4x4 trail from Afriski to Amphitheatre

We were also contacted by Stephen Richert today who requested us to publish the same statement (will follow). We'll have to see how far this statement will go in resolving the issue.

Though this issue has only been actively discussed on various forum recently, it seems it was already addressed several months ago.

I came across the following report by Bergwatch on the WESSA site:

I reported, to KZN Wildlife, adverts that I had seen advertising 4x4 trips to the escarpment edge, from Lesotho. I have been keeping in contact with KZN Wildlife staff including the Northern Area manager with regards to the 4x4 trails that have been advertised by the above company up to the edge of the escarpment above the chain ladder at Witsieshoek. The RNNP OIC, wrote Afriski a letter of concern. At our last liaison meeting, Afriski agreed to withdraw their advertising for this particular route. I understand that KZN Wildlife and Afriski have agreed to a meeting.

www.wessa.org.za/index.php/KZN/KZN-Environmental-Report.html

Am still trying to find out more.

mnt_tiska wrote:

You've gotta hope that these guys dont go blasting into Mnweni instead.....

Another good reason to get the conservation aspect of the Mweni's High Berg under KZN Wildlife management. Also, to access the Mweni escarpment one would have to cross the Khubedu valley, and not simply drive along ridges. Many 4x4 enthusiasts will know that crossing wetlands causes very serious environmental damage, as well as being tricky to navigate because of the bogs.

The letter by Stephen Richert, Conservation Manager, Royal Natal National Park, can now be viewed on this site:
www.vertical-endeavour.com/blog/73-drakensberg/environment/120-four-by-four-trips-to-udp-whs-escarpment.html

Thanks for the update gollum. I've joined the other thread and also requested specifics of where exactly the pic was taken.

If they are driving on the old bridle path over the Lekhalo-la-Namahadi they are technically not breaking laws they can be prosecuted for, but as soon as they walk (or drive) from there over the boundary near the falls, then its an illegal entry in the the UDP-WHS. Cant quite make out from the pics if they are on the plains of the Khubedu or on the Namahadi Pass side.

As soon as I have more detail on the location, I'll pass it on to KZN Wildlife, Bergwatch and the MCSA.

PS: I've merged this with the previous thread on this topic. See also this:
www.vertical-endeavour.com/blog/73-drakensberg/environment/120-four-by-four-trips-to-udp-whs-escarpment.html

These latest pics are around the source of Tugela.

Cyndi Jonker from Bergwatch reckons this is happening regularly, and its just because of the burnt grass that it is now visible. They come over the ridge between Mt-Aux-Sources running towards the Lekhalo-la-Namahadi, over the ridge behind Crows Nest and down into the Bilanjil valley to the escarpment edge.

KZN Wildlife have been informed and will investigate.