- Forum
- Drakensberg Forum
- Drakensberg Passes
- Amphitheatre & Royal Natal National Park
- The Chain Ladders
The Chain Ladders
18 May 2011 13:05 #55740
by Stijn
The Chain Ladders was created by Stijn
This is undoubtedly the most popular and heavily-used trail to the escarpment in the entire Drakensberg. The path is very well defined and usually quite crowded during weekends and holidays. The only obstacle on the way to the top is the chain ladder itself which ascends the final 30m of cliff face in two sections. The ladder should only pose a problem to those with a fear of heights.
Read more... Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
11 Dec 2012 19:54 #55741
by ChrisPatient
Replied by ChrisPatient on topic The Chain Ladders
Is the berg water still has pure and as good to drink as it always was? Especially on top of the amphitheatre.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- ChrisPatient
-
- Offline
- Junior Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 10
- Thank you received: 15
13 Dec 2012 08:21 #55757
by HFc
Replied by HFc on topic The Chain Ladders
Tugela on top of Amphitheatre is fine, I've never had issues. Some minor pastoral activities in the area but not enough to impact water quality. Same goes for rivers further east along the escarpment of the Amphi. Obviously always use running water, there are some marches which should off course be avoided.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
13 Dec 2012 10:44 #55758
by ChrisPatient
Replied by ChrisPatient on topic The Chain Ladders
Thanks. I allways remember bergwater as being some of the purest water in the world and I look forward to sampling it again on the top of the Tugela falls.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- ChrisPatient
-
- Offline
- Junior Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 10
- Thank you received: 15
13 Dec 2012 21:32 #55760
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic The Chain Ladders
I never drink from the Tugela...way too much traffic up there for my liking! Most other parts of the KZN Berg, yes.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
17 Dec 2012 14:48 #55764
by SeriousTribe2
Ditto that Sir!
Just wouldn't have referred to what we had to dodge - stepping in - last time as 'traffic' !
Replied by SeriousTribe2 on topic The Chain Ladders
intrepid wrote: I never drink from the Tugela...way too much traffic up there for my liking! Most other parts of the KZN Berg, yes.
Ditto that Sir!
Just wouldn't have referred to what we had to dodge - stepping in - last time as 'traffic' !
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- SeriousTribe2
-
- Offline
- Elite Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 211
- Thank you received: 25
04 Jan 2016 19:04 #66274
by myriam
Replied by myriam on topic The Chain Ladders
Hi,
It is Myriam from Spain. I am organizing 15 days hiking in the Drakensberg with colleagues of my mountain club (www.montanapegaso.com). Do you know how I can rent a hut in Sentinel Car Park?
Regards,
Myriam
It is Myriam from Spain. I am organizing 15 days hiking in the Drakensberg with colleagues of my mountain club (www.montanapegaso.com). Do you know how I can rent a hut in Sentinel Car Park?
Regards,
Myriam
The following user(s) said Thank You: mafu
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
04 Jan 2016 21:45 #66275
by andrew r
make a difference. today.
Replied by andrew r on topic The Chain Ladders
Hi Myriam
Welcome to VE.
At Sentinel Carpark there is only one large dormitory with about 12 bunk beds (no matresses), no electricity and no water. I may be wrong but it seems to be standard practice to just book when you arrive; if the hut is full then you may have to camp in the carpark.
A more comfortable option is to stay at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge www.witsieshoek.co.za/ which is about 8km before Sentinel Carpark. If required they can also arrange transport from the Lodge to the Carpark.
Welcome to VE.
At Sentinel Carpark there is only one large dormitory with about 12 bunk beds (no matresses), no electricity and no water. I may be wrong but it seems to be standard practice to just book when you arrive; if the hut is full then you may have to camp in the carpark.
A more comfortable option is to stay at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge www.witsieshoek.co.za/ which is about 8km before Sentinel Carpark. If required they can also arrange transport from the Lodge to the Carpark.
make a difference. today.
The following user(s) said Thank You: myriam
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
06 Apr 2018 18:53 - 06 Apr 2018 18:56 #73135
by Herman
Replied by Herman on topic The Chain Ladders
I'm sorry if this has been posted elsewhere on VE and I didn't see it, but it seems as though the chain ladders will be replaced and are closed until the end of May 2018. The gully will still be open.
www.witsieshoek.co.za/blog/amphitheater-chain-ladders-being-replaced
EDIT: My apologies - I see it has been discussed elsewhere. Missed it!
www.witsieshoek.co.za/blog/amphitheater-chain-ladders-being-replaced
EDIT: My apologies - I see it has been discussed elsewhere. Missed it!
Last edit: 06 Apr 2018 18:56 by Herman.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
28 Apr 2018 19:33 #73318
by AdrianT
Replied by AdrianT on topic The Chain Ladders
I saw on Instagram people using the chain ladders a day ago. My father in law was there today (28 April 2018) and he went up them no problem. There was no sign or warning not to use them, nor any signs to use the gulley.
So work has obviously not started at all. TIA
So work has obviously not started at all. TIA

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.