6 day Northern Drakensberg Traverse to iNtonjelana Pass
Day One:
One starts this hike with an interesting drive through the Eastern Free State to the Sentinel car park and start of the Amphitheatre hike. One gradually ascends 2000ft over approx: 12 kms to the top of the Main Escarpment (9600ft). The walk is punctuated with superb views looking down into Kwa Zulu Natal along the Amphitheatre wall and across to the Devil’s Tooth and Eastern Buttress. There are two ascent options: The Gully and Chain Ladder. The Gully is more physical and summits on top of the Beacon Buttress, the Chain Ladder (40m) is the quickest route on a solid steel ladder that is bolted to the rock face. Once on top one heads for the lip of the Thukela Falls (850m). In summer the flow can be quite good and one can see the whole fall as it drops into the Thukela Gorge below. In Winter one overlooks the iced waterfall and its huge icicles. Other view points include: The Window, Mont aux Sources (3282m) and Bilanjil falls. The overnight camp is in the vicinity of the Bilanjil river. (15-20kms)
Day Two:
Tugela Falls to the top of Icidi Pass. This day is not overly long but there are two quite big hills to walk up and over, but because one is on the summit the gradients are not severe and takes in breathtaking views overlooking the ubuSingathi area. Alternatively, or if the weather is threatening, the route may be taken inland to emerge in the Icidi area. This is a longer route, but one can walk unhindered by uphills and downhills. The overnight camp is tucked away in one of the side valleys. (12-15kms).
Day Three:
From Icidi, head over Mbundini Abbey to camp near Madonna and her Worshippers. This is a relatively short day with another 2 long hills, but one can be at camp by midday. There are excellent views towards the Mnweni Pinnacles as one crosses over Mbundini. (8 -10kms)
Day Four:
Leave camp via the top of Fang’s Pass towards the Mnweni Cutback This section has so much beautiful scenery, but one also needs to cover the required distance. En route the ruggedness and remoteness of the area is apparent with views over the Mnweni Pinnacles, Mnweni Needles, Rockeries and Cathedral Peak. Excellent afternoon photography if the light plays the game. Overnighting may be in Ledges Cave or Mponjwane Caves, both with incredible views or tenting near the source of the Orange River. (12-15kms)
Day Five:
One sets off taking in the views looking North over the Mnweni Cutback or stopping en route to watch the Cape Vultures taking off and returning to their nests. One passes through the Saddle and upto the last high point for the trip, before descending to the top of Ntonjelana pass for a late lunch. After which the descent begins down nTonjelana Pass to reach the campsite below, in the late afternoon.
Day Six:
After breakfast and a refreshing wash in a mountain stream one continues the gradual descent. Today takes one through the Tribal area of the Amangwane people and will allow you to appreciate the rural lifestyle of this community. It may be possible to see Bushman paintings en route. The hike eventually ends at the Mnweni Tourism centre (10-12kms) around lunch time.
This walk shows off the Pride of the Kwa Zulu Natal Drakensberg. The scenery is some of the best that this world has to offer. While the walk is not technical, it is over fairly rugged terrain, where one might be off the path at times, walking topographically. It provides a good combination of our Natural and Cultural heritage of both the Bushman and Amangwane Communities.
This walk can be reduced to five days, descending Rockeries pass.
This includes:
• 6 days of guided hiking
• A qualified and trained Amangwane community chaperone that has grown up and lived all his/her life in the Mnweni area
• Porters for all the communal gear i.e. tents, food, hardware
• All food, except personal snacks and treats
• Overnight and entrance fees
• Clients carry their own personal gear. One may give a porter up to 8kgs to carry and may hire an extra personal porter @ R200 per day, if they deem necessary
• Personal Logistical support at the start and end of the hike
