Beginners/Easy Passes

Never thought of that, but it stands to reason. It should also be nicely sheltered from the wind.

Buttress Pass should be the quickest route to the top in the Lotheni area.It's short and steepish,I would classify this as easy UNLESS...
there is snow in the pass near the top.Then be prepared with crampons! We struggled to get up the thing as the snow had compacted
which made life interesting!
So if it's snow free go for it if not carry on around to Hlatimbe.
Agree with Intrepid about the long contour around to Hlatimbe. Not worth it if spending more time on top is a goal!

A brilliant 3 dayer would be: Day 1: Up Buttress,camp at nearest best spot.
Day 2: Explore summit area heading towards eNtubeni Pass,camping nearby.Some great spots behind the Tent and Hawk.
Day 3: Down Ntubeni Pass,unbelievable waterfall near the bottom of the pass goes into a massive pool!Back to office.

I have done this route but did KwaMashilenga on day one.Best avoided if you don't feel like a long day!

Is camping now allowed in Giants Castle Reserve? It never used to be.

Thanks to everyone who had commented and given valuable input. As a youngster of 14 I took a looong trek up Kamasihlenga and down Buttress- the memories are vague though. The long contour trek back from the base of Buttress is clear. Will hard snow/ice pose a serious problem towards the top of Buttress?- Otherwise from the pics and comments the Hlatimbe options look more plausible, but a longer contour trek.Not too sure of plans but we will try an early start Friday morning- camp at the base on the contour somewhere and maybe head down Buttress. I am not too sure of this years snow falls- and state of shaded passes. I know its pot luck- we will do some final planning this weekend- keen for two night on top- and will like to do Redi, Hawk and Tent if possible- I will keep monitoring comments and feedback-thanks- our final plans will be conveyed before we go...

Will hard snow/ice pose a serious problem towards the top of Buttress?

Not the end of the world! But we struggled a bit.Ice was hard and we were scrabbling
on all fours clutching at bits of grass on the side where we could.
Tried using our poles shortened hauling forward whilst on our knees.Pole tips didn't really penetrate.
Got up in the end! So doable even without special equipment.But had my doubts at times...

It has been decided: Loteni camp tomorrow- Early PM- hopefully get to the contour path before dark- pitch tent- the tarn-tent pic posted somewhere looks like a good spot- we will just top up with water somewhere prior- Saturday we will tackle the passage/ Buttress- seemingly short in distance- but maybe a long day? Tent on top for Sat and Sunday or try see how "nice" caves are- do a peak or two- long haul down Monday- so if you are in the area- you ought to come across us- party of 15.... kidding- just two of us- Thanks again for the feedback and comments.

So, the long weekend came and went- we succeeded in kicking Buttress Pass's butt, and safely returned via Hlatimbe South- a great hike, great clear but cold weather- awesome! I will highlight some points later- Thanks for the tips!