General Grand Traverse planning & tips

andrew r wrote: @conraddt
Just to reiterate, the overriding reason to get & pay for an EKZNW hiking permit (other than it's the right thing to do) is that a portion of the fee goes towards a fund which pays for the costs of mountain rescue in the event you need it. If you don't have a permit I expect you will still get rescued but will be liable for the full costs yourself. Check Mountain Rescue Reporting Procedures before you go.

Thanks Andrew, I will try and change my plans to obtain a permit before we start. Which camp is the easiest/ closest if I'm coming from Gauteng and have to head back to Sentinel Car Park?

conraddt wrote:
Thanks Andrew, I will try and change my plans to obtain a permit before we start. Which camp is the easiest/ closest if I'm coming from Gauteng and have to head back to Sentinel Car Park?

Let's hope Viking is successful in coming up with a solution that does not involve you driving an additional 110km to Royal Natal National Park just to pay the hiking fees. If it were me I would PM 'Ranger' and ask him for assistance.

If it's any help I've attached an excel version of the EKZNW Rescue Register which can be emailed/faxed if you do come up with a solution.

Hi Andrew

Thanks for the excel reg, that really helps, for those of us that have not sent a fax or email version to EKZN before, which "correct" address / fax number would we use, or are the details on the EKZN website? Don't want to land up sending it to them and it doesn't get to the right place

WarrenM wrote: Hi Andrew

Thanks for the excel reg, that really helps, for those of us that have not sent a fax or email version to EKZN before, which "correct" address / fax number would we use, or are the details on the EKZN website? Don't want to land up sending it to them and it doesn't get to the right place

Warren, I have only used the excel form to collate the details (it's especially useful if you don't know everyone in your group) and save some time at the EKZNW office when paying so don't know who to send it to. Hopefully Viking or Ranger can shed some light.

Viking wrote: When I've used the pre-printed rescue form, I usually put it in the rescue register at point of entry.
This would be a gamble at Sentinel Car-Park.
Rather find out the officer in charge of your end point's email address and send it to them. Follow up with a phone call to confirm.

Thanks Viking, we concur. For the GT, you should email a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (he is the OIC at Garden Castle/Bushmans Nek), and also to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (OIC/Warden at Royal Natal). Dont forget to take your passports as the Lesotho Defence Force is conducting spot checks, especially in the Amphitheatre and Giants Castle area. As for their mandate to operate in South Africa....dont ask::huh:

I am planning a route to do the Grand Traverse end April 2019. Going from Lotheni down to Mkohmazi pass, has anyone hiked into Lesotho down the valley's of the Mokhotlong -, Litseketsekeng - and eventually the Mohlesi river instead of staying closer to the escarpment traversing the ridges at Terateng, Litseketseke and Mahlangubo and then around Lamunram. The distances are about the same but the former route presents very little ascents/descents. What concerns me a little going down the valley's is the number of kraals clearly visible on satellite images. During April/May the activity of locals on the escarpment will probably be much less.
I have not hiked in this area before, except up Sani pass (CHOC) so any advice would be appreciated. 

Hello Drakie1

The speed GT route uses the Mokhotlong valley to link Giants Castle to Thabana Ntlenyana.  You should find plenty of reports about people who have used it.  Little will have been said though.

The path down the valley is probably the best section of path on the entire GT. In the daytime, it tends to be very well named, long and hot. And the scenery rather bland. So, people tend to motor along. If you want to reach the summit of Thabana, this is a good variation.  It can also be useful if the escarpment is covered in cloud and you want some sunshine. Or if you are trying to catch up time.  Otherwise, I would suggest the escarpment route.

While in the Mokhotlong, you will see that dogs are very territorial.  They will see you and will want to protect their kraal.  They run, barking, about 100m out and then at an invisible line, stop running and just bark.  Cross that line at your own peril, but stay outside it and thread your way between the kraals and you will be fine.  Most of the kraals lie outside this zone and you can just keep walking. 

As you drop off the Long Wall ridge, you will find the path easily. Follow this for a while until you move into the Mokhotlong itself.  Stay on true right of river for another 1km (no path) and then, round about as you pass the kraals on the other side of the river, which do have dogs, you will pick up a path. This is soon joined by the main highway for plain sailing.

Hi guys,

We are a group of 5 people planning to do a south - north GT in December. 

Can someone please give me guidance on where to leave your vehicle if you start from Bushman's Neck?

Thanks a million!