Sterkhorn

@Ghaznavid The description for Sterkhorn as promised.

As PeterHowells posted, the path is reasonably well defined, but there are a few false paths, which could entail a little unnecessary scrambling if followed.

I have divided the hike into 3 sections (see red lines in "Route Description" photo).

1.The first section entails a classic slog up the ridge - the gravel path can be slippery when descending.

2.The second section follows a very scenic route and eventually hugs the cliff face on your left. About half way along this face (see photo 2), look out for a path which climbs the left rock up to a higher level (a false path carries straight on). A little further along, the path then appears to go nowhere (just rock). It actually continues straight ahead, just at a higher level. You will then move above the cliff face you have been ascending. As the path flattens out, look out for a path ascending the grass slope to your left towards the next rock outcrop (a false path carries straight on). From there, follow the next ridge until it levels out into a basin.

3.The third section follows up this basin (see photo 3), at first following a stream course and then ascending a steep grass slope to a saddle with a stunning view down to Keith Bush camp. From here you will do some rock scrambling to the top (it includes squeezing through a narrow chimney/wormhole).

Just be aware, there are some exposed bits along the second and third sections which can prove quite intimidating to vertigo sufferers.

Enjoy - it is a really satisfying climb.

Thanks Sterkhorn, much appreciated.

Do you have a close-up pic of the wormhole? I'm just picturing myself getting to it and not figuring out that I must actually go up it!

That looks like an interesting day out. Thanx for the write up, and would also like to see some images of worm-hole and summit images.

It looks like I'm doing Sterkhorn in October, 3 weeks till exams start and 1 month till exams are over, then Berg, here I come

I have posted a few pictures taken from the saddle and the top.

Unfortunately the only wormhole picture I have is of a person, so the wormhole is only part of a framing from above and would not help for the purposes requested.

The following link to some pictures from Chris' old hiking buddy (as mentioned in the "Namahadi Peak" thread) may be helpful though:
Sterkhorn pictures

www.vertical-endeavour.com/gallery/drakensberg/peaks/579-sterkhorn.html
www.vertical-endeavour.com/gallery/drakensberg/peaks/580-sterkhorn.html
www.vertical-endeavour.com/gallery/drakensberg/peaks/581-sterkhorn.html
www.vertical-endeavour.com/gallery/drakensberg/peaks/582-sterkhorn.html

Sounds very interesting & looks awesome!

Well have to do this hike soon!

Can we go up & down + hike to KBC in a day or should we do this hike without big packs?

I have never done it and would imagine it would be somewhat of a push, but assuming an early start and leaving your packs at the base of Sterkhorn, I think a fit individual could do it with possibly a late arrival at KBC.

Maybe some of the younger VE contributors would have a better take on it?

Thanks Sterkhorn!

Hi, I am planning to attempt the walk/climb/scramble up to the top of Sterkhorn next weekend, and would prefer to do it without a guide. I understand that it is possible to take wrong turns, and would appreciate it if anybody could provide me with, or advise if it is possible to obtain, a map of the route.