Cathedral Peak - Injisuthi link-up via escarpment

Hi Everyone,

We're planning on doing the above route, going up Mlambonja, and coming down Leslies pass (or that's how I planned it on BaseCamp, with some tracks from this site, much appreciated !). Would like to hear any opinions on this route (we have done the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak last year).

We are planning it for late August/early September, how is the water situation that time, and should we risk doing it later in September ? So 1st night would be Twins Cave basically (any other suggestions) ?

Thanks for any input

Water along that section should not be to much of an issue as there are a lot of good streams along that route although you might have to drop down into the valleys.

Leslies pass is not bad it is only the bushwhacking at the bottom that gets to me,there is also a lovely little camp site at the base of the pass if you cant make it to marble baths in time.

Thanks for the replies guys, does the Tlhanyaku river flow all year ? Last time we were there in May it was quite full, but September is another story probably. We still need to decide on a week to do this, what would your recommendations be ? We are quite open to anytime from early August to October.

Hi Y'all.

Me and 2 friends are planning a hike starting on 24 March 2013 from Cathedrals peak, up Mikes pass through Organ pipes (Day 1). Then walking generally south easterly along the escarpment for 3 days. and down to Champagne castle hotel surrounds for a pick up/overnight(Day 5). It might be a bit short for 5 days, thought about going down to Giant's castle, but seems a bit far for the 5 days and not in the mood for a tough pass. Our group is currently Me, a guy friend (both done Sentinel Car park to Cathedral peak (5days) in 2011) and a girl (beginner hiker) but very keen.

From the comments on Ships Prow pass I decided against it as a descending pass. Would gray's be more suitable for our beginner hiker?
Do anyone have GPS co-ordinates for the passes, any caves along the way or the hike in total?

I'm thinking of overnighting in Champagne castle hotel area, but don't want to spend R1000 p/p just to have a hot shower and bed. Is there comfortable reasonable rated accommodation that we can walk to? Can't seem to find any.

Any comments welcome.

The distance is a bit short for 5 days but it just means that you have more time to enjoy yourself up there
There are quite a few caves near the top of Organ Pipes. Rolands Cave has a spectacular view and then there are the Ndumeni Caves.
On the way to Champagne Castle is Didima Cave and then Nkosazana Cave can be found on top of Champagne Castle. This cave is more of an overhang (like many in the Berg) so can be very wet if the weather is bad. Take tents even if you are planning to sleep in caves - the unexpected usually happens when you least expect it.
I have gps tracks of the both the passes and coordinates of the caves. Let me know what format you need (Garmin gpb or .gpx) and you email address and I can send them through to you.

A nice 5 day hike would be.
Day 1: Organ Pipes pass.
Day 2: Hike to Champagne Castle.Grays pass
Day 3: Sleep at top of Leslies pass. Injasuthi cave might be to far .
Day 4:Down Leslies to Marble Baths.
Day 5.Short hike to Injasuthi camp and pick up.Camping and bungaloes available.

Grays pass can be used as a bialout alternative if things dont go as planned.

Thanks @smurfatefrog

After 3 years on this site I didn't know there was a download section
Guess I must start uploading my gps tracks and waypoints for others to use.

Our training hike for the Grand Traverse last year was supposed to be a 3 dayer up Thuthumi and down Grey's with a full loop back to Didima via the contour path - not that we got anywhere near Greys Pass (2 of us had altitude sickness), but the distance is very doable in 5 days...

I was also going to say, why not consider Leslies as an option. You could even go over the Mafadi ridge and head for Judge Pass - its relatively easy, just be aware that the path is a smugglers route and they don't use the contour path, which is vague in this area and very easy to miss...

You can easily do:
Day 1 up Organ Pipes (my favourite pass - very scenic)
Day 2 take a light stroll to the Yodeler's Cascades and spend a few hours lounging around in the amazing pools, camp somewhere on this river
Day 3 climb to the top of the Yodeler's Ridge and follow it around until it becomes the Champagne Ridge, drop over above Ship's Prow Pass and camp near the top of Leslies Pass

Option A

Day 4 Go down Leslies Pass and spend the day lounging around the Marble Baths

Day 5 Head back to Injisuthi camp

Option B

Day 4 cross the Mafadi and Popple Ridge, sleep near the top of Bannerman Pass

Option B.1

Day 5 Go down Bannerman Pass. Its relatively easy, short and very scenic. Beware though, it has tons of lose rocks and is tricky when wet

Option B.2

Day 5 Go over the Senqebethu ridge and descend the king of all easy passes - Langalibalele Pass. Its actually a really nice pass, really easy and quite scenic in places. Last year I descended the pass in around 45 minutes, its super easy.

Both option B's end at Giant's Castle which does have accommodation and a restaurant. I think the prices reasonable, but can't tell you offhand what they are. EKZN will have them on their website.

Option C

Day 4 Descend Judge Pass and go to either Injisuthi or Giant's Castle from there (not much difference in difficulty or distance) you could overnight in Centenary Hut or Bannerman Hut, depending on your choice of direction
Day 5 walk to the campsite