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Hi Everyone,

We're planning on doing the above route, going up Mlambonja, and coming down Leslies pass (or that's how I planned it on BaseCamp, with some tracks from this site, much appreciated !). Would like to hear any opinions on this route (we have done the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak last year).

We are planning it for late August/early September, how is the water situation that time, and should we risk doing it later in September ? So 1st night would be Twins Cave basically (any other suggestions) ?

Thanks for any input

Finding water on the escarpment is generally not a major issue, even in the dry season, which is normally at its peak in September. You may have to descend into the valleys at times though, and if you want to stay in caves like Didima you will need to plan your water refill carefully before you get there, or be prepared to go looking afterward. In August you can find snow and ice that you can melt, though it's occurrence is not very consistent and reliable. You stand a high chance of struggling with water at Twins Cave. Depending on how much snow is around when you do your hike, you may need to be very alert on the way up to the cave for the last signs of water - stay very hydrated that day and fill up when you suddenly notice the water getting scarce.
Compare notes on this thread:
www.vertical-endeavour.com/forums/8-drakensberg-hiking/1034-hike-from-greys-pass.html?limit=6&start=12#1744

Water along that section should not be to much of an issue as there are a lot of good streams along that route although you might have to drop down into the valleys.

Leslies pass is not bad it is only the bushwhacking at the bottom that gets to me,there is also a lovely little camp site at the base of the pass if you cant make it to marble baths in time.

Thanks for the replies guys, does the Tlhanyaku river flow all year ? Last time we were there in May it was quite full, but September is another story probably. We still need to decide on a week to do this, what would your recommendations be ? We are quite open to anytime from early August to October.