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Hi everyone,

We're planning on doing the above mentioned hike in May. We plan on leaving our cars at the hotel and then getting a shuttle service to the car park/Witsieshoek hotel, from where we will start the hike the following day.

Does anyone know how much the hiking costs are ? Does one pay per day in the mountains or how does it work ? What are all the costs involved of any ?

Thanks

Hi Kragbees, we did the route this past easter weekend & it was awesome to say the least! We went down Mlambonja pass. You?

It cost R85 per person.

A friend picked us up at the hotel, so we didn't use a shuttle. Please come back to us on what it costs (guess it'll be a fortune)

We had hot / cold & wet, so be prepared for the Dragon.

Enjoy!!!

Jacques

Hi Jacques,

Thanks for the reply ! We will also be going down Mlambonja, apparently it's quite steep down ? My girlfriend is quite worried , but I'm sure she will make it.

I heard yesterday that the cost for the shuttle service is R200 per person from the hotel to Sentinel. Guess its expensive, but not TOO bad ...

Yes we're mainly preparing for the cold/wet, as you know it can be 4 seasons in 1 day !

R200 per person is not too bad compared to other prices I've heard:
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/8-drakensberg-hiking/549-transport-to-sentinal-escarpment-traverse.html

The R85 is what the QwaQwa guys charge if you start any sort of traverse from Sentinel, especially if you don't finish back at the car park again. Thats about it. I've never paid anyone else for that kind of a traverse and I don't think there is a system for handling that anyway.

I'm with Intrepid on the R200. Definitely not bad. How many is the minimum of passengers that they take? Does the hotel offer this service or is private?

It's not too steep down, but the normal rule applies: Be careful on loose rocks. The Rocky area could drain your energy a bit if wet, since extra caution should be taken not to slip. The bushes in the "bottom" are a bit confusing at times, but also not serious. Worst thing is that you need to turn back & take another route. (after about 50m of bundu bashing-haha)
If your & her fitness is OK then she'll make it. Thing is to ALWAYS have a positive mindset about hiking & passes (& things in general)

Want to go in again this winter for another "small traverse" of 5-7 days-cant wait!!!