Situated in an area with some of the most disturbing security related incidents in the Drakensberg, Bannerman Pass, as fine a pass as it may be, has not escaped association with these problems. The Giant’s Castle escarpment has witnessed some particularly malicious attacks and robberies that hikers have suffered at the hands of Basutho herdsmen. Bannerman Pass is not just a risky area to camp in - hikers are also at risk of being attacked in the pass.
Thomas Abbott describes the following incident on a descent of the pass:
On 2 May 2008 my brother Stephen and I were attacked on Bannerman's pass, Giants Castle. Stephen was not feeling well, so we had left the party of 18 who were on their way to Mafadi.
At about 12:45, we were at an altitude of approximately 2780m. A small rockfall started to the south of us. It was about 10 rocks in total, they fell very fast, screaming through the air.
We took cover against a nearby rock outcrop, a sloping rock face about 10m high. It wasn’t overhanging but it was some cover. After a few minutes of calm, we resumed walking down.
Seconds after starting walking, a second larger rockfall started directly on us. We ran the five steps back to the rock face and sheltered as well as possible. Many large rocks landed around us, from about 5cm to 60cm size. One 50cm rock bounced down the face and struck my pack. No rocks hit us directly. Some landed on the rocky side of the pass, exploding on impact. Some bounced off the rock face around us, and some landed on the grassy slope below us and rolled down the pass. The speed and force was of the rocks was incredible. A third very similar rockfall started about a minute later, we stayed against the rock trying to keep our heads under cover.
Some people from another party heard the rock falls and shouting. They were staying in Spare Rib Cave, and appeared without packs not far below us, asking if we were OK.
We sheltered and waited for 20 long minutes, contemplating moving but rather scared of the rocks. Fortunately some cloud moved into the pass, obscuring the cliff tops. Under this cover we moved very quietly down and across from the rock slope where we had sheltered, to the cave. No further rocks fell as we moved.
In the cave we spoke to MCSA rescue and Giants Castle camp about the attack. Giants Castle dispatched two rangers on horseback to meet us; they made it from camp to Bannerman’s hut and up the pass to the cave in about two and a half hours. They felt it would not be safe to stay in the cave overnight, we moved down in the dark and stayed in the hut.
We didn’t see anyone at the top of the cliffs, but the accuracy and timing of the falls makes it very unlikely they were just random rock falls. Our party did meet two Basotho herdsmen at the top that morning. The likely attack point was visible the next morning, the south wall of the pass presents a 300m cliff face extending from above Spare Rib Cave.
Some time back I was related another story of Basuthos hurling rocks down at hikers ascending the same pass, which, together with this recent account, indicates a malicious intent which is not out of character with some other troubling events which have occurred in the area. The violent attacks and muggings, and even rape, which happen on the Giant’s Castle escarpment, make these reports very plausible.
How does one come to terms with this? Certainly hikers should be clearly warned about the potential dangers in using Bannerman Pass and alternatives should be considered. Those that still choose to use it should do so not in foolhardiness, but with wisdom and caution. The following guidelines are provided not as a guarantee of safety (since there is no such thing), but as some practical suggestions which may make a trip to the area a bit safer.
- Follow the general safety guidelines detailed in General Precautions for Drakensberg Security.
- In addition, suggestions specific to the Giant’s Castle are listed in Disturbing Attacks at Giant’s Castle.
- If you be planning on descending the pass, pay attention to any Basuthos that may be in the area. Should they be acting suspiciously or watching and following you, you may want to consider using another pass. Good alternatives would be Judge Pass or Langalibalele Pass. These are less vulnerable in this regard and both are relatively easy passes.
- On ascending the pass, cloud or mist cover would be to your advantage. Else, overnighting in Bannerman Hut or Spare Rib Cave and ascending the pass at dawn would probably be safer than later in the day when the herdsmen have moved about.
- When in the pass be very alert to sounds and scan the cliffs above you. Should rocks be hurled at you, take the nearest shelter you can find and protect your head and body with your pack. As in the above account, wait a very long time before moving in either direction. If you were ascending at the time, you may want to consider a change in plans.
- As a general rule, do not camp at the top of the pass or in the Sanqebethu valley coming off it. And avoid sleeping in Bannerman Cave. These areas are very risky! Use Spare Rib Cave with caution and avoid overnighting there if you can. Bannerman Hut is a safer option since the door can be bolted and even secured from the inside, but again, this is no guarantee. Bear in mind that hikers have been robbed at all of the above places in the past.
- Consider using the pass in the winter months, when most of the Basuthos have moved away from the escarpment. This will reduce the chances somewhat, but will not remove them totally since there are always some Basuthos around, even in the severest of winter conditions!
- The Giant’s Castle Camp may be reached on 036-353 3718 or 076 545 4520 for assistance. Have these numbers in your cell phone and take it with you always.
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