Gatberg / Intunja

tonymarshall wrote: From Zulu Cave to Intunja (or vice versa) it's a lot easier to use the ridge on the true right of the valley in which Zulu Cave is, linking with Smurf's blue line about above the word "to" on his map.

It is usual to leave packs somewhere on the slopes, and collect them on the way back down, and quite safe to do so.

Thanks Tony, somewhere where I've put the green line?

Yes, more or less like that. Possibly a bit nearer to the river, as you leave or approach Zulu Cave, and we also went up to that saddle at the most north west point of your green line, with good views to the Cathedral Range. Choose the route of least resistance and you will be fine.

Does "easier" mean an actual path?

Thanks Tony.
haven't decided exactly which way round we are doing it yet, but this helps a lot.

Is there a viable way down from Zulu Cave, turning left at Hlatikulu Nek, past the V, and then down to approach Monk's Cowl Forestry Station from the North (over Sterkspruit)? I know I've come down that way before, but that was years ago, and I can't remember the exact way. Thanks. (I do have the Slingsby map).

Yes, there is, I haven't personally done it, but intrepid, diverian and co came down that way after the 2013 VE Hlatikhulu Berg Trip, after I had left to return the previous day. They went past The V and came down the Makhulumane. I would imagine you could also head more directly up to The V from Zulu Cave which would be steep in places, but would avoid the backtracking back to Hlatikhulu Nek.

Thanks Tony

Due to a combination of factors we didn't do Gatberg, but still had a good hike to Zulu cave on Saturday, bit of exploration yesterday morning and then back.
Evidence of fireplaces at Blind Man's Corner campsite, Zulu cave and adjacent cave.
An approx 1m section of the path has collapsed between BMC and Hlatikulu Nek, all reported on Mountain Register.

Hi fellow hikers

I received wonderful help last time reagrding my enquiry on the path to climb Sterkhorn.

Plse can someone advise if there is a path up Gatberg or if not, from which direction to appraoch it to best ascend to the summit.

Many thanks

Alan