Mafadi from Giants Castle

Wow thanks for all the info. The Langies being shorter this is really interesting... We did think of that as an option, but Bannerman Cave doesn't really look like the 5 star accommodation available at the hut.

Langies is furthest away from UIC, then Bannermans, then Judges, and if you are feeling very adventurous, Corner pass or Around the Corner pass is closest, just before the Trojan wall in which upper reaches UIC is situated.

Yes, Bannermans cave isn't as comfy as bannermans hut, but it is on the escarpment, so the views are better (of Lesotho ).
There's also Spar rib cave to consider, at around 2700m ASL on Bannermans pass. Could be wet though, but a bivvy or tent (it's a large cave) will sort out that issue.

I have gone to Upper Injasuti/Mafadi from Giants Castle twice, going up Judges Pass and coming down Bannerman Pass. I prefer this route than the Heart Break Hill, Centenary route from Injasuti side.

Hello. I am planning to go to Mafadi from Giants Castle through Bannerman's Pass. I don't think I could made in one single day from the  Bannerman pass top or staying at Bannerman cave all the way to Upper Injisuthi cave.

So, does any anybody knows a good camping site at the escarpment between Bannerman pass top and Upper Injisuthi cave? Better, if it is sheltered a bit and hidden. Maybe with gps coordinates or maps markings?

Or maybe share their experiences about camping there.

Best, Edwin.

Hi Edwin128

I'm not quite sure where your starting point is. "Hello. I am planning to go to Mafadi from Giants Castle". Are you coming from Giants Castle Camp or the top of Giants Castle pass? Are you planning to go up Bannermans pass from Giants Castle Camp and then onwards to Mafadi (option 1) or walk from the top of Giants Castle pass over the top of Bannermans pass on to UIC? (Option 2) Option 1 is definitely doable if you are fit, but if you take option 2 you are in for a seriously long and tough day.

The terrain north of Bannermans is fairly open so not much is available in terms of hiding away here. Bannermans cave is probably the most sheltered/tucked away spot you will find here. We've also camped at the base of a rocky outcrop section next to water just opposite Corner pass, but this spot is very close to the passhead and often frequented by smugglers. If you do decide to go for UIC, just be aware that the Trojan Wall lies between you and the cave, and at the end of a long day that thing can be a bugger. It's been the cause for a few late nights for us in the past. Still, the cave made up for all the suffering!

Maybe somebody else is aware of a secluded spot, but my recommendation would be to go for one of the two caves if safety is your main concern.

Enjoy your time in the mountains!!!

through Bannerman's Pass. I don't think I could made in one single day from the Bannerman pass top or staying at Bannerman cave all the way to Upper Injisuthi cave.

So, does any anybody knows a good camping site at the escarpment between Bannerman pass top and Upper Injisuthi cave? Better, if it is sheltered a bit and hidden. Maybe with gps coordinates or maps markings?

Or maybe share their experiences about camping there.

Hello Riaang.

I plan to start at giants castle basecamp, go to bannerman's hut (day 1), go up Bannermans pass and camp in the escarpment (2), go to Mafadi (day3 or 4), and go back the way I came.

Yes, I know getting to the UIC can be difficult specially after a long hike day . So, that is a why I was expecting to find a nice place between Bannermans pass and UIC to make the hike easier and safer.

OK, hopefully we can get some recommendations from VE members.

Best, Edwin.

Smurfatefrog wrote:

Why don't you consider going up Judge pass? That's the easier way of getting to UI cave, saves going over the Popple ridge

 

Hi. Which pass is easier? Judges or Bannermans? I am familiar with Bannermans pass.

Perhaps it is better to skip Bannermans hut and go straigth to the base of Judges pass and go up first time in the morning and then once I am up I go to UIC, and go to Mafadi the next day.

Best, Edwin.

I've recently done Judges and it's not a particularly hard pass but worth doing if you haven't, I thought..

ASL #Bivak wrote:

I've recently done Judges and it's not a particularly hard pass but worth doing if you haven't, I thought..
 

Is it harder than Bannermans pass? If so, how much more?