The Mt Aux Sources - Amphitheatre - Tugela thread

intrepid wrote:

Smurfatefrog wrote: Hope you don't mind but I'm going to weigh in with a Q of my own which would probably help you

Where exactly is Beacon Buttress Gully, I've read where it says "Just after the saddle between the Sentinel and the escarpment is passed" but would it be that gap on the right of the Sentinel here?

It's a little further than the gap you refer to. The path changes from a southerly course to south-westerly one at this point.

Thanks Intrepid. I found a pic of it for reference as well.

Hi TNF,
definitely spend some time enjoying Tugela Falls, but you can do much better camping elsewhere (you will have more solitude and less chance of the shepherds trying to lift your gear at night). The Ifidi area is very special but you don't even need to go all the way there. You could walk along the Amphitheatre edge and camp either at Ribbon Falls (roughly 3/4 way across) or near Mt Amery. Both places will give you great views, fresh water, good spots for tents and solitude. It will be the perfect weekend hike that is manageable and not over-committing. It sounds like you are thinking of driving down on Saturday morning? Then maybe not try go further than Mt Amery for your first visit to the area. If you are still thinking of going for Ifidi Cave then you will need a map and GPS (and know how to use both) if you are unfamiliar with the area. Go through some existing threads and articles on the cave and the route there.

Agree with boerkie about not drinking the water around Tugela Falls. The visitor traffic there is very high and people mostly worry only that no-one will see them squatting, not about what they are leaving behind or where they have left it. The other place to avoid filling up is on the flat plains of the Khubedu, because of high grazing activity. Generally the water is still fresh and excellent for drinking in the Berg - just need to give some thought about where it has come from.

About special lookouts on the way up, the trail generally gives you great views. There is a point more or less above the zig zags from the car park where you can go left to check out a great view of the Amphitheatre, Devils Tooth etc (there is a sign). If you are using Beacon Buttress Gully then a short detour from the top of the gully towards the Sentinel is also very rewarding.

About hiking meals, do a search for a thread called "Favourite hiking meals" for some creative ideas.

GPS data: In the downloads section, look for files like Drakensberg Passes, Drakensberg Caves, Grand Traverse tracks, Northern Berg traverse tracks, Mt Aux Sources tracks, Beacon Buttress Gully tracks, Chain Ladder tracks. Combining those should give you heaps of data for the area.

Do some reading and searching on the site...plenty of info out there which will help. If you have more questions after that just let us know.

Boerkie is correct. Immediately South of Tugela Falls is a minor ridge. After you cross it you hit Bilanjil Stream, which has an established campsite if you spot it, but I think the better spots are further along. You will cross a fairly flat and extensive section and some boggy areas which is the source of the Khubedu (which incidentally flows the other way to the Bilanjil and Ribbon Falls and lands up in the Atlantic). The next significant stream flowing into SA will be Ribbon Falls, immediately after it is another minor ridge which you cross into the small valley below Mt Amery. You can camp anywhere you fancy, considering safety (like not being too close to the edge). Near the crest of this second minor ridge is the interesting, free-standing pinnacle humourlessly referred to as "Peckham's Peaklette" in Encounters With the Dragon.