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Good day

I am planning a trip 21-24 March 2008 from Witsieshoek Carpark to Mbundini
and back. Could you please fill me in on the current security situation on
the escarpment? When and where was the last serious attack on hikers?

I have actually never been bothered on the Berg but I have always taken
great precautions regarding storing gear inside the tents, etc. Problem is,
I skipped a year since I went from the Mnweni side last year and I don't
want to put my relatively inexperienced group (12 people) in any danger.

Some specific info on recent happenings would really be appreciated.

Regards

Emile Streicher

Haven't heard anything on that stretch for quite some time, but then again not every incident is reported and news doesn't always get around. In any case it wouldn't have been anything major. The Mweni generally seems quite relaxed these days. Avoid camping anywhere along the Amphitheatre as the shepherds there are almost guaranteed to be prowling around at night looking for stuff to steal, especially around the Easter period. They don't attack hikers though.

Though it's the dagga harvest season there is a very low chance of coming across smugglers because there are no major smuggling routes on that stretch. You may find the odd one using Icidi or Mbundini Pass but its unlikely. It's basically shepherds that you need to watch out for and if you take the precautions you've been taking and don’t camp at the Amphitheatre then the chances of anything happening are probably as low as they can be on the escarpment.

Enjoy!