The Mt Aux Sources - Amphitheatre - Tugela thread

I read somewhere (cannot find the thread now) that someone said camping at Mount Amery is generally considered "safer" than other areas, is this correct? 9 May myself and a friend are probably still going to do this hike, and I assume we won't be turned away? Wondering if heading straight to Ifidi cave isn't a better option, assuming no one is around. Ledgers may be a push.

I think the guiding option for security is a good idea, I'm just not certain if it would be effective. If guys are that desperate for money they will increase in number or escalate in terms of their methods.

I'd gladly pay a guide or two to get us through the first day and away from that area. Whether park employed or otherwise. Armed even better.

@ AdrianT

If you follow the Berg Alert thread you will see that none of the sites you mentioned now are considered safe. Even Fangs is questionable now.

Ranger wrote: @ AdrianT

If you follow the Berg Alert thread you will see that none of the sites you mentioned now are considered safe. Even Fangs is questionable now.

Thanks. Apologies I actually meant to reply to that thread.

Thanks for the reply Intrepid. Although we arrive 9 May, I think the wisest decision is for us to head up around Cathedral and hike down to Monks Cowl area. Whilst we'd probably be fine in the Amphitheatre, there is every chance we won't. And then I won't wish to be told "I told you so" a thousand times

It is very sad to have to close an entire area, but I'm sure it's just an interim measure because it certainly isn't a solution. I don't know why South Africa and Lesotho take the security and cross border happenings so casually. What also blows me away is that the most recent incident has not made it to main stream media outlets. Media attention will put pressure on the authorities, sad, but true. Media governs change. Glad I don't even own a tv!

Morning guys. Just for the sake of interest what is the condition of the road now from Witsies up to the Sentinel Car Park. I actually enjoyed the dirt road on my bike

***UPDATE*** regarding hiking in the Amphitheatre region:

Following engagement with stakeholders Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has adopted the following summarised into the form of signage which will soon be erected. The bottom line is that we strongly discourage overnighting in that area and that day hikes are preferable with a guide.

TO ALL HIKERS

Due to the risk of theft and other unlawful activity hikers are advised not to overnight in the area from the chain ladders to Fangs Pass on top of the escarpment. Use of a guide is recommended for all day hikes in the above area. A minimum party size of four hikers and a guide is recommended. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife regrets any inconvenience caused but will not be liable for the safety of persons or their property. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.

Further to this we advise hikers to fill out the mountain rescue register and to ensure that they sign out upon return.

Please note: As of the 1st of Jan 2017, hikers entering the World Heritage Site (Royal Natal Section) will be required to pay entry fees and be in possession of proof of payment. At this stage, entry for adults is R40, children under 12 R20, and overnighting R60 pppn. We intend implementing the sale of ticket books to surrounding establishments and guides who should then be able to sell entries into the Park without the hassle of physically having to pay at Royal Natal. The good part in this is that it ensures you are fully covered for the cost of Mountain Rescue throughout the entire Drakensberg, especially for those doing the GT and shorter overnight trips. Please note though that spot checks will be undertaken from the 1st and that those who are not in possession of proof of payment (ie entry tickets) may be prosecuted. Below is a copy of the notice that will soon be in place at both entry points:

MALOTI-DRAKENSBERG PARK
WORLD HERITAGE SITE

NOTICE TO VISITORS

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT ALL VISITORS ACCESSING THE MALOTI-DRAKENSBERG PARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE FROM WITSIESHOEK MOUNTAIN RESORT/SENTINEL CAR PARK ARE REQUIRED TO PAY APPLICABLE ENTRANCE/CAMPING FEES.

ACCESS TO THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE FROM SENTINEL CAR PARK BEGINS ONCE YOU REACH THE FLAT ESCARPMENT ABOVE THE CHAIN LADDERS:

ENTRANCE FEES: ADULTS R40
CHILDREN (3-12 YEARS) R20

OVERNIGHT CAMPING FEES: PER PERSON PER NIGHT R60
PLEASE RETAIN YOUR INVOICE AT ALL TIMES ON YOUR WALK AS YOU MAY BE REQUESTED TO PRODUCE IT AS PROOF OF PAYMENT.

A portion of the entrance fee is paid into the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Emergency Rescue levy. This levy will be used to cover costs in the event of a Mountain Rescue by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

All visitors entering the World Heritage Site must please complete the Mountain Rescue Register and sign out on their return. This information could save your life.

Entrance to the World Heritage Site is entirely at the visitor’s own risk and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will not be held liable for any claim

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS FOR EMERGENCIES IN THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE:

CONSERVATION MANAGER ROYAL NATAL 082 459 0279 OR 036 4386 412 (ALL HOURS)
MAHAI DUTY MANAGER 076 588 4656 (ALL HOURS)
THENDELE DUTY MANAGER 072 186 2188 (ALL HOURS)
MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SA 0800 005 133 (ALL HOURS)


THANK YOU AND ENJOY YOUR HIKE

To quote John Muir - " Climb the mountains and get their good tidings".

All was peaceful on the Amphitheatre summit on 23 Dec 2016. A group of four shepherds were resting just above the chain ladders. They were friendly enough and certainly up for a laugh. A group of 6 SANDF soldiers were waiting at the bottom of the ladders. All were armed with automatic rifles and some also with 9mm. They ascended the ladders around 12:30pm on patrol. As they had no gear apart from weapons I expect they would only be on top for a few hours.

The road from Witzieshoek hotel to the Sentinel car park is OK. We got through without any hassles in a VW Vivo (2 wheel drive sedan). The 2 km or so upslope of the hotel requires a bit of weaving here and there but is probably better, certainly no worse than the road into Injisuthi.

Hi
I have done the chain ladder hike several times up to the Tugela Falls but have never stayed overnight ontop. We are looking to camp overnight ontop of the mountain inbetween the chainladders and the Tugela Falls.... We will be plus minus 7 people. Can someone advise me if this is safe to do??