Kgatswane - North West

Well it is exactly one month before we kick off the Drakensberg Grand Traverse and Iwano, Kobus and Myself together with other company decided to get together again for a little hike to talk and share some ideas on food, gear, tips and what have you on doing an unsupported hike through the Maluti mountains in March this year. We all got together in one of the Magaliesberg range reserves, Kgaswane bordering the city of Rustenburg in the north west province, a little more that a hour's drive from Joburg. We started our hike from Naga camp (natural enviroment in Tswana) in the south westerly corner of the reserve. It was a scourching day as usual in these parts of the world and the sweat was pouring at this stage. We proceeded through some natural bush and through various valleys that is the home to some wildlife such as Zebra, Eland, Blesbok, Ribbok and the very elusive Sable antelope. After 4 hours hike we reached the waterholes to our delight. It was time for a definate cool off and then some lunch next to a spectacular view of the Magalies in the distance stretching all they way to Harties. It was time to push on to Witkruis base camp in the North western side of the route. We were somewhat challenged by the not so flat sections on the route and was quite a surprise for me as I did not reallize that this flat part of the world had such asscents. Good training at least for the Drakensberg I would imagine. After all the up and down we reached a natural forest section about 2km from Witkruis camp wich is quite dense but very beuatiful. Surrounded by the Magalies berg we descended into the final stretch towards camp. Happy campers were we as we got to a well looked after campsite with everything you need to relax in this tranquil enviroment. Bedbunks, wood, kettle, water and toilet-first class I would say. During our dinner preparations the talk was all about our route planning, what is the best gear i.t.o 4 seasons ontop of a mountain, food ideas, map studying etc. I guess that one can never be to prepared and your worrying feel inside will just not subside. Up the next morning at 6:00 and starting breakfast. Its already hot and the sun is not even out yet, going to be long day today. On our way back to Naga camp we had to get out of the valley and climb our way up the 200m ascent throught the bush and all the way along the contours of hills onto the grasslands hosting the Zebras and Rooibok. No trees here at least not big enough to hide from the sun a little. 50+ Factor sunscreen is probably a good idea if your're worried about a bit of sunburn. We made our way to what is known as the "highest point" on the far western side of the reserve. Here you have a nice view that stretches far into the distance and you wonder what the "boere" was thinking when they were roaming these parts hundered of years ago on foot and horseback. We dropped off the mountain and hiked along the western contours of the mountain past some loudmouth shacma baboons and some large "botter spinnekop" This is quite unbelievable to think that there are still some places one can go and hike for around R120 not to far away from home and still feel and experience nature to its fullest. Cant wait to be standing ontop of the Thabana Ntlenyana peak soon

Hiker per excellance

Teamwork getting up some rock faces

  

No teamwork geting up the rockface

  

Group fotie before the swim

     

The waterfall pools, awesome

         

Nice view just before Witkruis

              

Witkruis camp

                 

View from "higest point"

               

What a beaut!!!

1 Month to go

As I sit at my desk I start to wonder off in my mind to a far off mystery of the tuly unknown. Most of us has in some or other time embarked on someting you knew very little off. As the days tick by I'm getting more and more nervous but also very excited. Images flash through my mind of scenery in the mountain as I can remember slightly from the past and I truly hopes my expectations will be satisfied coming end of March. Well I would just like to share my feelings with everybody out there and will surely keep this blog updated with events as they fold out in time. - Nick

Encounters of the Dragon

I dont really know my motivation behind this attempt, but all I do know is the fact that it's going to be a mixture of beauty, awe and PAIN. To do the traverse takes some doing. Only a handful of people have completed this feat and only a select few have done it totally unsupported as this will be the challenge for us 3 guys in March 2010. 12 Days of nonstop hiking, climbing, eating and sleeping awaits us in probably the most spectacular scenerey in southern Africa mountain ranges. A distance of 261km by foot with 24kg on your back with no cicilization seems just insane. Well, this tylpe of adventure is what pushes not only your physical but your mental capabilities to the outmost as you have to deal with harsh weather conditions up on the mountain with just your mind keeping you company.

In short, the Drakensberg Grand Traverse is a back-packing hike from Witsieshoek through to Bushmans Nek.
From the starting point, the Sentinel Car Park, the trail leads up the zig-zags to the well known chain ladders that take you to the top of the escarpment near Mont Aux Sources and the Tugela Falls. (948m)
From there, the trail hugs the escarpment and meanders over hills and down valleys offering magnificent views of the major features of the Drakensberg.(In Zulu - uKhahlamba ("barrier of spears"),  Apart from the well known passes and features, the trail includes the highest points in South and Southern Africa, Mafadi and Thabana Ntanyana respectively, at elevations of just short of 3500 metres.

The traverse is completed when reaching Bushmans Nek, a border control point between South Africa and Lesotho some 230 km walking distance from the start
The hike typically takes 12 to 13 days, and is at an average altitude of just over 3000 metres above sea level. Total ascent during the hike is in excess of 8000 metres and there are about 28 "climbs" in excess of 200 metres. No technical skill is required, the "climbs" are essentially steep ascents.

Although the hike can be done as a fully unsupported activity, it is common for hikers to be supported by friends who carry up additional supplies at the 6 day halfway mark, top of Bannermans Pass or Langalibalele Pass, and perhaps at the 9 day mark at the top of Sani Pass. This option however will not be our choice!
There are no facilities on the mountain and hikers must ensure self- sufficiency with respect to all weather gear, food, medical supplies etc.