KwaDuma

Thanks for sharing that link plouw, I'm glad someone has hosted these maps finally! rinus I was going to upload the two sheets for you on this site temporarily - I have the TIFF images in addition to the paper copies, but they are around 25MB each and thus not great for email.

Congrats on your 1000th post on the site !!!!

Thanks! You are more observant than I am.

Fees may be applicable, check with management of the reserve. Even if no register, it is recommended to leave all the details you would normally fill in on a register with someone you know, and sign off with them telephonically afterwards - don't pull another Aron Ralston. Though this is the Eastern Cape Drakensberg, I think the Natal section of the MCSA would probably still be the ones involved in any rescue. Make sure you have all relevant contact details (see General category in Downloads section) and a cell phone.

Phone Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve and ask them. You could also check with the management of the Mehloding Trail who are based in Matatiele - they shuttle hikers from there to the start of the trail which is near the Mariazell mission station. They may be able to take you up the pass.

Yes, based on the survey maps there are two passes near KwaDuma, Dikaebaneng and a nameless one coming up the Binari valley. Using these will require more navigational strategy obviously than simply following the escarpment. Don't have more info on these, but its a matter of finding them on the map and working out the best route from the road. There is likely to be a network of trails that the locals use.