Gatberg / Intunja

I have been asked to plan a hike from Monks cowl to Ntinja (never heard of it, may be spelt wrong? ), and then back to Monks cowl.

Has anyone done this before?
Or know of this area?

I am told we will need tents to sleep at Ntinja.

Ntunja is Gatberg, highest mount in the little berg, and the mount with the hole in it. Monk's Cowl is usually accessed via Gray's Pass. I once descended Tlanyaku Pass and ended at the Cathkin Hotel after passing north of Ntunja. Been many years, my maps all burned in a fire, and memory can be faulty. Do you want to start in KZN, make the escarpment, then return?

If we assume that Monk's Cowl in the original question refers to the Monk's Cowl Forest Station, then we could be looking at the traditional route which starts at the forest station, ascends the little berg to the contour path below Cathkin Peak at Blind Man's Corner, turns right, follows the contour path around passing beneath Sterkhorn, Amphlett's and Tower, and finally Intunja becomes part of the imposing view across the valley. Not sure about camping at this spot as I think most people put in the extra effort and continue the hike up the Mhlwazini River and camp at the base of Monk's Cowl / Grey's Pass (Keith Bush camp). Return trip is the same route in reverse unless you have some more adventurous alternatives in mind. The Grey's Pass area can be busy with smugglers, so take precautions if this is your intended route.

The plan is to start at the Forest station, and camp at Keith Bush camp. I dont have a map of the area, my old maps have disappeared somewhere.

Whats the difficulty like?

You're looking at about 14km (one way). The initial climb up the little berg gains about 600m over a distance of 5.5Km which can be a tough start if you're not expecting it and saps energy for the rest of the trip. The hike is relatively contoured for the remainder (gains a further 300m or so, with some ups and downs) but can become a long day especially if it is hot - the last Km or two walking up to Keith Bush is also tough on tired legs - although it is generally well marked it tends to be on uneven ground. If you have packed too much weight you are going to know about it ! The camp is in a beautiful and secluded valley surrounded on three sides by rock faces and usually well supplied with water - really a fantastic spot when you wake at the crack of dawn !

None the less as long as you are at least fairly fit you should enjoy yourself. Also no true passes to contend with (unless you are thinking of adding Grey's to your agenda). Return trip is less strenuous as it is generally down hill most of the way.

We will be climbing Intunja, yes. I think the idea is to spend the night in the vicinity in tents, and then head up there the next day.

Hi Scag

I would agree that it is best to tent near the river opp Intunja, this would the quickest. I have camped here and it was a great spot.

If you have extra time KBC is great for views up at Monks Cowl and the cirque of mountains in the area.

Karl

So we did this hike last weekend, and it turned out well. Didnt end up climbing iNtunja on the first day due to misty/wet weather.

Enjoyed some red wine in the evening, and woke up the next morning to frost covering our tents, my socks frozen solid, and an 8mm thick layer of ice in our pots (we had filled them with water overnight to wash in the morning).

The reserve had a lot of day hikers walking about (none of which had maps). One party were shouting at us across a valley to ask for directions back to the gate. There was also a lot of litter lying around (undoubtedly from the day hikers), as well as at the campsite below iNtunja.

Didnt end up climbing iNtunja because of the cold in the morning, and some knee injuries.