Berg Alert 2016
29 Nov 2016 10:52 #70271
by Ranger
Replied by Ranger on topic Berg Alert 2016
***UPDATE*** regarding hiking in the Amphitheatre region:
Following engagement with stakeholders Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has adopted the following summarised into the form of signage which will soon be erected. The bottom line is that we strongly discourage overnighting in that area and that day hikes are preferable with a guide.
TO ALL HIKERS
Due to the risk of theft and other unlawful activity hikers are advised not to overnight in the area from the chain ladders to Fangs Pass on top of the escarpment. Use of a guide is recommended for all day hikes in the above area. A minimum party size of four hikers and a guide is recommended. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife regrets any inconvenience caused but will not be liable for the safety of persons or their property. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
Further to this we advise hikers to fill out the mountain rescue register and to ensure that they sign out upon return.
Please note: As of the 1st of Jan 2017, hikers entering the World Heritage Site (Royal Natal Section) will be required to pay entry fees and be in possession of proof of payment. At this stage, entry for adults is R40, children under 12 R20, and overnighting R60 pppn. We intend implementing the sale of ticket books to surrounding establishments and guides who should then be able to sell entries into the Park without the hassle of physically having to pay at Royal Natal. The good part in this is that it ensures you are fully covered for the cost of Mountain Rescue throughout the entire Drakensberg, especially for those doing the GT and shorter overnight trips. Please note though that spot checks will be undertaken from the 1st and that those who are not in possession of proof of payment (ie entry tickets) may be prosecuted. Below is a copy of the notice that will soon be in place at both entry points:
To quote John Muir - " Climb the mountains and get their good tidings".
Following engagement with stakeholders Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has adopted the following summarised into the form of signage which will soon be erected. The bottom line is that we strongly discourage overnighting in that area and that day hikes are preferable with a guide.
TO ALL HIKERS
Due to the risk of theft and other unlawful activity hikers are advised not to overnight in the area from the chain ladders to Fangs Pass on top of the escarpment. Use of a guide is recommended for all day hikes in the above area. A minimum party size of four hikers and a guide is recommended. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife regrets any inconvenience caused but will not be liable for the safety of persons or their property. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
Further to this we advise hikers to fill out the mountain rescue register and to ensure that they sign out upon return.
Please note: As of the 1st of Jan 2017, hikers entering the World Heritage Site (Royal Natal Section) will be required to pay entry fees and be in possession of proof of payment. At this stage, entry for adults is R40, children under 12 R20, and overnighting R60 pppn. We intend implementing the sale of ticket books to surrounding establishments and guides who should then be able to sell entries into the Park without the hassle of physically having to pay at Royal Natal. The good part in this is that it ensures you are fully covered for the cost of Mountain Rescue throughout the entire Drakensberg, especially for those doing the GT and shorter overnight trips. Please note though that spot checks will be undertaken from the 1st and that those who are not in possession of proof of payment (ie entry tickets) may be prosecuted. Below is a copy of the notice that will soon be in place at both entry points:
MALOTI-DRAKENSBERG PARK
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
NOTICE TO VISITORS
PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT ALL VISITORS ACCESSING THE MALOTI-DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE FROM WITSIESHOEK MOUNTAIN RESORT/SENTINEL CAR PARK ARE REQUIRED TO PAY APPLICABLE ENTRANCE/CAMPING FEES.
ACCESS TO THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE FROM SENTINEL CAR PARK BEGINS ONCE YOU REACH THE FLAT ESCARPMENT ABOVE THE CHAIN LADDERS:
ENTRANCE FEES: ADULTS R40
CHILDREN (3-12 YEARS) R20
OVERNIGHT CAMPING FEES: PER PERSON PER NIGHT R60
PLEASE RETAIN YOUR INVOICE AT ALL TIMES ON YOUR WALK AS YOU MAY BE REQUESTED TO PRODUCE IT AS PROOF OF PAYMENT.
A portion of the entrance fee is paid into the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Emergency Rescue levy. This levy will be used to cover costs in the event of a Mountain Rescue by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
All visitors entering the World Heritage Site must please complete the Mountain Rescue Register and sign out on their return. This information could save your life.
Entrance to the World Heritage Site is entirely at the visitor’s own risk and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will not be held liable for any claim
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS FOR EMERGENCIES IN THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE:
CONSERVATION MANAGER ROYAL NATAL 082 459 0279 OR 036 4386 412 (ALL HOURS)
MAHAI DUTY MANAGER 076 588 4656 (ALL HOURS)
THENDELE DUTY MANAGER 072 186 2188 (ALL HOURS)
MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SA 0800 005 133 (ALL HOURS)
THANK YOU AND ENJOY YOUR HIKE
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
NOTICE TO VISITORS
PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT ALL VISITORS ACCESSING THE MALOTI-DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE FROM WITSIESHOEK MOUNTAIN RESORT/SENTINEL CAR PARK ARE REQUIRED TO PAY APPLICABLE ENTRANCE/CAMPING FEES.
ACCESS TO THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE FROM SENTINEL CAR PARK BEGINS ONCE YOU REACH THE FLAT ESCARPMENT ABOVE THE CHAIN LADDERS:
ENTRANCE FEES: ADULTS R40
CHILDREN (3-12 YEARS) R20
OVERNIGHT CAMPING FEES: PER PERSON PER NIGHT R60
PLEASE RETAIN YOUR INVOICE AT ALL TIMES ON YOUR WALK AS YOU MAY BE REQUESTED TO PRODUCE IT AS PROOF OF PAYMENT.
A portion of the entrance fee is paid into the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Emergency Rescue levy. This levy will be used to cover costs in the event of a Mountain Rescue by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
All visitors entering the World Heritage Site must please complete the Mountain Rescue Register and sign out on their return. This information could save your life.
Entrance to the World Heritage Site is entirely at the visitor’s own risk and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will not be held liable for any claim
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS FOR EMERGENCIES IN THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE:
CONSERVATION MANAGER ROYAL NATAL 082 459 0279 OR 036 4386 412 (ALL HOURS)
MAHAI DUTY MANAGER 076 588 4656 (ALL HOURS)
THENDELE DUTY MANAGER 072 186 2188 (ALL HOURS)
MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SA 0800 005 133 (ALL HOURS)
THANK YOU AND ENJOY YOUR HIKE
To quote John Muir - " Climb the mountains and get their good tidings".
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29 Nov 2016 11:49 - 29 Nov 2016 11:52 #70272
by Viking
“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”
Replied by Viking on topic Berg Alert 2016
That last number is not technically a Mountain club number but the Provincial Health toll free number which if necessary would be rerouted to the MCSA.
A technicality I know, but worth mentioning.
A technicality I know, but worth mentioning.
“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”
Last edit: 29 Nov 2016 11:52 by Viking.
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29 Nov 2016 13:43 - 29 Nov 2016 13:45 #70274
by Ranger
Replied by Ranger on topic Berg Alert 2016
.
Last edit: 29 Nov 2016 13:45 by Ranger. Reason: duplication of precious post
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30 Nov 2016 02:09 #70281
by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Berg Alert 2016
Thanx for the update Ranger. This is certainly a sad day, a no camping on the escarpment between Chain Ladder and Fangs advisory.
Does this have a sunset date?
How much stakeholder input was there from the Lesotho side, and what thoughts did they have on the matter?
Does this have a sunset date?
How much stakeholder input was there from the Lesotho side, and what thoughts did they have on the matter?
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30 Nov 2016 09:22 #70285
by Ranger
Unfortunately despite numerous attempts to engage with Lesotho over this matter there was no response at all to any of our written, telephonic, and other communications with them.
Replied by Ranger on topic Berg Alert 2016
Serious tribe wrote:
Does this have a sunset date?
How much stakeholder input was there from the Lesotho side, and what thoughts did they have on the matter?
Unfortunately despite numerous attempts to engage with Lesotho over this matter there was no response at all to any of our written, telephonic, and other communications with them.
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30 Nov 2016 10:32 #70286
by Ranger
Replied by Ranger on topic Berg Alert 2016
Having said that, we intend engaging with local community structures in Lesotho through established social welfare entities as part of the strategy for managing that area. At this stage we are investigating the extension of our community levy system currently in place to involve Lesotho as well, so that the tangible benefits paid from hiker entry fees are realised with our neighboring Lesotho communities. This is also part of the longer term security strategy for that area.
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18 Dec 2016 15:51 #70393
by abrahamvlok
Replied by abrahamvlok on topic Berg Alert 2016
Hi Everyone,
I am planning a hike in Injasuthi area over the next few days. I have done many hikes over the past 15 years in the area...so it is not snakes and weather that concerns me. What is the situation like in Injasuthi?
Abraham
I am planning a hike in Injasuthi area over the next few days. I have done many hikes over the past 15 years in the area...so it is not snakes and weather that concerns me. What is the situation like in Injasuthi?
Abraham
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18 Dec 2016 16:51 #70394
by biomech
Replied by biomech on topic Berg Alert 2016
Hi Abraham.
Injisuthi is very safe due to the lack of smuggling activity in the area. On the escarpment you may encounter Basotho shepherds etc. This will be no more uncommon than any other area in the Betg and there are no recorded incidents in recent times.
Enjoy the hike!
Injisuthi is very safe due to the lack of smuggling activity in the area. On the escarpment you may encounter Basotho shepherds etc. This will be no more uncommon than any other area in the Betg and there are no recorded incidents in recent times.
Enjoy the hike!
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18 Dec 2016 19:09 #70395
by donnerwetter
Replied by donnerwetter on topic Berg Alert 2016
Hello everyone!
So, yesterday, my family and I did a quick accent of Rhino Peak and so I thought I would just update you on the security situation. We left quite early and so on the way up we didn't encounter any Shephards / Basutos. On our return, though, we encountered 8 - 10 of them dressed in balacalavas. They sat at the top of Masai Pass with their dogs. We greeted them and kept walking whilst one of them asked for money. I promptly answered no. They did come across in an intimidating way but didn't do anything to us. After talking to some of the locals they said that when the Rangers go up, they take a gun with and that those specific locals, don't like going up there anymore, at least not in a small group. So I would just advise caution and to just be aware of it.
I also thought I would just mention that Masai Pass is, at times, in a bad state and that if anyone is planning on doing it soon or wants info on it, just PM me.
So, yesterday, my family and I did a quick accent of Rhino Peak and so I thought I would just update you on the security situation. We left quite early and so on the way up we didn't encounter any Shephards / Basutos. On our return, though, we encountered 8 - 10 of them dressed in balacalavas. They sat at the top of Masai Pass with their dogs. We greeted them and kept walking whilst one of them asked for money. I promptly answered no. They did come across in an intimidating way but didn't do anything to us. After talking to some of the locals they said that when the Rangers go up, they take a gun with and that those specific locals, don't like going up there anymore, at least not in a small group. So I would just advise caution and to just be aware of it.
I also thought I would just mention that Masai Pass is, at times, in a bad state and that if anyone is planning on doing it soon or wants info on it, just PM me.
The following user(s) said Thank You: andrew r
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19 Dec 2016 00:04 - 19 Dec 2016 01:54 #70396
by abrahamvlok
Replied by abrahamvlok on topic Berg Alert 2016
Thanks!
I see Masai pass is in the Underberg area and quite far from Injesuthi...we will be sleeping somehwere on way on the way to Leslies' top this time tomorrow!
I see Masai pass is in the Underberg area and quite far from Injesuthi...we will be sleeping somehwere on way on the way to Leslies' top this time tomorrow!
Last edit: 19 Dec 2016 01:54 by abrahamvlok.
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