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Hi,

This is my first post to this forum. I followed some of the threads and it seems like there's quite a few enthusiasts out there - i like...

We plan to hike up the berg at the end of March to do some proper photography. We are a party of 8 guys and we'll spend quite some time on the berg. I have a few questions that I would like to pose, your inputs are much appreciated.

Firstly, the issue around routes. We have no dedicated schedule yet, but we plan to hike up from Monk's Cowl Forestry Station and visit Injunja, Ship's Prow and Cleft Peak. I can't find any proper maps that we can use to plan the trip. Can anyone suggest where I can buy/download proper maps with routes - if they exist. Or is the only maps we can use available when we start at the Forestry station? By the way, what time do they open as we want to get going bright and early on the first day?

Then one of our concerns is water. What is the water situation like at the end of March? I have not hiked up those routes in the Central berg before. Is there also maps that can indicate streams/rivers?

Security is also one of the topics we discussed in detail. I have read all the posts on security in this forum, but is there anything else we need to consider? I want to stay away from the hot spots, but can we avoid them if we want to visit all the spots I mentioned above?

Also, what will the weather be like at that time of the year. I know it might get cold if it rains, but do we need to take sleeping bags that goes below zero or will a normal +5 suffice?

Thanks

Hi welcome to the forum.

It all depends on how much time you want to spend in the 'Berg, but i would maybe look at starting hiking from Cathedral peak hotel and then work my way along the escarpment to Monks Cowl. You can leave a car at the hikers parking at Monks cowl the day befor the hike. There is a few passes you can take to the top but Tseketsekepass would be my way up. It also have great views of Cleft peak and the column. From the top of the pass you work your way past Cleft peak to organs pass and on to Yoddlers. From there you go on to Grays pass if you want to go to Intnja(gatberg) or go pass to Ships Prow pass. It would take a few days if you stop to take photos. From there you can desent to monks cowl Forestry station.

Best maps that are the Geomaps sold at most hiking stores. Your route will be on Map 2 (Gulfargie to Monks cowl) You souldnt have a problem with water on the high 'Berg.

If you keep everything in your tent at night you should not have any security problems. Sleep away from the to of the passes.

Weather could turn bad any time of the year. I had 30cm snow in Nov 1997 at the top of Organs pass so be ready for anything. A +5 should still be ok but take thermal undies with if it gets cold. If you stay dry you should be good.

This is just a rought idee of how i would have looked at it. Hope it helps. I would also like to hear what other members thinks.

Aux, thanks for the info. I have managed to get my hands on Map 2 - now I can actually see where all the spots are.

I'm glad to hear that water should not be a problem. I think it was a concern as we would be carrying alot of stuff.

Welcome LiveBootleg. Can confirm that water is very unlikely to be an issue at that time of year and after all the rain this year. Remember to fill up before ascending passes that follow ridges (like Grays and Organ Pipes).

What exactly do you want to see at Ships Prow, do you want to do the pass or see the actual Prow? If you are intending to do the pass, bear in mind that it is long and tedious. The Prow looks best from below - problem is to get there you may as well do the pass then since there aren't any others very close by.

The KZN Wildlife gates open pretty early, 6am I think, maybe even earlier in summer. Phone them and check.

Security: Grays, Tlanyaku and Organ Pipes Passes are major smuggling routes. Though they generally leave hikers alone, do not leave your stuff unattended in this area unless it is extremely well hidden and you haven't been noticed. Avoid moving around in the dark since they can mistake you for a patrol. Be prepared to hear them moving through at night, even with occasional gunshots. Keith Bush Camp is still OK cause its a little off the trail, but don't camp at places like The Neck, and the top of passes as Aux mentioned. Don't use Nkosazana Cave, its likely to be wet, and it will be peak smuggling season, so they will make use of it too. Its a great cave for the winter.