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Hi Guys

I need some advice on possible alternatives in the berg in case a severe storm prohibits us from going up.

We are a group of about 40 students from the university of stellenbosch 's mountain club also know as the BTK www0.sun.ac.za/btk/ the plan is to first do a day hike up to the top of the tugela falls via sentinel car park and chain ladders and back down again on the 8th of jun. The following day (9th) we leave from mnweni cultural center heading towards shepards cave and sleep nearby the evening. The following day (10th) ascend up mnweni pass and camp on top. The following day (11th) stay on top and explore ledgers and mponjwane caves and maybe go up the mountain above mponjawane caves. The following day (12th) descend via rockeries and camp near U19 where the rivers join. Following day trek back to the cultural center.

The group is made up of some very experienced hikers and is led by someone who has been up in the berg a couple of times in winter and summer. So this is a non issue. We also know how cold it can get and we won't allow anyone to ascend the berg with is if they don't have the correct kit. A minus 8 rated sleeping bag, a proper tent and a decent jacket was a requirement for even applying to join the group.

My question is that if a storm passes and we decide not to go up. What day trips or alternatives would you recommend in the area. And any tips would greatly be appreciated. O and a little useless info the BTK is one the oldest student societies is SA and has actively been touring, hiking and climbing since 1928.

Thanks

Hi the trip you have planed sounds very good and all doable, but if you decide not to go up i would go and stay at the natal royal national park at mahai as there are a number of excellent day walks on offer there.

Just a quick one, a -7 sleeping bag at that time of year is the bare minimum ,and that's saying you will probably still be cold,i find with my -15 it can still be nippy.

Enjoy.

Welcome to the forum Kenskind.

You have built a lot of time and room into your itinerary - this is good. Should there be heavy snow you actually have some room to wait things out a day or so, since your route can be done in 3 days without being overly hectic. The bulk of the snow normally melts rapidly within a day or so (unless there is a significant freeze directly after). Also, the two passes in question are not narrow gullies that get heavily blocked up with snow and ice.

As a back-up, staying with the Mnweni, you could go up the Icidi valley and stay in Jubilee or Grasscutter's Cave - this valley is a personal favourite. From there you could also walk to the Shepherd's Cave area and spend a night there too.

Another option is the Cathedral Peak area - the contour path is extensive and well established, with lots of combinations possible. Spectacular views and good camping options. You could start at Sherman's Cave for example and work your away under the Cathedral Range, and then all the way round to Xeni Cave or The Camel/Ribbon Falls.