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.