Bannerman Hut

Anyone know what the state of Bannerman's hut is currently?

Looks like the topic has already been covered quite well so here are some random facts about the hut and its surrounds:

The hut was named after Bannerman Face, the large cliffs above the hut. According to Bill Barnes in his book "Giant's Castle: A Personal History" - from the wardens house a perfect profile of a man's face is seen. Specifically as the sun is setting. Roden Symons rated that this face looked like the British Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman who served from 1905-1908. Paraphrased from page 268 of the book.

I would imagine that the hut had some serious birdlife in the past - seeing as the Martial Eagle Stream and Gypaetus Point both derive their names from large endangered birds. I haven't experienced much in the way of bird-life around this spot, but the first time I spent a night in the hut there was a herd of around 70 eland right near the hut.

When it rains, large waterfalls off Bannerman Face become visible from the hut. There is also a waterfall that is difficult to spot on the slopes of Gypaetus Point - I have only ever seen it from the khulu Bannerman Face, it is probably about 200m high and is rather impressive when visible.

From the hut, if you look just to the left of Bannerman Pass, you can clearly see both the fake and proper Spare Rib Caves about half way up the pass.

There is cellphone signal around the hut - usually found by following the trail past the hut to roughly 5m behind the hut if you are on MTN or just in front of the hut if you are on Vodacom or the networks using those same towers.

Haai all

Ive been trawling around the forums for info on bannerman's area.... just wondering if its still as bad ( regarding security ) camping / staying near the pass or caves in terms of the attacks? We have no problem defending ourselves, it would just be nice to avoid those unpleasant situations. Have already read the security posts as well.

Has the hut been rebuilt ? I found a post from last year with photos showing no working toilet and basin but there were beds and a proper roof and a door that locks.

also the rating 3/10 for difficulty seems really good for a beginner hiker pack 3-4 people

thanks you lot !

some of these passes make my hands sweat just by looking at them photos !!!

Mod Note- Posts moved to existing thread

draconia wrote: Has the hut been rebuilt ? I found a post from last year with photos showing no working toilet and basin but there were beds and a proper roof and a door that locks.

The hut that needs to be rebuilt is Giants Hut. Bannerman Hut is in good order (well, unless something has happened that I am not aware of - I was last there just over a year ago).

The toilet works, you just need to fill up the cistern with water from the river. Considering how bad the room smells, though, I wouldn't recommend using it. There used to be a 20l bottle in the hut, but I don't remember seeing it last time I was there.

The door locks via a sliding latch - no actual lock is required as the inside lock can't be opened from the outside.

Slept over in Bannermans hut about 6 weeks ago and everything was fine, except that somebody had left their litter at the hut and it was a bit dirty inside - so we swept the hut with the broom provided.

got it ! Thanks a mil for the update !

Hi Riaang

We are heading out that way this Sunday. We were hoping to use the hut, but it is already booked. Do you happen to know if there is enough space to pitch 5 tents near the hut?