Drakensberg maps

Hi
I was responsible for a set of maps of the Drakensberg in the 1980s. I am working on a new set of maps after discussions with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife - privately produced maps, not commissioned by them - and would like to correspond with anyone in your organization in this regard. I'm looking for anyone willing to make suggestions, check copy, etc and/or to receive news of progress. I'm going to start a blog shortly that will detail progress and make downloadable sections of the completed maps available for comment; with this in mind map 1 [Rugged Glen to Mnweni] is nearly ready to be posted - give me another couple of weeks! We did a similar blog in our preparation for the "Hike the Cederberg" maps - see cederbergmap.blogspot.com/ . The Drakensberg maps will be a three-map double-sided set and printed on waterproof paper if possible [availability since Covid has been a problem], but if we can't source the waterproof material the maps will be sold laminated. All contributors will be acknowledged etc etc. My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I am a mapmaker at Slingsbymaps.com .
Thanking you in anticipation
- Peter Slingsby

Fantastic news, an updated series of berg hiking maps with participation from the hiking community in compiling them will be a huge step forward.

I have replied to Mr Slingsby, offering my participation in this project, whether as part of a VE team or as an individual. It will be a privilege to be involved in something like this where I believe I can make a meaningful contribution, and another way I can give something back to the hiking community from all the years of joy hiking in the berg has given me.

I was hoping that Peter Slingsby would provide updates on the new series of Drakensberg maps, but it seems that he has been too busy with the mapping. I was extensively involved in the new Drakensberg map project, and will provide a brief update. 

I joined the project in January 2022, and was designated as Field Research Co Ordinator, and my role was to provide all my relevant gps data to Peter for inclusion on the maps, and to check through gps data supplied by other participants. From my extensive khulu bagging and pass hikes, I was also aware of areas on the existing maps where the topography was incorrect, and could point this out to Peter so that he could correct these errors on the new maps. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding for me, and a big honour to work so closely with Peter, who was one of my heroes when I was a young hiker and his first ‘berg maps came out. 

Three double sided maps for Drakensberg North, Drakensberg Central and Drakensberg South were produced, and the last to be completed, Drakensberg South, was printed at the end of July 2023. All three maps are on sale in printed and digital (image) format. 

Peter Slingsby has now retired aged 72, and Map 6 of the Drakensberg series is the last commercial map that he will draw. He has sold Slingsby Maps to Tracks 4 Africa, a well known supplier of gps maps and paper maps.

VE was well represented on the project, with prominent mapping participation by elinda, Viking, Smurfatefrog, Stijn, tonymarshall, ghaznavid, Bobby Stanton, Berg Attie and GWTennant, cover photos by Serious Tribe, and QR codes by Beard. We all received complimentary maps for our efforts, and I specially requested Peter to sign all of mine on both sides, which he generously did, and I will treasure these signed paper maps forever, and also really enjoy working on the digital maps, which can be zoomed in, to plan my hikes or check various things. The VE pass difficulties are also included on the maps. I was left without words when I saw that Peter had dedicated Map 5 to me, a massive honour for what he described as my ‘detailed inputs’ and ‘devotion to these mighty peaks’, and a lot of other kind words. I am very proud to be part of this project, and to be able to be a part of leaving this fantastic resource and legacy for all Drakensberg hikers. 

To buy the Slingsby Drakensberg maps, go to the Tracks 4 Africa website, click on Shop, then Online Shop; once in Online shop, click on Shop again, then click on the arrow next to Slingsby Maps or hover on Slingsby Maps, and the options Slingsby Hiking Paper Maps, and Slingsby Hiking Digital Maps are available where the maps can be selected and purchased. All the other Slingsby Maps are also available in the Online shop. 

Thanks very much Tony and everyone who worked on the series, these new maps will be in my Christmas stocking this year!