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Thanks for posting the material on the security situation in the Drakensberg. It's a really useful resource for assessing the risks and allowing one to make an informed decision on personal safety. Please don't stop.

I'm planning a camping trip to the Royal Natal National Park and I'd like to do the overnight hike up to Mont-Aux-Sources so I can take some early morning pics from the top. Can anyone shed some light on the following:

1. The official KZN Wildlife electronic brochure states: "From the top of the ladder it is about 1600m to a mountain hut manned by KZN Nature Conservation Service field rangers on weekends and public holidays". Is this bit of information accurate, and does this mean it's safe to camp overnight in the vicinity of the hut?

2. I read somewhere that instead of overnighting on the escarpment, some people have slept at the Sentinel car park (presumably in their car), and then hiked up to the top in the morning. Is this possible/safe?

Hi chewie,

1. Yes, this is a relatively recent initiative. Since the top of the Amphitheatre falls under KZN Wildlife they are trying to do something about the problem (even though Sentinel Car Park does not fall under them). It does help the situation. If you camp near the guards it would certainly be a lot safer. It is not a guarantee however that they will not attempt to steal something from your tent. In years gone by armed guards from QwaQwa were stationed in the hut full-time and they were not able to get the situation fully under control.

The Basothos typically come at about 3am and are very fast and wily. Usually by the time you hear them, they have grabbed something and have disappeared into the night. Bad weather is not a deterrent. They've had many years of practice and know their stuff.

I will try and get hold of a roster of when the guards are stationed there. If this is an important factor for you, then always check with KZN Wildlife before you go.


2. Yes, very possible. There is a shared dormitory with bunk beds at the car park that I've personally made use of many times. You can also pitch a tent at the car park.

Other alternatives for overnight spots are Sentinel Cave, Elands River Falls and the secluded areas near Namahadi Pass - these are somewhat safer but again, no guarantees. Note that the Basothos use Namahadi Pass as well as another unnamed pass between Namahadi and the Chain Ladder (which they seem to be making more use of lately). So keep away from the camping near the summits of these passes - go for the more secluded areas around them.

If there are no guards in the hut, you can also sleep in there. Take some cord with to secure the door from the inside and place a large boulder behind it too (the door can no longer be locked). Crows Nest Cave is perhaps a better alternative than sleeping in a tent because it is more difficult for them to grab stuff from the back of the cave than from a tent.

The Amphitheatre is a crazy situation, especially since it’s really obvious where the culprits live. Yet a lot can be done to prevent problems and I hope this information gets out there more. Everyone reading this please also have a look at this article.

Personally I don’t camp in the Tugela bowl anymore, but I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy it!

I have received some clarification about the guards: they are not stationed there every weekend. Only on certain holidays and long weekends such as Easter are they up there. This is typically when the Basothos gleefully await lots of campers, so it is recommended to camp near the guards at those times.

I will also try and find out further information for you Chewie, with my contacts at EKZNW.

Thanks intrepid and domsmooth - the feedback is much appreciated.

Given that I'm a relative novice when it comes to the Drakensberg, I think sleeping over at the Sentinal car park is going to be the safest option for now.