The Mt Aux Sources - Amphitheatre - Tugela thread

Witsieshoek resort were talking about fixing the old police/border point up about a year ago, and there was someone who was interested in using it as a base for some climate research project. That doesn't answer what the shiny items in the photos are, but they could be some of the research equipment, or other related things. 

I have picked up that the Amphiteatre area is very dry at the moment - Tugela and Elands falls not flowing at all. Does anyone have recent information on the state of the Tugela & Elands and Ribbon falls area wrt. the availability of water? I am taking a group up over the longweekend and having no access in these streams to water will force me to trek inland to the Kubedu valley for water or select an alternative venue.

BergAttie wrote:

I have picked up that the Amphiteatre area is very dry at the moment - Tugela and Elands falls not flowing at all. Does anyone have recent information on the state of the Tugela & Elands and Ribbon falls area wrt. the availability of water? I am taking a group up over the longweekend and having no access in these streams to water will force me to trek inland to the Kubedu valley for water or select an alternative venue.

Please assist with above if you have recent information  - especially on Kubedu valley. Also, I believe the Amphi escrapment area was burnt recently - would like to know how far and wide this has spread - Ribbon Falls/Elands Valley area also burnt?

Morning all

So, I'm trying to finalize plans/route for this coming weekend. Just wanted to run it by the pros and get some feedback.

Day one: Up from Sentinel Car Park, to Tugela "Falls" along the escarpment to Ribbon falls for camp.
Day two: Ribbon Falls to Mont-Aux Sources summit and then to Crow's Nest Cave for camp.
Day three: Back to Sentinel Car Park
 

Sounds Ok. DOn't bank on Crows nest cave being available - especially if you get there after 12h00. There is an overhang with small rock wall about 10m south of the cave that can take a small tent if needed. You will have to fill with water in the upper Tugeal when coming down from Mount Aux. I went up on Saturday to check the water - it is just flowing so will be Ok. I see rain predicted for Tuesday which will help as well.

Thanks Attie!

Valuable feedback as always.

Assuming Crow's nest is occupied, along with the overhang you've mentioned, is there enough place in that area specifically, to pitch tents?

Very relieved to hear that there is some water at Upper Tugela (with hopefully more on the way.)

Big Jay. If you cannot make it work at Crows Nest I would suggest rather tenting at the falls which is a kilometer away.

Looks like my plans have gone bust. My hiking partner is terribly concerned about the predicted rainfall. So we’re postponing the hike. Pity, it’s my birthday weekend and was looking so forward to it. Oh well, next time I guess.