Mnweni Pass

Hi Hikers. Looking for some guidance. We've done a number of multiday hikes in Drakensberg but never a Pass. Mnweni is right up on the bucketlist and any guidance would be appreciated- 
1. Does anyone have a gpx file of the route (via Ledges Cave and down Rockeries)? 
2. Ive heard and read a lot about the remoteness of Mnweni and how challengin gnavigation can be. How feasible is it to do this for the first time without a guide (I.e self guided via gxp)?
3. Anything else we should know or prepare for (other than how demanding the climb can be).

Hi KerryLou,

I'm sure some of the veterans of the forum will be able to answer your question better than myself, but let me give it go.

1) You can find the gpx tracks for mnweni and rockeries pass in the downloads section, if i remember correctly there is a small cairn on the escarpment above ledgers cave.
2) Mnweni is remote but the passes you are doing are fairly popular so you shouldn't have much navigation issues.
3) I don't know if the plan is to go from MCC to Ledgers cave in 1 day, but i would advise doing the hike over 3 days. 1st day from MCC to base of Mnweni pass then day 2 up Mnweni pass to ledgers cave and day 3 down rockeries back to MCC. You can arrange a lift with MCC which will make the walk in shorter.

Have a great time in the mountains,

Welcome on VE Kerrylou!

As Ralph has stated, the downloads section should sort you out with a track for the Mnweni circuit. If you don't come right I can send you some of my tracks as well, just pm me.

Mnweni can have remote parts, but not the Mnweni/Rockeries loop. The "difficulty" with Mnweni is the long walk-ins. If you are not fit I'd suggest breaking the ascent up into 2 days, that will make it MUCH easier. If you do it clockwise (i.e. up Rockeries), the ascent will be more gradual, i.e. easier. Doing it anti-clockwise (i.e. up Mnweni pass) is a bit harder as the pass itself is on the steeper side. Then you also have a 3rd alternative, being Ledges pass. This you can access directly from Ledges cave itelf.

Regarding Ledges cave, it's pretty easy to find and there are quite a number of cairns indicating where on the escarpment you need to drop down to the cave. The cairns are closer to the Mnweni pass side. Just walk northwards to the escarpment edge (that is, if you don't have the gps coordinates for the cave) and you will see them, they are right on the edge. You will clearly see the cave under the rock band towards the west from this point.

There's also Mponjwane cave to sleep in, it's near the top of Rockeries pass. This cave has a rather clear track to the top, gps coordinates for it also here on VE.

The only section where I've had difficulty finding the footpath on this entire loop has consistently been going through the protea forest near Mlambo's kraal, towards the end the hike as you approach the dirt road taking you back to MCC. This is if you descend Mnweni pass. Yes I have the track and no I don't use it, clearly I should I always end up either too high or too low, but even if you get it wrong, the terrain will help you get to the exit points (there are a couple, depending on how you walk here) and then the descent to the river.

Ledges pass is really nice but I wouldn't do it asa first pass up to the escarpment. Leave that for another trip.

Whichever way you go, enjoy the berg!

Hi KL
Agree with most, but until you are more familiar and conversant with berg passes, stay away from Ledgers Pass.  It has some sketchy sections that could be dangerouse for new timers.  Mweni and Rockeries arre good starters in this area, the rest get harder and more complex.
Enjoy.