Cathedral Peak Community Campsite (at Didima)

Jenny, regarding Bell Traverse, we did it on 15 December. There was no problem with any part of the path. We were a bit surprised by the amount of exposure at some points of the route but it was clear that it was not due to any changes to the path.

We met about 5 groups of hikers going up Cathedral Peak path through Orange Peal gap when we came down on 16 December. At least 3 of these groups were planning to sleep somewhere around the base of Cathedral Peak. Be prepared for a very busy area.

Enjoy the hike and spectacular views

Quick update :: the Campsite is looking fairly over grown, in July where we were at Didima the grass was still being tended to and we still used the showers, we didn't even bother this time, from the road you can see long grass in the camp - so still not open

Does anyone know the status of the camp, is it still closed?

We passed by on New Years day. Unfortunately gates were locked, grass overgrown...there was a security guard stationed there. When I asked the lady at Didima about the campsite she told me it's not feasible for them having it open. 
Such a pity!

thats not great

We always used it for the night before camping and for having a shower at the end of a hike

It will be a pity if the campsite gradually falls into neglect. The fact that it was closed during peak season is not a good sign. Perhaps the tipping point has passed, for now that the campsite is closed, it drops off the "possible-destinations" list, and if no one can visit, then no income can ever be made to pay for maintenance.

A possible solution might be to organize some kind of drive on behalf of Didima (or Cathedral Peak or whomever actually owns it) to promote the site among the groups most likely to use them - schools, clubs, etc. If we could get agreement from Didima, then a little email or social media campaign could be done for very little, if any, expense, and that might draw some people. If there is at least enough ad-hoc income to maintain it for large, periodic groups (and perhaps in turn, if that gains momentum, to keep it open for campers during peak seasons), then the slide into neglect could be averted.

I agree - even if they lease it out to a private operator with some entrepreneurial motivation. I'm certain that it can be profitable, given its location.

Strange that they close it, it was always quite busy (when i was there anyway). We did the bell traverse in early Jan, and when i asked the lady at KZN reception she indicted that it had been run as a local community project not by KZN Wildlife, not sure of the details .... anyone know?

This is to record that I wrote the Conservation Manager of Cathedral Peak on the 4th of February, detailing our concerns and proposing that a discussion involving all relevant parties be held. (I also asked that if the issue did not fall within his purview, he please pass it on to whoever's it did.) No reply. I followed up on the 1st of March. No reply.