General help for overseas visitors to the Berg

That is very useful information Tony! It is very hard hike to a big group.

Consequently, I think that we will try the Camel option. Do you know that route? Do you think we will need a rope or it could be dangerous because of the ice near Organs Pipe Pass?

In relation to Mafidi hike, I think it could be great to sleep in Marble Baths Cave the last day. If the weather was very bad, I think we would do something else in the Little Berg.

Another question, Is it allow to park in the Hiker’s Park close to Cathedral Peak Hotel? We are going to climb Cathedral Peak also.

Regards,

Myriam

The route via Tryme Hill and Camel Pass is about 10-12km each way, with about the same ascent/descent as the Organ Pipes route (2100m).

There is one particular section on Camel Pass which involves a short, exposed traverse over a large drop. In dry conditions, it shouldn't pose any problems for hikers with experience in the mountains and a head for heights. However, if it does ice up, it would be significantly trickier.

I have done this pass in winter a few times before and have not found the traverse iced-up though, so it would be unlikely.

I see you are from Spain. Any particular reason you have chosen to do Mafadi? Out of the 138 SA peaks above 3000m I have done, Mafadi doesn't crack the top 130 for views

The high ridge line between Leslies Pass and Mafadi is scenic, worth the effort. Many people use the low line through the valley (which is easier and quicker), but you miss out on the best part of the route if you do this.

Last summer I had a great four days in Sani Pass and Sani Top, and I consider the Drakensberg an incredible mountains! For this reason I am trying to organize a hiking trip with my Spanish mountain club. We would like to climb the highest peaks in South Africa and Lesotho… So, Mafadi is the maximum high in South African country!

Fair enough. As I say - take the high ridge line to the peak, there is a summit along the way called "Sombrero" (not named on the map, shown on the map as 3226m spot height) which is worth a bit of a detour to check out. The summit itself isn't extra special, but it is in a region of overhanging cliffs that afford exceptional views. You will walk past it anyway, if you take the high line.

I take it you did Thabana Ntlenyana from Sani Top? When you get close to Mafadi it is gentler and flatter than Thabana, but the walkin is more interesting - provided you take the scenic line. Personally I rate hiking to KaNtuba Buttress from Sani Top as much more worthwhile route than Thabana Ntlenyana. But SA's 7th highest summit doesn't sound as impressive as "the highest point in Southern Africa".

Hi all.

My name is Morad and I live in Northern France. I am planning a North Drakensberg traverse around April 4th..
First, let me thank you for all the great content this website and forum have.
Hiking in the Drakensberg has been a dream of mine for many years. Now that I have plane tickets for South Africa, the dream becomes palpable. I have some concerns about security though. I am a very experienced hiker. I've been hiking around the world for 15 years now (Jordan, Guatemala, Indonesia, Morocco, Europe, Grand Canyon...) Almost all my hikes were solo. I have good navigational skills, I will be carying a GPS and a Personal Locator Beacon (for emergencies). My concerns are about encounters with wild dogs and smuglers. I have read the sheperd dogs can be quite agressive. Should I be concerned ?

I read the following thread : www.vertical-endeavour.com/20-drakensberg/security/15-troubled-times-at-cathedral-peak.html

Are the recomendations still valid ?

My last questions are about transportation.
I think I can manage to get to sentinel park through Amphitheatre Backpackers. But I can't seem to find a way to go from the end of my hike at Cathedral peak hotel to Winterton. Could I hitchhike ?

Hello Morad

I hiked about 2000km in the Drakensberg, solo, last year. Keep your eyes open, but the locals are friendly and will not present any problems.

The dogs can be a problem at night when the shepards are asleep, and if you suddenly stumble into a kraal and enter "their home ground". If the shepard is about they always call the dog back and it instantly turns into a cute puppy dog.

To get to Winterton, if you can get yourself about 10km down the road to where the park boundary is, then you enter the local townships and can easily get a local taxi to Winterton.

HI Morad

See Reshift3's post here for help with transport at the end of your hike.