Who is doing or has done the Grand Traverse

Wow stunning shots above! I'm in the early stages of planning a DGT this year. So just saying hello. No plans set in stone at the moment. Would ideally hike this side of winter.

Will be coming over from the UK. I have a fair bit of hiking experience, I've hiked a good bit abroad and have completed a number of routes that involve off trail travel.

Hi all

I am considering to do the DGT in 2022. Am looking at various options, incl. guided and unguided, supported and unsupported, small group vs big group, etc. I have two friends in KZN that are guides and could help with guiding, logistics and resupply, but that comes at a cost. 

My question is this: is anyone aware whether the MCSA still does the DGT regularly, and whom to contact for such information? I imagine it would be sections in KZN or Gauteng? If there is an MCSA group planning the DGT for 2022, it might be an option to tag along. I am an MCSA member, qualified guide, first responder, etc. Based in the Western Cape.

Thank you
 

Hi Gerrie

The MCSA KZN section doesn't organise DGTs, we certainly have members who do them - I imagine you may well get in touch with them on this site.

The Mountain Backpackers Club is quite active in organising DGTs, though, I believe - maybe get in touch with them (www.mountainbackpackers.co.za/).

Gerrie, we are planning on doing it from 31st Oct till about 12th NOV. 

Hey.
We are planning to do DGT from 17 to 26 October. Four guys in the team.

We are also trying to sort out the transport at the end. Friends will drop us off at Sentinel start but we need a lift from Bushmans to Durban at the end.

Any advice?

Ruanoosie wrote:

We are also trying to sort out the transport at the end. Friends will drop us off at Sentinel start but we need a lift from Bushmans to Durban at the end.

Any advice?

Last DGT I did, I just left my car at the start and walked back when I was done. Ok, not the most helpful comment ever, I know - but it is true (although technically my most recent completed traverse was the hike back to my car).

But jokes aside - contact Underberg Express (google has their contact details). We used them on my first DGT to get back to the start and I've used them for logistics on the Giants Cup Trail as well. Otherwise Baz Bus may be a viable option, although I've never used them - I think they go to Underberg, although not sure if they still exist in the time of covid. Also consider staying at Silverstreams for a night after your GT - so if something goes wrong and you finish a day late, you won't have missed your transport.

Hi Guys !
We are planning to do the Grand Traverse starting 22/23 of november.
We are a french couple and used to big hikes. I went around this website and I thankful of all the information gathered here!
I still have some question about where we can find gas can for stove, if possible in Harrismith or even at the start of the GT (whitsieshoek lodge maybe?)
Is there any contraindication to do the GT at this moment and also doing it only 2 persons?
Thanks in advance for the answer!
Cheers!
Celio.

Hi Celio

You chances of finding gas cannisters at Witsieshoek is probably close to Zero. Even Harrismith will be a challenge. It depends on your type of stove. You will have to buy all these kind of things in larger cities or towns. Depending of where you fly to Durban/Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg or Pretoria.

In November your main challenge will be thunder and rain storms and heat. But it is doable. A group of two is Ok but beware of security  - set camp out of sight of onlookers and avoid areas close to settlements. Avoid certain areas for overnight spots- especially near some of the more active smuggling passes. You will find info on this website in this regard.