Mnweni security

Though your reference is humorous, that standard method will see you through most of the potential issues in the Mweni. In spite of all the activity that goes on there, very little has been a direct threat to hikers in recent times (that I am aware of).

Hiking in as large a group as possible is recommended. Most problems (if any) would be of a petty nature and likely to happen at night.

Mweni, Rockeries and Ntonjelana Passes are major smuggling routes, and you can even encounter donkey trains carrying the dagga down, especially on the latter two passes. Since it is peak smuggling season currently, you would do well to avoid camping directly on these routes. In particular I would try avoid using the following (at this time of year):

- the junction of Rockeries and Nguza Passes (this is where the Basotho donkeys are offloaded and their local counterparts continue)
- Scaly Cave
- Shepherds Cave
-  Five Star Cave
- the campsite at the junction of the Mweni and Rwanqa Rivers
Even though the smugglers are seldom a direct threat, they would disturb you during the night. And, as always, stay away from the summits of these passes.

All of the Little Berg caves indicated on the map are used by local Zulus at some time or the other, whether they be shepherds, hunters or dagga planters. This means that you may find them occupied on arrival, and it also means that one should never leave equipment unattended in them.

Camp as far away from any kraals as possible.

As for the Basotho shepherds on the escarpment, standard precautions apply. Be particularly careful when camping in the valleys feeding the Khubedu from Ifidi and Icidi Passes - as these places are frequented by the same bunch that steal from hikers in the Tugela Falls area. This incident seems to have happened in those valleys.

Be aware that tension exists between local Zulus and Basotho cattle rustlers. You may encounter angry and armed Zulus pursuing rustlers up the passes. Bands of smugglers may also ambush each other, or be ambushed by locals waiting at the bottom. It is not unheard of to encounter bodies on some of the passes.

Always good to ask around at the Mweni Cultural Centre for updates before setting out.

As bad as it all sounds, personally I feel pretty relaxed in the Mweni. I feel more on my guard in other places of the Berg actually.

Thanks for the feedback Gert. All of the Mweni's lower Berg caves have been affected, some worse than others. The worst case I've seen so far is that of Waterfall Cave which was smothered in a several centimetres of goat manure last time I was there.

I did want to add that the Mweni remains among my personal favourites. I have come to cherish it's jagged peaks, monstrous passes, rural vibe, and the locals that live there. In spite of all of the above, I would not discourage anyone from visiting the area, but simply to be aware of what goes on there. If you enjoy the Berg, then the Mweni is a must!

Much can be said of the positive change that has come about as a result of the Mweni Cultural Centre and the efforts of Bergwatch working with the locals towards sustainable ecotourism.

Hi Charl,

early to mid winter will still see smuggling activity, so you will do well to avoid camping directly at the summits of Mweni, Rockeries and Ntonjelana Passes. As for the shepherds, they will now generally start moving away from the escarpment, but there are always still individuals around. I have encountered Basothos in mid-winter right across the escarpment, even in snow/ice conditions. While not all of them are a threat, it is always good to bear this in mind and not assume that you are alone.

Ifidi Pass is a good place, in particular Ifidi Cave, since it is really out of the way and difficult to find (don't be fooled by the shallow overhangs often mistaken to be the cave). Fangs Cave is an excellent cave, tucked away in a gully, not particularly easy to find and certainly not frequented by the Basotho.

Ledgers Cave and Mponjwane Cave are classic overnight spots for this traverse and are also pretty good from a security angle.

Between Rockeries and Nguza Passes is a quiet little valley where you can easily find solitude and watch the vultures circling around the cliffs overlooking the Rockeries. Nguza Pass is a very nice place to camp - it does lie along a busy shepherd route but I've never heard of any problems there.

Twins Cave is a classic spot though it does get used by the smugglers and cattle rustlers. Though they also use the nearby annexe cave, this is further away from the trail and a better option between the two. More secluded alternatives would be Easter Cave (which is better shelter anyway) or a cave which I refer to as Bellevue Cave, on Mlambonja Pass, near the split leading to Twins Cave.

Bear in mind that Bell Cave is right on the trail. I've heard of one security incident which happened several years ago. If this bothers you then rather camp on the grassy plateau on the other side of Cathedral Peak.

Hope this helps.

Enjoy, hike safe, and please post back to the forum when you've done it.