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Hi Everyone

I haven't spent much time in Mahai and don't learn that much from the Drakensberg 1:50 000 series maps.

I'd like to ask if anyone knows the current status of the Crack and Mudslide? Are one/both closed or were closed for a period?

What's the quickest and easiest way to get from Mahai to Mont Aux Sources/Amphitheatre and back in a day? Do you have to walk up past the Crack to Witsieshoek and then run up the road, or can you drive around to the Parking lot at Tendele and go up past the Policeman's helmet directly to the parking lot? There are no paths marked on the map or visible on GEarth.

Are there any routes up the amphitheatre from the Tunnel? I've heard of people scaling the Gorge to the Sentinel, and another gulley near the Devils tooth, but I've also heard of people dying there, and not sure what sort of grade they were talking about.

Thanks

Ross

Hi

The crack is still open, i think they have taken down most of the signs warning that the path is closed, however the last time i was there in April this year the route is not closed.
It is just the mudslide which is washed away and they have not and will not be rebuilding the path, so do not even attempt it, it is dangerous.

if you have to leave from Mahai camp site, then i recommend the mahai pass path , which takes you past the crack which could take alot of time, although is a more direct way onto the ridge and gets you to witsiehoek hotel quite neatly.

the best way to enjoy the amphitheatre in a day is to drive round and through Phuthaditjhaba, to the sentinel car park, then 2-3 hours hike up the chain ladders and you on top of the amphitheatre.

I checked with Stephen Richert, manager of RNNP: The Mudslide was repaired after the first rockfall damaged it, and then two weeks later it was destroyed completely again by further rock falls after heavy rains. All the ladders were broken. They do intend to repair it once it has fully stabilised (the whole slope is still unstable and thus dangerous). They will also need to obtain funding for the repairs. The Crack is open and can be used.

ross wrote:
As already said, rather drive there, but if you really want to walk it, then follow the route used for the Mt Aux Sources Challenge: www.montauxsourceschallenge.co.za/routeInfo.php. Note: the trail up to The Neck is closed for rehabilitation.

Inner Tower Gully, which is a scramble. Don't attempt it if not experienced. Not aware of any established routes directly up to the Sentinel side - no documented route in the MCSA route guide... South East Arete of Sentinel maybe, but thats not normally how it is approached. In any case this would all involve technical climbing.