Rock Climbing
GUIDED ASCENTS OF SENTINEL PEAK VIA THE ANGUS-LEPPAN ROUTE
Sentinel Peak is located in the northern Kwa Zulu Natal Drakensberg and is one of the highest free-standing peaks of the range.(3166m or 10386ft) It was also the first major peak to be climbed via a rock climbing route. This was in 1910 by W. Wybergh and Lt. N.M. McLeod.
The Angus-Leppan Route was first climbed by the husband and wife team of Peter and Pam Angus-Leppan, in 1959. Originally it was called the North Face Route or Gendarme Route.
Most guided trips meet the night before at the Sungubala Resort. Then leave early the next morning, by car for the Sentinel car park. The round trip from the car park and back can be done in 10 hours. This makes it a viable short weekend proposition. At the summit beacon there is a book that can be signed by climbers.
Standard Route - Sentinel Peak Rock Climb
This is a beginners’ route and a great introduction to mountaineering. The climb starts in an obvious recess on the west side of the Sentinel, about 100m above the contour path and about the same distance diagonally up the left slope from the neck between Sentinel and Beacon Buttress. Climbing the recess involves only one D grade pitch of about 15 meters (UK V Dif or US 5.4) . From this point it takes about 40 minutes to scramble to the summit. A rope is used on one section of the scramble. Clients need to be at least acquainted with belaying, knot tying and basic rope work.
