vertical-endeavour.com

Hi there,

I'm Chris, new to this forum.

I have been to the berg on several occaitions but have not been in a while.

I am planning a trip in the beginning of august to the bushmans nek area, and was thinking of doing Thomathu peak by going up Ngwangwane Pass and spending the night on the escarpment, then do Thomathu peak and back down Thomathu pass. So its just an overnighter.

I am taking a friend up and thought this to be a good choice as it will be his first taste of the high berg and it is not to severe.

My question is about any concerns i should have regarding the passes, safety and the water situation in august.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks and hi to everyone on here.

Chris

Hi Chris

As far as I know water isn't an issue on Ngwangwane Pass, but I have in the past struggled to find water in Thomathu Pass even in May, so its quite likely that it will be dry in August. There should be water available in the river on the escarpment above the passes.

As far as the passes go, both are pretty straight forward, Thomathu Pass has a path all the way to the top. Ngwangwane Pass has a path up to Bushmans Cave, then afterwards this disappears, but its a just a case of climbing a relatively short but steep grassy hill to the escarpment.

The last time I was up there, we encountered a few Basutho Shepherds, but they didnt approach us or anything, mainly just carried on with their usual business. But I suppose if you are camping on the escarpment you should be vigilant and take the usual precautions.

Thanks for the info Jonwells

Its good to know what the water situation is like in an area i have not been i yet.

It is good to find a place on the net where people are glad to help and share info, thanks.

ON finishing the GT we camped in the valley bellow walkers peak in between all the Kraals we did not have a single problem the locals were very friendly and even came round to make conversation, but as with any situation always be vigilant.

Welcome to this community splatacat.

When you fill up from the valley on top of these passes, consider boiling or treating the water. There is a lot of grazing and activity in that area, and while I seldom treat water in the Berg, sickness from water contamination does happen.

Enjoy it! And remember we always like to hear afterwards how it went.

Thanks for all the info guys, appreciated.

hopefully we will have a good trip, now to start getting gear together again.