Passes

Passes

Passes of the Free State Drakenberg

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes

This is the future index page for passes in the Free State Drakensberg.

Passes of the Central Drakensberg

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes

An index of passes in the Central Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal.

Passes of the Southern Drakenberg

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes

This is the future index page for passes in the Southern Drakensberg.

Passes of the Eastern Cape Drakenberg

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes

This is the future index page for passes in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg.

Passes of the Northern Drakensberg

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes

An index of passes in the Northern Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal.

Hlubi Passes

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
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In Bill Barnes book “Giants Castle: A personal history” he described an obvious pass between Langalibalele Pass and Bannerman Pass which was used by Chief Langalibalele to move stolen cattle into Lesotho. At the time of the rebellion, the pass now known as Langalibalele Pass was called Bushman’s River Pass and this “obvious” pass was known as Langalibalele Pass. Based on the description it seems that this “obvious” pass was one or both of the Hlubi Passes. Based on Barnes describing a large cave on the pass it would appear that he was referring to the north gully, but could easily have been referring to either gully.

Gypaetus Pass

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
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In September 2012 a group of 3 hikers decided to explore a possible route up the slopes of Gypaetus Point at Giant's Castle. The goal: a non-rock pass alternative to Bannerman Pass. The result was a non-rock pass that is very steep but incredibly scenic - well worth the effort.

Langalibalele Pass

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
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The term "Langalibalele Pass" was originally a reference to a pass used by the Hlubi people led by Chief Langalibalele. The route was mainly used for cattle theft, but after Langalibalele's Rebelion ended in 1873, this pass fell into disuse. The name "Langalibalele Pass" was then appropriated to the "Bushman's River" Pass. The original Langalibalele Pass is still usable and is now known as "Hlubi" Pass.

This pass is definitely one of the easiest routes to the escarpment. It tops out between the Sanqebethu and Durnford ridges. With a good path along the entire route and no overly steep sections, its a good route for newbies.

Beacon Buttress Gully

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
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This short and steep gully used to be the only way of accessing the escarpment in this area before the chain ladder was put in place. It is a really fun alternative to the over-used Chain Ladder Route (see above). No scrambling is involved but it is a boulder-strewn gully and a lot of the rock is loose. It tops out near the summit of Beacon Buttress and has an awesome view as a reward for the steep climb.

The Chain Ladders

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Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
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This is undoubtedly the most popular and heavily-used trail to the escarpment in the entire Drakensberg. The path is very well defined and usually quite crowded during weekends and holidays. The only obstacle on the way to the top is the chain ladder itself which ascends the final 30m of cliff face in two sections. The ladder should only pose a problem to those with a fear of heights.