@spanafrican-adventures.co.za or have a look at our website www.spanafrican-adventures.co.za for other exciting options.

The ever cheerful Sabine and Herbie - We had lots in common including our backpacks

Our first campsite by the Centenary Hut. It had been raining most of the night but it looked as though it could clear up for us.

And it did! A beautiful and promising day. Note the Centenary Hut.

Hesperantha baurii

Climbing up the steep Judges Pass

Although it's not a rock pass there's some easy scrambing involved

Half the way the pass the mist caught up with us.

Fortunately the westerly winds kept the escarpment clear of clouds

Huge anvil shape clouds developing over Natal

A classic sunrise from Injisuthi Summit Cave

Herbie posing for the camera

Injisuthi Summit Cave used to be one of the most valued caves in the High Berg. Unfortunately, the Basotho have been keeping it a bit untidy lately.It needs a little TLC.

Sabine enjoying the first beams of sunlight of the day.

Mafadi was our main goal on our third day. Here Herbie starting the ascent shortly after leaving the cave

And here we go! top of Mafadi, at 3450m the highest point in South Africa. 2000m above Injisuthi Camp from where we started 3 days before.

The wind was quite intense that morning. Here we found a perfect spot out of the wind where to recharge our energy levels.

In summer the Basotho bring their animals in the upper reaches of the escarpment: sheep, goats, horses and cows are a common sight.

The Basotho shephers are always accompanied by their loyal dogs

Another group of young Basotho shephers. This is the cultural element of any hike in the High Berg.

A thin layer of clouds prevented us from seeing the finest views that you can usually enjoy during this hike. Here just before the start of our descent of Leslie's Pass.

A few hundred metres afterwards we would be under the clouds and could enjoy maginificent views of the Injisuthi Valley

Leslie's Pass is long but not difficult. You have to take it easy on some sections of loose rocks.

The Injisuthi Valley. Still a long way to the bottom.

We were dwarfed by the basalt faces above us

The top of the pass was visible at times.

At the bottom of the pass there's a great camping spot with room for a few tents.

A glorious morning. At last we could enjoy perfect views of the escarpment. Leslie's pass was clearly visible. IT was quite amazing to realise we had walked down there.

A dassie, also known as rock rabbit, but nothing to do with a rabbit

Marble baths is one of the most popular spots in the Injisuthi area. Luckily was in our way.

The water has carved beautiful water slides in the Clarens Sandstone

A real treat after all the hard work of the previous days

Miss Drakensberg.