4x4 trail from Afriski to Amphitheatre

I have to say I felt ill when I read about the latest evidence of people driving to the escarpment edge.

I find it hard to believe that these trips are independent of the lodges in Lesotho. Whereas targeting individuals who take their 4x4s to the escarpment is going to be like weeding a big garden, a focus on the lodge(s) might be more fruitful. Negative publicity would hurt their business. Of course evidence that they were complicit would be necessary.

Well put Intrepid.

It is a sad fact that in all communities there are those; always a minority, who think that it is their right and privilege to do as they please with the environment.
Recently a good number of Professional Hunters (with decent money already) have been convicted of, or implicated in, the poaching of OUR Rhino. Are we to immediately assume that all PH's are rabid poachers, out to decimate OUR natural heritage?

It is these few who damage the reputation of the majority.
Thus the ban on beach driving in the 4x4 community (although that seems to have moved a bit north now), and the razor wire closure of some of the caves within the Drakensberg complex, that contain a pictoral history that will never again be repeated.

As Intrepid says, the blame falls on both sides of the shed [irony intended].
As has been quite rightly pointed out, on some of the 4x4 forums, that the litter and excrement at the top of the Tugela can not be attributed to them.

Finger pointing, blame laying and mud slinging will not solve the problem. Many of us who are hikers, own and use 4x4's.

The method here is simple, and universal to both parties.
If a hiker observes a fellow hiker littering willfully, or acting in an unacceptable fashion, approach tactfully and question the motive, it may be innocent inexperience and may be solved through a non-violent discussion(and I am being lenient here on the litter issue, because throwing it anywhere anytime, other than where you are supposed to, is abhorent to me).
Take photographs if the offender is unrepentant.
Do the same with observations of 4x4's in places where they should not be.
Ultimately though, do not cause agressive confrontation. Good photographic evidence is all that is needed.
[Having once been involved with a 4x4 training academy I can state with experience that trying to teach, tell or suggest to a South African Male how to drive his 4x4 is going to lead to an argument in 90% of cases.]

The greater evil exists in the majority not taking some form of action that will make this minority accountable. So whether it be hiker or driver, document and report it.

That said, it is obvious from the written and photographic accounts on some of the 4x4 forums that these forays are by 4xfundis, originating from a clear point [but possibly not organised by the owners of said point]. GPS co-ords are given and available. None of the noble vehicles appeared to be a fire truck.
The damage ONE set of tires, on a return trip in good weather, will make on this kind of landscape can take years to heal.
If the 4x4 community wish to avoid further restrictions, then their governing bodies, and responsible drivers need to stop trying to blame others, face the [photographic] facts and deal with their morons.
Be assured that the mountain community will deal with ours.

As mentioned previously to Intrepid, it is a pleasure to be part of an online community that rationally discusses issues, and shares ideas and places, without the usual nastiness that most forums seem to attract. The congratulations for that goes to all who are a part here, don't let it be undermined by other community personalities.

Given the extent of the drug smuggling activity along the escarpment, any 4x4 owner taking his car to the escarpment edge needs to know that they may well be suspected of being a drugs courier. As they are crossing the watershed, they are also leaving Lesotho illegally. While crossing borders on foot may be tolerated, it is a different matter for a vehicle.......