Mnweni Pass - Rockeries Pass Loop

Hi All,

I hope this is the right place to post this!

Been lurking here for a while, I'm fairly new to the Berg (only been to Amphitheater and the Mnweni foothills). I'm planning a trip to the Berg over Easter, wanted to hear your thoughts: The basic idea is up Mnweni and down Rockeries, over 5 days 4 nights.
 
Day 1: MCC to below Mnweni pass (either 5 star or camping in the Valley)
Day 2: Up the pass to escarpment, camp at somewhere near the top of Mnweni Pass (to photograph the
Pinnacles) 
Day 3: Possibly head to the viewpoint to the Cutback and sleep somewhere there?
Day 4: Head to Mponjwane/Ledgers/Rockeries, spend the night somewhere there
Day 5: Down Rockeries back to MCC
 
I know this is typically done over 3 days, so I have ample time, what would you recommend, especially for photography? Also, if I understand correctly: once you get on top from the pass the Needles will be South(ish) and the Pinnacles to the North(ish). in order to get to the Cutback where you can see both you have to walk North on the escarpment, is my understanding correct?

Cheers 

An alternative would be going up Fangs instead of Mnweni and approaching the pins from the north and then onto the cutback which seems to me the better approach for your photography.

What are thoughts in up fangs pass and down rockeries versus up mweni pass and down rockeries from a scenery and difficulty perspective (both physical and orientation)?

Is the up fangs pass route doable in three days also and where is a good camping spot at the base of the pass?

If anyone has a GPS path or distances would be super helpful. Suppose we could also get rides down the dirt roads if that saves some time and less interesting walking.

Thanks!

Hi fam.

Doing a 4 day hike in September up Mweni & down Rockeries.
I've done Rockeries multiple times but haven't done Mweni before. 

We're taking a big group of around 20 (mostly novices) and was wondering on overnight camping suggestions for Mweni? I believe Shepherds cave & 5* cave are either no longer operational or ideal. 
- Is there enough space to setup camp at U13 for around 8 tents and what's the camping situation like there?
- Any other suggestions close to the pass for a big group? 

Cheers

- Any other suggestions close to the pass for a big group?

Yes. Consider not taking such a large group. Mnweni has no group size regulations but the accepted rule in all other Drakensberg areas is to limit group size to a maximum of 12. This is to minimize the impact on the environment.

Unfortunately, Mnweni has become a free for all with few, if any rules. As a hiking community, we can only try and regulate ourselves within our personal capacity in this area as to what is ethically responsible.

Hi everyone,

Can anyone please comment on recent tented overnight opportunities along mnweni pass and back down rockeries? We have two nights and 3 days available for the trip and we're not too keen on the caves.

Thanks!

Anyone planning to do Mnweni Rockeries loop coming long weekend 28 April to 1 May 2023?
We are two people looking for a group to possibly hook up with

Good day, all I hope you are doing well.

I'm taking a group of students on the Mnweni loop this weekend, likely sleeping in Mponjwane cave and I was wondering if anyone knew how the water levels were looking? Especially at the top of pass, in the "bowl" midway between Mnweni and Rockeries? Is it always safe to assume that there will be water up there for the night in the cave or should we considering trying to carry enough up from the Mnweni valley (Not a very appealing idea)? 

Regards,
Pierre

I have often hiked that area in September, if you are lucky there will be usable collections close to the top of Mweni. But, often you will have to follow the Senqu river for someway into Lesotho to find water you would want to drink. The furthest i have ever had to go is about 1km to were there is a big pool that always has water.