Driving roads
26 Nov 2015 06:45 #65940
by sole
Driving roads was created by sole
Hi, i'm looking for some informations about Drakensberg Area.
At first we don't use to walk and hike or climb
1) We are thinking to drive from Winterton to Cathedral Peak, then from Cathedral to Monks Cowl/Champagne Castle (Cathkin Park), then to Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River), and if there's still time to Giants Castle EKZNW Camp. To go back to spent the night in Estcourt.
It's doneable in 1 day, or it's a crazy project ?
Having to cut off some, which are the best areas knowing that we just come for landscapes.
2) the Nottingham Road to Underberg, presented as one of the best roads in the area, is really "one of the best". Is it doneable a trip on this road from Nottingham till Underberg for then coming back to Pietermarizburg always in 1 day ?
Cheers
Alex
At first we don't use to walk and hike or climb
1) We are thinking to drive from Winterton to Cathedral Peak, then from Cathedral to Monks Cowl/Champagne Castle (Cathkin Park), then to Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River), and if there's still time to Giants Castle EKZNW Camp. To go back to spent the night in Estcourt.
It's doneable in 1 day, or it's a crazy project ?
Having to cut off some, which are the best areas knowing that we just come for landscapes.
2) the Nottingham Road to Underberg, presented as one of the best roads in the area, is really "one of the best". Is it doneable a trip on this road from Nottingham till Underberg for then coming back to Pietermarizburg always in 1 day ?
Cheers
Alex
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
26 Nov 2015 21:18 #65977
by andrew r
make a difference. today.
Replied by andrew r on topic Driving roads
Hi Alex
I don't know all the roads well myself, but google maps suggest:
Winterton to Cathedral Peak Hotel: 45km, travel time 0hr:47mins 7am-7:50
Cathedral Peak to Monks Cowl/Champagne Castle (Cathkin Park): 60km, travel time 1hr:05min 8:50-9:55
Monks Cowl/Champagne Castle (Cathkin Park) to Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River) 53km, travel time 1hr:00min 10:55-11:55
Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River) to Giants Castle EKZNW Camp 99km, travel time 2hr:06min 12:55-15:00
Giants Castle EKZNW Camp to Estcourt 63km travel time 1hr:21min 16:00-17:21
I have added times assuming you start at 7am and allowing 1 hour at each stop and no other breaks, in my opinion that is a very full day. Others may be able to comment on the condition of the roads which may slow you down.
If you leave Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River) after 2:30pm you will probably be better heading straight to Estcourt and observing Giant's Castle from a distance.
The road from Nottingham Road to Underberg is very scenic but can be quite rough/corrugated and the round trip is possible in a day but not if it is wet/raining/misty. But in that case you probably would not go anyway if you are looking for great panoramas as the views would be hidden by clouds.
Hope this helps.
(Mods: feel free to delete this if the question is so far off topic that it is deemed to be inappropriate to this site)
I don't know all the roads well myself, but google maps suggest:
Winterton to Cathedral Peak Hotel: 45km, travel time 0hr:47mins 7am-7:50
Cathedral Peak to Monks Cowl/Champagne Castle (Cathkin Park): 60km, travel time 1hr:05min 8:50-9:55
Monks Cowl/Champagne Castle (Cathkin Park) to Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River) 53km, travel time 1hr:00min 10:55-11:55
Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River) to Giants Castle EKZNW Camp 99km, travel time 2hr:06min 12:55-15:00
Giants Castle EKZNW Camp to Estcourt 63km travel time 1hr:21min 16:00-17:21
I have added times assuming you start at 7am and allowing 1 hour at each stop and no other breaks, in my opinion that is a very full day. Others may be able to comment on the condition of the roads which may slow you down.
If you leave Injisuthi EKZNW Camp (Little Tugela River) after 2:30pm you will probably be better heading straight to Estcourt and observing Giant's Castle from a distance.
The road from Nottingham Road to Underberg is very scenic but can be quite rough/corrugated and the round trip is possible in a day but not if it is wet/raining/misty. But in that case you probably would not go anyway if you are looking for great panoramas as the views would be hidden by clouds.
Hope this helps.
(Mods: feel free to delete this if the question is so far off topic that it is deemed to be inappropriate to this site)
make a difference. today.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sole
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
27 Nov 2015 13:05 #65978
by sole
Replied by sole on topic Driving roads
Hi Andrew,
thanks a lot for your reply, expecially because you're the only one to have replied.
I assume to be very Off Topic in this Forum.
But someone in KZNWildlife said me to write to have more informations than these he could gave me.
I don't arrive to get km on google maps. Maybe i'm a digital unalphabet
I use www.distances.from and some places are not inventoried.
Anyway i've realized that it's no advisable all that trip in 1 day.
So i think to leave Giants Castle for a second day.
For the Nottingham Road i presume to decide once there, i fear the clouds that could mask the mountains, i don't know weather conditions in December but i hope it's not like in the Alps when in summer it rains about each afternoon.
Thanks again
Alex
thanks a lot for your reply, expecially because you're the only one to have replied.
I assume to be very Off Topic in this Forum.
But someone in KZNWildlife said me to write to have more informations than these he could gave me.
I don't arrive to get km on google maps. Maybe i'm a digital unalphabet
I use www.distances.from and some places are not inventoried.
Anyway i've realized that it's no advisable all that trip in 1 day.
So i think to leave Giants Castle for a second day.
For the Nottingham Road i presume to decide once there, i fear the clouds that could mask the mountains, i don't know weather conditions in December but i hope it's not like in the Alps when in summer it rains about each afternoon.
Thanks again
Alex
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
27 Nov 2015 13:26 #65979
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Driving roads
Hi Alex
I think the reason basically no one is helping you is that we don't really know what you are asking for.
I have read through what you said a few times - it sounds like you are wanting to visit the Drakensberg without really walking much?
In my opinion, the best places to do this (in order from best) are:
1) Cathedral Peak
2) Garden Castle
3) Monks Cowl
4) Royal Natal
5) Giants Castle
Nottingham Road is a nice little town, but it is quite far from the mountains. If weather is good you will see the mountains, but they are far away. Bergville, Winterton and Underberg are much closer.
Underberg is far from Bergville, Winterton and Nottingham Road because of the mountains in the middle. You definitely can drive from Pietermaritzburg to Underberg and back in a day. The road is also very good. I would suggest that if you go that way, you could also arrange to be taken up Sani Pass - they charge a lot for it, but if you want to see the mountains close up, this is the easiest way. If you do this, maybe consider spending a night in Lesotho at the top of Sani so you aren't too rushed.
There is often afternoon rain in summer here, but with the current drought, this hasn't happened as much as usual.
I think the reason basically no one is helping you is that we don't really know what you are asking for.
I have read through what you said a few times - it sounds like you are wanting to visit the Drakensberg without really walking much?
In my opinion, the best places to do this (in order from best) are:
1) Cathedral Peak
2) Garden Castle
3) Monks Cowl
4) Royal Natal
5) Giants Castle
Nottingham Road is a nice little town, but it is quite far from the mountains. If weather is good you will see the mountains, but they are far away. Bergville, Winterton and Underberg are much closer.
Underberg is far from Bergville, Winterton and Nottingham Road because of the mountains in the middle. You definitely can drive from Pietermaritzburg to Underberg and back in a day. The road is also very good. I would suggest that if you go that way, you could also arrange to be taken up Sani Pass - they charge a lot for it, but if you want to see the mountains close up, this is the easiest way. If you do this, maybe consider spending a night in Lesotho at the top of Sani so you aren't too rushed.
There is often afternoon rain in summer here, but with the current drought, this hasn't happened as much as usual.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sole
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
27 Nov 2015 13:28 #65980
by kliktrak
Replied by kliktrak on topic Driving roads
Hi
1. Yes I think it is very ambitious to try all that in 1 day - suggest you stay in the Northern Drakensberg area for that 1 day and enjoy Cathedral Peak, Monks Cowl and Injasuthi, from Injasuthi then take the Loskop Road back to the N3 to go to Estcourt.
2. Yes if you leave early you can get from Nottingham Road to Underberg and back to Pietermaritzburg in 1 day.
If you want value for landscapes, then your plan to spend 1 day in North [Cathedral, Monks Cowl and Injasuthi] and 1 day in South [Underberg area] is a good plan, the Drakensberg landscapes change from South to North and you will get the best of the differences - Giants Castle is in the center and does have its own feel, but you will get better value splitting the journey between the North and South as the landscapes are the most different.
When in Underberg you can choose to go to a number of Parks - Cobham and Garden Castle are the easiest and fastest [best roads] to get to, and then Bushman's Nek is further and is on a longer dirt road which will take up more time.
1. Yes I think it is very ambitious to try all that in 1 day - suggest you stay in the Northern Drakensberg area for that 1 day and enjoy Cathedral Peak, Monks Cowl and Injasuthi, from Injasuthi then take the Loskop Road back to the N3 to go to Estcourt.
2. Yes if you leave early you can get from Nottingham Road to Underberg and back to Pietermaritzburg in 1 day.
If you want value for landscapes, then your plan to spend 1 day in North [Cathedral, Monks Cowl and Injasuthi] and 1 day in South [Underberg area] is a good plan, the Drakensberg landscapes change from South to North and you will get the best of the differences - Giants Castle is in the center and does have its own feel, but you will get better value splitting the journey between the North and South as the landscapes are the most different.
When in Underberg you can choose to go to a number of Parks - Cobham and Garden Castle are the easiest and fastest [best roads] to get to, and then Bushman's Nek is further and is on a longer dirt road which will take up more time.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sole
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
27 Nov 2015 17:38 #65982
by andrew r
make a difference. today.
Replied by andrew r on topic Driving roads
Alex:
Like Ghaznavid says, we are not really sure what you want to achieve on your trip but it appears that you wish to get close to the Drakensberg mountains without actually hiking/climbing, at least that's my assumption. The distances and travel times that I quoted above come from google maps. I have then added in some arrival/departure times for each leg of your trip to see if it is possible in a day.
Ghaz:
I think Alex is planning on taking the Lotheni road between Nottingham Road and Himeville/Underberg which runs up against the foothills of the Little Berg and can be very scenic on a clear day (takes about 2 hours travelling), and then returning to Pietermaritzburg via Bulwer/Boston (takes about 1hour 35 minutes travelling).
Like Ghaznavid says, we are not really sure what you want to achieve on your trip but it appears that you wish to get close to the Drakensberg mountains without actually hiking/climbing, at least that's my assumption. The distances and travel times that I quoted above come from google maps. I have then added in some arrival/departure times for each leg of your trip to see if it is possible in a day.
Ghaz:
I think Alex is planning on taking the Lotheni road between Nottingham Road and Himeville/Underberg which runs up against the foothills of the Little Berg and can be very scenic on a clear day (takes about 2 hours travelling), and then returning to Pietermaritzburg via Bulwer/Boston (takes about 1hour 35 minutes travelling).
make a difference. today.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sole
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
27 Nov 2015 18:59 #65985
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Driving roads
Hi Alex and welcome to VE. You are not off topic at all - hiking may be the predominant subject on this forum, but this is the place for anything Drakensberg-related, and tourism is certainly something we wish to promote on this site.
Adding to what others have said:
1) Cathedral Peak and Champagne Valley/Monks Cowl area is going to give you very good value for money on relatively good roads. I am not sure how long you want to stop in between drives, as there are many nice places to sit and enjoy the scenery, and this will determine how much time you have left for Injasuthi. The road to Injasuthi is not that great, avoid driving it in the dark, and the camp also locks the gate at a set time. They have a small shop but you need to bring your own food if you want to eat there.
2) @andrew: I also have the impression that its the Lotheni Road in question. Alex, yes, this road does have nice scenery. However it is a dirt road and can be quite rough at times. In recent times I have seem them grading the road so it is somewhat better, but don't count on that, especially in December after heavy rains. You don't need a 4x4, unless perhaps it is extremely muddy and washed away, but a high clearance will be helpful. If you are driving a rental car, make sure the insurance will cover you on rough dirt roads - beware of fine print. Ghaznavid's suggestion about going up Sani Pass from there is a good one.
Adding to what others have said:
1) Cathedral Peak and Champagne Valley/Monks Cowl area is going to give you very good value for money on relatively good roads. I am not sure how long you want to stop in between drives, as there are many nice places to sit and enjoy the scenery, and this will determine how much time you have left for Injasuthi. The road to Injasuthi is not that great, avoid driving it in the dark, and the camp also locks the gate at a set time. They have a small shop but you need to bring your own food if you want to eat there.
2) @andrew: I also have the impression that its the Lotheni Road in question. Alex, yes, this road does have nice scenery. However it is a dirt road and can be quite rough at times. In recent times I have seem them grading the road so it is somewhat better, but don't count on that, especially in December after heavy rains. You don't need a 4x4, unless perhaps it is extremely muddy and washed away, but a high clearance will be helpful. If you are driving a rental car, make sure the insurance will cover you on rough dirt roads - beware of fine print. Ghaznavid's suggestion about going up Sani Pass from there is a good one.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sole
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
28 Nov 2015 06:27 #65987
by sole
Replied by sole on topic Driving roads
Yes Andrew,
your assumption is exact.
But for that i've call Nottingham Road, as i've read it's called, starts from Nottingham Road village, and i suppose pass through Stepmore to reach Himeville and Underberg, and not more south through Lotheni.
Anyway we'll arrive in the same place. It depends from road condition.
And yes, the way back is through Bulwer/Boston.
A question about Sani Pass.
I've read from Himeville we can drive with a sedan just to the Police Post, after we need a 4x4.
If it's not true, if i can go up to Sani Pass with a Sedan, i can reach Undeeberg through the tarred road Bulwer/Boston and then go to Kokstad, where i've planned a night and that's the way i'll go out from KWN.
your assumption is exact.
But for that i've call Nottingham Road, as i've read it's called, starts from Nottingham Road village, and i suppose pass through Stepmore to reach Himeville and Underberg, and not more south through Lotheni.
Anyway we'll arrive in the same place. It depends from road condition.
And yes, the way back is through Bulwer/Boston.
A question about Sani Pass.
I've read from Himeville we can drive with a sedan just to the Police Post, after we need a 4x4.
If it's not true, if i can go up to Sani Pass with a Sedan, i can reach Undeeberg through the tarred road Bulwer/Boston and then go to Kokstad, where i've planned a night and that's the way i'll go out from KWN.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
28 Nov 2015 13:58 #65992
by andrew r
make a difference. today.
Replied by andrew r on topic Driving roads
Hi Alex
ok, we are talking about the same road from Nottingham Road to Himeville; as explained by intrepid, it is a gravel road and can be rough in the summer wet season.
Your information about Sani Pass is correct, it is possible to reach the Police Station close to the bottom of the pass by sedan vehicle, but you will not see much from there. I will find out more about the current condition of the pass but I do think you need to have a 4x4 vehicle or join a guide up the pass.
the fifth picture in Andrew P's report on his recent 'GT with a difference' shows a recent view of the road up Sani Pass on a good day. the Police Station is out of view in the distance.
Your backup plan of going to Kokstad via Boston, Bulwer & Underberg is a good one and will take about 3 hours from Nottingham Road.
ok, we are talking about the same road from Nottingham Road to Himeville; as explained by intrepid, it is a gravel road and can be rough in the summer wet season.
Your information about Sani Pass is correct, it is possible to reach the Police Station close to the bottom of the pass by sedan vehicle, but you will not see much from there. I will find out more about the current condition of the pass but I do think you need to have a 4x4 vehicle or join a guide up the pass.
the fifth picture in Andrew P's report on his recent 'GT with a difference' shows a recent view of the road up Sani Pass on a good day. the Police Station is out of view in the distance.
Your backup plan of going to Kokstad via Boston, Bulwer & Underberg is a good one and will take about 3 hours from Nottingham Road.
make a difference. today.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sole
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
28 Nov 2015 16:00 #65995
by sole
Replied by sole on topic Driving roads
Hi Andrew,
looking from the picture it looks not so different from the Swartberg Pass, up Oudtshoorn, i've done last year with a sedan.
It just looks .......
And it depends also from weather conditions, and not going to Leshoto, i have to go up and to go down from the same road, that's not the best.
A detail. When we are speaking the roads running below the Drakensberg, except the main roads, are gravel or tarred ?
I mean, for example, from Winterton to Cathedral Peak, from Estcourt to Monks Cowl and Injisuthi.
looking from the picture it looks not so different from the Swartberg Pass, up Oudtshoorn, i've done last year with a sedan.
It just looks .......
And it depends also from weather conditions, and not going to Leshoto, i have to go up and to go down from the same road, that's not the best.
A detail. When we are speaking the roads running below the Drakensberg, except the main roads, are gravel or tarred ?
I mean, for example, from Winterton to Cathedral Peak, from Estcourt to Monks Cowl and Injisuthi.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
