Sentinel Car Park to Cathedral Peak - Northern Berg Escarpment Traverse

Sabine wrote: We hiked up Rwanqa last weekend and went down Ntonjelana and there were so many sheep, it was incredible. I didn't take note of the number of groups though, or the number of sheep for that matter.

We are doing Sentinel to Cathedral Peak over Easter. Will count the number of groups and guess the number of sheep.

Thanks Sabine. Is this sheep presence a new thing? It has been a while since I was in Ifidi. I was very surprised but perhaps the numbers have crept up over the years. Sheep are good at cold temperatures which means they probably stick around in the winter months too. Unless the shepherds can't take the cold. I'm hoping the first snow fall means they clear off.

I've seen lots of sheep in the Ifidi area as well over the last 2 years or so, so wouldn't say it's a new thing. Last weekend at Cahedral Peak are again saw (and heard) lots of them, all the way from Ntonjelana to Ndumeni dome area. I'd say fro most of the 4 days we were up on the escarpment we saw sheep. I'm no sheep expert but I saw Merino and Angora sheep. Angora's seems to have nice thick coats, I reckon they can comfortably handle very cold conditions.

Hi Tiska,

No, the sheep are not a new thing. However, I have noticed a lot more sheep on the hike in February and in March. The shepherds stay until the first snow and then they disappear together with their sheep. You will hardly find anyone herding sheep up there in midwinter.

Will let you know what I see over the Easter weekend

Hi guys

we are a group of 8 doing the mini traverse at end of April. I have not hiked that region before, just want to get info on the safest spot to camp on the first night. starting out from sentinel car park in the morning. seems like near Ifidi pass would be OK? we do have tents.

tx all
Chris

The best would be Ifidi Cave

Just returned from a Northern mini Traverse and saw exactly 1 Mosotho (plural Basutho) with about 30 sheep and a couple of cattle. The cold has definitely made the shepherds retreat to lower areas.



Here we are above the clouds with Cathedral Peak and the Bell sticking out in the background

Hi Guys, we are looking to do the mini traverse over Easter, does anyone have any recommendations on transport from Cathedral Peak Hotel to Sentinel Car Park?  

Hi Mike,

I use Odendal Bus tours from Harrismith.  I have used them extensively and am doing the  mini traverse next month with them again.  I leave my car at their premises and they take us to the Sentinel and pick us up again at Cathedral Peak afterwards.

PM me if you want more detail

Just for additional info, see this thread on traverse transport logistics: www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/14-drakensberg-general/55917-transport-in-and-around-the-drakensberg.html?start=50

Hi everyone! Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I’m hoping to do the mini traverse at the end of this month. I’m a pretty experienced hiker (just completed the Amatola trail) but I’m traveling by myself and would prefer to link up with others for the mini traverse. Anyone out there interested in teaming up to tackle the mini traverse?