Cathedral Peak security

Speaking from personal experience I agree with Viking that the Basuto shepherds are generally friendly, helpful and pleasant.
On new years day in 2013 I set out from Sani Top with my wife to climb Hodgsons Peak. Near the to of Masubsuba pass we noticed that we were being followed. The clouds started to come in as well and my wife became quite uneasy. When the two shepherds approached us we exchanged greetings. I unfortunately, do not speak any Sotho but I indicated that I wished to scale the peak. They seemed to understand and insisted in accompanying me as guides. I was quite glad of this because in the mist I was a little unsure of the route up. They shot up the chimney in their gumboots and blankets at a pace that I could not match. My wife, still a little afraid, opted to wait at the bottom. She, like my two companions perhaps did not understand my desire to climb the peak in a whiteout anyway. On the summit I took the obligatory photo with the shepherds. They liked my camera and scrutinised the image with some vanity I thought. We descended safely, rejoined my anxious wife, and continued down. After a while they started calling one of their ponies which miraculously appeared out of the mist. The Basutos certainly do have a way with horses. At this point we shook hands and said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.



The summit photo!




My guides with their pony






We went our separate ways

We did give them a small handout as a way of saying thanks and goodbye. I am not sure whether that was the right thing to do. When to give, or whether to give, handouts is questionable and is a difficult debate. It could be a topic on its own?

Hi Everyone,

My name is Louis. I grew in S. Africa and used to visit the Drakensberg when I lived in S.A., but have been studying in the U.S. for the past 6 years. I am visiting S. Africa at the moment and I am planning on a solo trip to the Berg. I am am planning on car camping, day hikes, and fishing in the Drakensberg at some of the main campsites: Royal Natal (Mahai Rest Camp), Cathedral Peak (Didima Camp) etc. I am planning on going in January and February 2017.

I had heard of reports of incidents in the Berg, but not of any in the main campsites. Should I be concerned to camp solo and to do day hikes and fishing at main campsites during January and February in the Berg? Which part of the Berg is safer to visit? Anyone know how busy the main campsite are during January and February, I would like to avoid being the only camper!

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks very much!

Louis

Helloo Louis. The KZN Wildlife camp sites are the safest places in the Drakensberg and a day walk in the lower Drakensberg will be a lot safer than your drive to the Drakensberg. Last week a family was hijacked on the Mooi River road on their way to Giants Castle. Rocks were put on the road to stop the vehicle and when they climbed out to remove the rocks were attacked. These crime incidents/attacks happen every day in SA, no matter where you are so be safe and alert. Enjoy your stay in SA.

Thanks Richard! I will remember to stay alert when driving there.

I notice there has not been any posts about secturity issues around cathedral peak.  My wife and I are introducing our kids to hiking over the coming school holiday. We are planning to hike from cathedral peak hotel to the Neptunes pools and marble baths to camp and take short day hike from there. Is there any reason for concern in this area and being in a small group? 

no reason for any concern at all.