Didima/Monks Traverse: Going on a Witch hunt

Fortunately for the other entrants, Ghaz had already submitted his entry long back, and I could submit one of my pictures of the same fire as my entry

intrepid wrote: Anti-climax I wish I could say that I had done that on purpose just to rag you guys! Goes to the show the subjectivity of just one individuals observations. I was very hasty at the time, since I did it alone while a friend waited at Didima Cave, and this wasn't the only summit I wanted to check out. The clouds were also swirling up from below, creating some obscurity, but I think mostly I was just in too much of a hurry to look properly. Good to know there are easier ways to get up it.

We figured that you probably went up in a rush. The view was worth the relatively nominal effort to get up, so all is good - just I had prepared myself for something rather epic, and then it took all of 1 minute

Thank you so much for all of the great information you provided ghaznavid, it's really helped me a lot for a hike I am planning! I just need some guidance on this area for my particular hike and was wondering if you could help (didn't want to create a whole new thread for this and if anyone else also has the expertise any information is welcome!). Also, if there is already a thread on this topic then you can just point me in the right direction (I couldn't find one).

Essentially, a group of friends and myself are planning a minimum 5 night and 80 km (minimum as well) hike in December. My plan is to start at Monk's Cowl, take a right at Blind Man's Corner and then take the contour path around Intunja. From there we go all the way across and hike up Organ Pipes via the Old Fire Lookout. Once at the top of Organ Pipes, the plan is to hike all the way across to Champagne Castle, bag all the Khulus on the way, and then head down Grays Pass back to Monk's Cowl.

Now, my questions are, firstly, do you have an indication of what the approximate distance from the top of Organ Pipes to Grays (My map doesn't show it)? Secondly, I don't see any hiking trails and so I assume that you just walk along the edge of the escarpment, is that correct? Lastly, can you sleep anywhere on the route between the two passes or are the area's to be aware of?

I really appreciate any guidance and extra information you may be able to provide me with.

Thank you!

marggraffd wrote: Now, my questions are, firstly, do you have an indication of what the approximate distance from the top of Organ Pipes to Grays (My map doesn't show it)? Secondly, I don't see any hiking trails and so I assume that you just walk along the edge of the escarpment, is that correct? Lastly, can you sleep anywhere on the route between the two passes or are the area's to be aware of?

I can't comment on the contour path from Hlathikhulu Nek to the Didima River, but from what I hear it is pretty awful!

From Organ Pipes, head over Ndumeni Dome, in the valley below this you will find a great trail (if you are happy to skip the 3 khulus behind there). You can use trails to get up the Yodelers Cascades, although personally I prefer the trailless escarpment edge line. From the saddle between the 3338m peaks on the map, there is a great trail that goes down Gray's Pass (be aware that you need to turn off to the right after a short distance in the Grays gully, look out for a cairn and a trail, easy to miss).

I would not sleep above Organ Pipes Pass (unless in a cave), or actually basically anywhere near any of these trails. This is a big traffic area. There are plenty of great caves to use, or you can sleep in tents well off the beaten track. Upper Ndumeni Cave, Rolands Cave, Didima Cave and Nkosasana Cave are all great. There is also Reido Cave and Headache Cave if you want something a bit different and unmarked.

Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it!

I've done the Grays Pass hike before so I'm familiar with that whole area. We'll be carrying tents so I think we'll do what you said and tent away from the trails (if we don't find the caves). Thank you for the heads up about the contour path, I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Once again, thank you for everything, much appreciated.