Organ Pipes Pass Loop

Hey guys,

Here is a short write-up I did on our recent trip in the Berg, I will try and put something more substantial together over the weekend (with more photos).But for those who can't wait, here is something so long:

Drakensberg Hike #2

Looks like a fantastic weekend. How far is it up to the Old Fire Lookout?

Well done Louis!

And nice meeting you up there, glad you guys made it down ok - that was a ridiculously hot day descending the Camel!

Dillon, THANK YOU for setting our minds at ease on that dodgy section on the Camel and guiding us through it. I'm glad we took the Ribbon Falls route - the water stop for lunch was very much needed on that hot day. The staff at Didima said it was not supposed to be that hot this time of year. Must say we suffered a bit going down. All in all an awesome experience.

Biomech wrote: Looks like a fantastic weekend. How far is it up to the Old Fire Lookout?

I measured 7.41km from where we got dropped off on Mike's Pass to the hut. The views from there is really something!

LouisvV wrote: The staff at Didima said it was not supposed to be that hot this time of year.

This weekend was easily the hottest I have ever been in the Berg. I have seen the escarpment dryer before, but never been that hot up there.

On 24 September my wife and I left Pretoria early heading to KZN for our second Drakensberg hike. This time we thought we would do a 3 day 2 night hike. We arrived around midday in Didima and signed the mountain register. By now, the temperatures were already in the 30's and we kitted up and took a chance of finding out if we could at least get a lift to the staff accommodation where we would start our hike up the pass. A very friendly man at the Didima cultural & rock art centre (Juale? I think) arranged to drop us off.

With heavy packs and a blistering sun on our backs our hike started with a steep climb.





Once on top of the pass we stopped for our first of many water breaks on this hot day, gazing up to the Berg in all its beauty. My wife also had to patch up her foot as her new boots started to make a blister on her ankle.





We could see a faint spot in the distance on the ridge that would be the Old Fire Lookout - a very intimidating view of what still lies ahead.



You can see the MET Station to your left of the road, the old staff accommodation in the center and the Old Fire Lookout on the Ridge



A closeup of the hut on the ridge

We stopped at the old staff buildings for a snack and to take a break from the heat. We then went on to climb the never-ending ridge towards the hut.





After 4hours of walking we got to the hut. What a view from here!









A storm was brewing in the distance and the wind started to pick up. We could lightning strikes and decided to pitch our tent in the hut should it make a turn towards us.

The storm dissipated and we enjoyed the sun setting over the Berg. This place is magical!












After a clear and windless night we woke up early to watch the sun rise over KZN.

Really great pics Louis!