Every year, the 50km race to the top of Tugela Falls and back from Royal Natal National Park, takes place in September. The number of participants is limited and selected. The route ascends Gudu Pass to Witsieshoek, up to Sentinel Car Park along the road, after which the Falls are reached via the Chain Ladders. Descent is via The Gully and back along the same way. This year's event was held on the 10th and was won by Lance Chapman in a time of 05:04:59. For more information visit the official website. A personal account by one of the participants, with pictures, can be read on this blog.

May the 14^th 2011 saw the running of the annual Mnweni Marathon – that epic mountain race which pits body and mind against the Drakensberg terrain, the altitude, the weather, your training or lack thereof, your hidden masochistic tendencies, the clock, and above all, your desire to get high on life / endorphins / adrenalin / cataflam. The circular route is easily described in one sentence: run up the Mnweni valley and pass, run down Rockeries Pass and the Ntonjelane valley back home – overall distance 38Km, altitude gain to the summit 1600m (stats may vary, depending on how officially lost or found you were at any given moment of the self-navigated route). The trials and tribulations of the day, and each participant’s unique tale of conquering the Mnweni could fill a chapter.

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for strong winds, hail- storms and lightning strikes in areas such as Greytown, Ixopo, Pietermaritzburg, Giant Castle, Underberg and the Drakensberg in general.

Source: The Witness

Please take care in the Berg as we enter the thunderstorm season!

Contact details for the management of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Details the KZN Wildlife Conservation Managers for the varios regions and areas, who should be contacted in the event of serious injury, death, missing person, criminal threat or any other serious or threatening situation.

You may also contact the respective managers if you have questions and concerns before a trip for issues such as security, fire dangers and trail conditions. Reports and concerns resulting from your trip can also be reported to them.

So the Cathedral Peak Hotel is taking the KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department to court over the state of the roads leading to the hotel. Good for them, I'm thinking!