Thamathu Pass

Hi Ghaznavid and Smufatefrog, Yes it is quite possible to do the route proposed over two days.

This photo shows Thomathu Peak centre left, taken from Ngwangwe Cave, and you can see Thaba Ngwangwe is clearly a lot higher than Thomathu.Thomathu Cave is in the ridge just left of centre in the photo.

Thomathu Pass is shorter and easier than Ngwangwane Pass, and this may be relevant for Ghaznavid's Bannerman Pass friend, and it would thus be easier to ascend via Thomatu Pass and descend via Ngwangwane pass and the Bushman's River. As Elinda explained, it is quite a stiff climb up to Ngwangwe Cave, but worth it for the view, and also that this cave is amongst the highest in the 'berg. When we overnighted at Ngwangwe Cave in February, running water was only available about two thirds up the peak, but fortunately an afternoon thunderstorm came to our rescue with a lot of runoff water from above the cave, so be aware of collecting water on the way up.

After looking at these photos and checking Google Earth I have moved Thaba Ngwangwe right to the top of my list of peaks to conquer, poor old Popple will have to wait...

Does anyone have a pic looking north from the summit? According to GE there is a 700m dropoff and then a steep ascent at Iscatula Pass and Walker's Peak, on GE the view looks so amazing.

Although my October already includes a definate hike up Rhino, and my first weekend of November already includes a probably attempt of the Bollard Wilson loop. Not too mention that I'm hoping to climb Thaba Ngwangwe on either the weekend of 8 or 15 October, pending me putting a group together... I guess I just need a good distraction after UNISA's ridiculous financial accounting exam today...

Ok, I'm officially doing this pass and cave on the weekend of 15/16 October, if anyone is interested in increasing the numbers, please let me know...

We also have to beat Oz in the next round, fun road to the finals, playing Oz and NZ prior to the finals, the finals will be like a relaxing game by comparison...

I'll post a story of what happens, provided it actually ends up happening...

Too bad about the Boks... The Protea's can get revenge, maybe Morkel will break Ponting's toe with a plum LBW...

They person I'm doing the hike with has just pulled out, so if you are still up for a joined group (assuming I can get a group together for some other weekend from my side), let me know...