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Hey guys & gals, I'm planning a half traverse from chain ladders to either Langalibalele or Gian't pass from 21 to 27 of April. My 3 friends all can't go as of various reasons, but if anyone is up for a trip please let me know then I'll share a bit more info.

I'm from Bethlehem in the eastern Free State & we can either meet in harrismith or Bhm to drive there. I've already made the arrangements for the pick up at Gian't Castle main camp on 27 April.

As I said more info will be given if anyone is interested. I know it's short notice too, sorry

J

Thats too bad Jacques. Would love to do a long traverse again, but I only have the long weekend after Easter available, and also trying to get that trip off the ground.

Yeah it's kinda sad as we would have been 4 guys (incl myself) & now only me.

I'm not too worried about the first few days, but closer to Giant's Castle I'm a bit sceptic as basotho's are more of a threat there. What are your input on this security issue?

Would love to go the long weekend after easter weekend as well. (or only if this fails) What are you planning?

Giant's Castle seems quiet the last 3 years or so. People even seem to be using Bannerman Cave without problems (that I've heard of). However, problems in this area date back to even Bill Barnes' days, so I don't think we should let our guard down and think things are settled. I suspect that the prosecution of some of the shepherds involved in the Easter 2005 incident sent a clear message out to the rest, but that's only speculation, so don't quote me on it.

I'm thinking of either a trip to Garden Castle area, maybe Rhino and Mzimkhulu Passes, or the Qwa Qwa area in the Namahadi Cutback. Welcome to join if you want.

We used Bannerman cave like 6 weeks ago & we didn't have any trouble either, but it was my first trip to that area & I was sceptic at first to use it.

I saw some herders from the cave on the opposite side late afternoon , but tried not be seen.

Which other spot in that region (close to Langalibalele) would you recommend to sleep over at?

I'll post my route during the week.



Namahali cutback I havn't done. Only the Namahali pass itself to the chain ladders & tugela Falls. Is that the big cutback to the far right (think west) from the Namahali pass when looking from Fika Patso Resort? Do you know this pass? Which pass do you use when hiking that route?

A friend of mine showed me a 'new' place on google earth the other day. It's to the very far right of Namahali pass. The top of the pass isn't far from some dam walls. You know this place? 28'39.279'S 28'42.540'E

There's a pass that tops out at 28'42.027'S 28'47.174'E Do you know this 1 too?

JacquesBuys wrote:
None There's a spot at the base of Gypaetus Point in the valley, before the incline to Bannerman Pass, but that might be too far away for your liking, and there is a kraal further down that valley too. Otherwise try sneak close to the edge along Bannerman Face and see if you can find a little nook somewhere.

Yes the Namahadi Cutback is the cutback further north of Namahadi Pass. It has several passes. Have done 2 there but plenty left.

The first pass you mentioned is called Dagga Neck Pass (its an established name, not my own). It is part of the Maluti Caves Trail area and is accessed differently to the Namahadi Cutback. The dam walls belong to an old ski resort now in ruins. Have walked along the top of that second pass. There are numerous passes along here which access Phuthaditjhaba. There is a major one a couple hundred meters North from that one too.