Verkyker Pass
06 May 2014 15:34 #60595
by Selous
Verkyker Pass was created by Selous
HI All
On Monday the 21st of April (Easter Monday) myself and 4 others had a real early start from Pietermaritzburg in an attempt to try and get up Verkyker Pass. We managed to start walking at just before 6a.m. and we made fairly good progress past Mzimkhulu Cave, Fun Cave and Verkyker Cave.
We decided to ridge it up a ridge that extends itself up past Fun Cave. We decided to go up this route instead of sticking to the river bed which was situated to the left of the ridge. I knew that the ridge route might end in a stale mate with it closing out as we got closer to the top.
Heading up the ridge looking North west towards all three of the Mzimkhulu Passes
On Monday the 21st of April (Easter Monday) myself and 4 others had a real early start from Pietermaritzburg in an attempt to try and get up Verkyker Pass. We managed to start walking at just before 6a.m. and we made fairly good progress past Mzimkhulu Cave, Fun Cave and Verkyker Cave.
We decided to ridge it up a ridge that extends itself up past Fun Cave. We decided to go up this route instead of sticking to the river bed which was situated to the left of the ridge. I knew that the ridge route might end in a stale mate with it closing out as we got closer to the top.
Heading up the ridge looking North west towards all three of the Mzimkhulu Passes
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06 May 2014 15:41 #60597
by Selous
Replied by Selous on topic Verkyker Pass
Looking Down the Ridge towards Fun Cave.
The higher grassy slopes before we contoured into Verkyker Pass.
The higher grassy slopes before we contoured into Verkyker Pass.
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06 May 2014 16:00 - 06 May 2014 16:01 #60598
by Selous
Replied by Selous on topic Verkyker Pass
Our first proper view of Verkyker Pass - This photo was taken where on the Google Earth image the track log deviates down slightly.
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Last edit: 06 May 2014 16:01 by Selous. Reason: two Photos
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06 May 2014 16:09 #60599
by Selous
Replied by Selous on topic Verkyker Pass
Contouring around into Verkyker Pass. We had to work our way through rock bands and were always expecting our route choice to be blocked off.
Entering into the boulder section of Verkyker Pass.
Entering into the boulder section of Verkyker Pass.
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06 May 2014 16:15 #60600
by Selous
Replied by Selous on topic Verkyker Pass
Upper grassy slopes of Verkyker Pass - looking down
Cheeky Selfie
Cheeky Selfie
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06 May 2014 16:29 #60601
by Selous
Replied by Selous on topic Verkyker Pass
Close up of Verkyker Pass and Mzimkhulu Pass track log.
Looking Back after a leaker day in the mountains.
Summary of Verkyker Pass.
There is no path after you ridge it from close to Fun Cave and once you get off the main Northern Mzimkhulu Pass highway. I found the going quite difficult due to the lack of a path, however it is not a difficult pass to do. There is a little path towards the top of Verkyker Pass on the grassy upper section. If I was doing this pass in mid-winter I would go up through the river bed as I feel that there will be a couple of sections that will be very icy with 20 to 50m drops.
Distance Covered - 30Km
Regards
Selous
Looking Back after a leaker day in the mountains.
Summary of Verkyker Pass.
There is no path after you ridge it from close to Fun Cave and once you get off the main Northern Mzimkhulu Pass highway. I found the going quite difficult due to the lack of a path, however it is not a difficult pass to do. There is a little path towards the top of Verkyker Pass on the grassy upper section. If I was doing this pass in mid-winter I would go up through the river bed as I feel that there will be a couple of sections that will be very icy with 20 to 50m drops.
Distance Covered - 30Km
Regards
Selous
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08 May 2014 08:15 #60610
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Verkyker Pass
Nice going Selous. I like that you opted for the ridge and contour option as opposed to sticking in the gully. I know this can be debate as to which is best/easiest. I tend to opt for ridges and traverses.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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08 May 2014 09:19 - 08 May 2014 09:19 #60614
by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Verkyker Pass
Thanks for the write up Selous, and pics of the map. I also enjoy a new and unused ridge to get up and down.

Last edit: 08 May 2014 09:19 by Serious tribe.
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08 May 2014 21:00 #60628
by HFc
+1.
Only the lack of water is sometimes an issue on ridge routes, but by far what I prefer too.
Replied by HFc on topic Verkyker Pass
intrepid wrote: I tend to opt for ridges and traverses.
+1.
Only the lack of water is sometimes an issue on ridge routes, but by far what I prefer too.
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08 May 2014 21:02 #60629
by HFc
That's some steep side hilling there....
Replied by HFc on topic Verkyker Pass
Selous wrote:
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That's some steep side hilling there....
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