Zulu Cave to Intunja

Hi guys,

I'm planning a weekend trip to Monks Cowl.

I would like to use Zulu cave as a base camp to do Intunja, are there any suggestions on best approach to Intunja from Zulu Cave?

Thanks guys!

There's only really one approach from Zulu cave to Gatberg, and that is on the southern side of the river coming down from Grays pass. There is (was) a very definitel track going up the ridge towards the contour path back to Moncs Cowl. You then have 2 choices - either go all the way to the contour path and then drop down to the river again, or go into the river earlier, which is probably the better approach. Be warned though, you are in for lots of bushwacking. I've walked the section from Gatberg to the contour path and it was a real battle going through the river section. There is no path through the river section - you can see it on the Gatberg side, but nothing lower down. My advice would be to try and stay out of the riverbed for as long as possible.

Oh, and take note that there are sections of vertical drop-offs right on the rivers edge, so if you want to cut across from the path to get into the riverbed before you get to the contour path, you would need to navigate through this. What I've done from the contour path section was to follow a clear trail down to the river and then bundubash through to the other side. This was from just north of the highest point, where the path from Zulu cave meets up with the contour path.

Actually, there is another way. I've walked this way by mistake when trying to find Zulu cave the first time. I followed the contour path all the way to the river (from Moncs cowl campsite), cut across the river and then approached Zulu cave over the ridges. This would probably be the best way, but then you stay on the NW side of the river the entire time. You should be able to climb up Gatberg from this side.

Merv! Thanks mate, that's what I suspected. Pity I only read this reply now. The crew was a bit young and nervous so we opted to approach Intunja using the original path to the cave. Your way looks way more fun, although that long grass does wear you down after a while Ended up bushwhacking a bit on the way back, but really enjoyed the hike!

Thanks for the advice...we went bushwhacking....hard