Quathlamba
“A
mass of Spears. Named thus by the Zulu warriors before the white man came.
Today called the Drakensberg, Mountains of the Dragon, a name given by the
Voortrekkers. Evocative names, both equally applicable to South Africa’s
mightiest mountain range with its spear-like peaks – reminiscent of the
saw-toothed spine of a gigantic dragon.”
Panorama April 1966
Listen to the streams as they gurgle from their cradles and you will hear the story of the mountains. You will hear fascinating tales if only you listen! Lie next to a stream and listen to the song of the mountains. The smiling faces of the flowers, dancing in the wind. Venture into the remote valleys or stand on a peak at sunrise or sunset, after snow has fallen, and you will hear a song that you will never forget - the Song of the High Mountain". (DA Dodds)
Hiking adventures, hiking gear reviews, day walks, accommodation, books, articles and photos, all related to these magnificent mountains will feature here.
Should you want to accompany me on a hike, or need some information or advice, please make contact with me. I hope you enjoy the articles.
Please visit the archive for some more interesting stories, photos and reviews.
Please note that all photos on this blog are copyright protected. If you would like to obtain
Photos please make contact with the author, Willem Pelser.
“choosing not to make survival
to a secure, prosperous, comfortable old age an all consuming priority”
LOTHENI
DRAKENSBERG
HIKER’S
PARADISE
Lotheni
Reserve in the Drakensberg is a place of many rivers, forests and valleys. It
is stunningly beautiful and very wild. For the avid explorer and multi-day
hiker, it is paradise. Most people visiting Lotheni stay on the established
tracks, and by doing so, miss the real splendor and beauty of the place. Make
no mistake; the established trials are well worth the effort.
For the
multi-day hiker, relying on himself for a couple of days, the possibilities in
the area is absolutely endless. I have done many hundreds of kilometers hiking
Lotheni and I am still discovering new areas and some stunningly beautiful
places. It is a place which will set the heart, mind and soul at ease.
Lotheni is well worth a visit, so
pack your bag, dust of your boots and go and explore.
Lotheni - KZN Parks
Noted
for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp, Lotheni is situated in a remote
section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, South Africa’s first cultural and environmental World Herbage
Site.
The exceptional natural beauty of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg
Park is evident in its soaring basaltic buttresses, golden sandstone ramparts,
rolling high altitude grasslands, steep-sided river valleys and rocky gorges.
The area has incredibly rich biodiversity including man endemic species.
This spectacular natural landscape also has many rock shelters,
containing the largest and most concentrated group of paintings in Africa,
south of the Sahara.
These were created by
the San people over a period of at least 400 years. The rock paintings are
outstanding in quality and diversity representing the spiritual life of the San
people who no longer live the region.
There
are many delightful walking trails that are available to suit all
ages.
For
spectacular views of the Drakensberg, the Emadundwini Trail, a 11.8 km circular
route crossing a number of small streams and traveling up a steep incline is
recommended.
Lotheni
is a self-catering facility and features chalets and a rustic cottage which is
situated next to a small trout dam, stocked for the exclusive use of Simes
Cottage guests.
Wildlife includes species such as common and mountain reedbuck, grey
reedbuck, eland, grey duiker, Oribi, Cape clawless otter, mongoose and baboon. There
is a diversity of birds, including black stork, verreaux’s eagle, bearded
vulture, lanner falcon, Cape vulture and giant kingfisher.
Many delightful walks
and climbs may be undertaken and there are excursions of this nature to suit
all ages. It is advisable to carry warm clothing at all times as the weather is
often unpredictable.
Mountain biking is allowed in designated areas. Picnicking is
popular and visitors are encouraged to take packed lunches with them.
Although chilly, swimming in the Lotheni River is safe unless it is
in flood. There is a very good swimming spot approximately 1 km below the camp
at Cool Pools. The park is popular rendezvous for trout fishermen.
Approximately 16 km of the Lotheni River is stocked with brown trout. Should
you wish to fish, the payment of a daily rod fee is required to be made at the
Camp Office. Only fly tackle is permissible.
Room Description:
Lotheni
is a self-catering facility and features two six-bed chalets; eight two-bed
chalets and four three-bed chalets. The accommodation includes cutlery,
crockery and bedding, a deep-freeze unit and a gas stove in the camp kitchen is
also available.
Simes
Rustic Cottage is situated next to a small trout dam, stocked for the
exclusive use of Simes Cottage guests. It includes a bathroom, and an equipped
kitchen. Guests must supply bedding, gas lamps and torches. Sleeps 10 people in
4 rooms.
Accommodation - Lotheni Hutted Camp
·
The comfortable
hutted camp,
·
electrically lit by
generator form 17:00- 22:00, consists of 12 self-contained chalets,
·
Each with its
own refrigerator, two- plate gas stove (with a small oven), bathroom and
toilet.
·
In addition to the
chalets there are 2 six-bed fully self-contained cottages.
·
Visitors must bring
all their own food supplies and do their own cooking.
·
The nearest source of
provision is at the Lotheni store, which is 14 km form the camp.
·
The curio shop at
Lotheni supplies some basic groceries.
·
A deepfreeze is
situated in the camp kitchen and is available for use by camp visitors, as is a
single large gas stove.
Accommodation - Simes Cottage
·
Simes cottage is a
converted old farm house and can accommodate 10 people in four rooms.
·
It is equipped with
gas and visitors do their own cooking and need to bring their own towels,
sheets and pillow-slips.
·
The cottage is
situated next to a small dam, which is regularly stocked with trout.
·
The dam is reserved
exclusively for visitors staying at Simes cottage.
Accommodation - Campsites
There is a campground
containing 14 campsites and served by an ablution block with hot and cold
water, situated 2 km from the camp, further up the Lotheni Valley into the
mountains.
Lotheni is a
magnificent mountain haven renowned for its scenery and atmospheric camp.
Situated in a spectacular section of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, the main
activities revolve around mountain hiking with many scenic trails. The
Emadundwini Trail (12 kilometers) is highly recommended and other hikes include
the Eagle, fall’s, Canyon and Jacobs Ladder Trails.
The Gelib Tree Mountain
Bike Trail (8 kilometers) winds past breathtaking views with the historic Gelib
Tree en-route. The bird list has 172-recorded species and 16 kilometers of the
Lotheni River is stocked with brown trout for the enjoyment of fly-fishermen.
Lotheni campsite lies in a beautiful setting with fourteen caravan and/or tent
sites. Four sites take small caravans only and seven take tents only. All
campsites have their own barbecue facilities with firewood available for sale.
Coldwater taps are shared and there is no electricity. The ablution block has
hot water and dishwashing and laundry facilities.
Lotheni Day Trials
Gelib Tree Mountain Bike Trail
This 8 km Mountain
Bike Trail starts close to the camp and crosses over several small streams,
taking one up and down a few fairly steep, winding gradients.
Once on the grassland
plateau, breathtaking views of the surrounding escarpment can be absorbed at
length.
The historic Gelib
Tree is passed on route and is an ideal rest point. The trail ends near the
reserves entrance gate and a short ride in the direction of the camp brings one
to the day visitor area. Here the three museum buildings may be visited and
barbeque facilities are also available. A short stroll down to the river ends
in the Flat Rock pools where a refreshing swim can be enjoyed. The energetic
cyclist can cycle a further four kilometers along the tar road back to the
camp. Alternatively family or friends can meet cyclists at the museum. No extra
charge is presently levied for use of the Mountain Bike Trail.
The Emandundwini Trail
This Trail starts at
the reception gate area and it is approximately 12 km in length. Take the Trail
to the Lotheni River via the Tebetebe suspension bridge. Once across the river,
follow the trail to the left. The route is circular and takes you through a
variety of habitats including protea savanna, indigenous afromontane forest and
grassland plains. A number of small streams have to be crossed and there are a
number of steep inclines along the route. The trail offers spectacular views of
the surrounding Drakensberg. Approximately half way along the trail one has the
opportunity to wander through a section of indigenous forest. This forest is a
good rest point and is excellent for bird watching. The trail is well marked
and distances are regularly given.
The trail should take
about six hours to complete, this will also allow for a number of rest stops. A
brochure on the trail is available from reception.
The Eagle Trail
The Eagle Trail
starts from the gravel road between the hutted camp and the campsite and ends
at Simes cottage. It is approximately 12, 8 km and takes about six hours to
complete if one includes a number of rest stops. The trail starts with a long,
fairly steep, incline. Along the route sections of afromontane forest and
protea savanna are passed, providing a diversity of plant life, which in turn
attract a variety of bird life. Spectacular scenery of the high 'Berg can be
seen along the length of the trail. At the highest point the trail doubles back
along a grassland plateau and then winds down to the Lotheni River. The course
of the river is then followed, until the trail ends near Simes cottage. At one
point along the Lotheni River a large waterfall is passed and there are
numerous pools for swimming. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. A
brochure on the trail is available from reception.
The Jacobs Ladder Trail
This Trail starts at
the reception office and is about 2 km long. It is an easy-going trail with
only a few short inclines. It is highly recommended especially for family
groups. The trail takes you over the Lotheni River via the Tebetebe suspension
bridge and then runs parallel to the Lotheni River. The falls themselves are
found upstream of a small stream, which runs into the Lotheni River. There is a
large pool at the bottom of the falls perfect for swimming. The trail is well
marked and it is necessary to cross the Jacobs River a number of times.
Canyon Trail
The Canyon Trail
allows visitors access to the steep sided canyon, which is situated along the
Bhodla River. The 12 km trail starts approximately 500 m from the museum, on
the road to the camp. It takes you past the Gelib Tree, then winds up the
mountain slope and leads onto a long grassland plateau.
Once on the top of
the plateau the going is very easy with the trail ending above the canyon
itself. The trail offers spectacular views of the Lotheni valley and the Hawk
and Tent peaks as well as the Hlatimbe Buttress on the escarpment. The more
adventurous may find a route into the base of the canyon and follow the river
up to a spectacular cascading waterfall, passing forest patches bursting with
life en-route.
Gelib Tree Trail
This trail starts
from the same point as the Canyon trail and is approximately 1,3 km. The trail
is well marked and is an easy climb, ending at the historic Gelib Tree. From
the Gelib tree you have a good view of waterfalls on the opposite valley and
also of the high Berg.
Lotheni Attractions
Settler's Museum
·
Visitors should make
a point of visiting the Lotheni Settler’s Homestead Museum. An interesting
collection of early settler farming implements and home utensils is on display
at the old Root homestead, which has been restored and refurnished in the style
of the period.
·
General
·
No pets are permitted
in the park
·
Camping anywhere
other than in designated areas is forbidden
·
Gate entry time
·
Summer (1 October- 31
March) 05: 00- 19:00
·
Winter (1 April- 30
September) 6:00- 18:00
·
The making of fire is
strictly prohibited, except in designated areas in the camp and campsite,
because of the hazard of veld fires.
·
Hikers are reminded
that all refuse must be brought back to the camp for disposal
·
Hikers must complete
the mountain rescue register at the camp office before and after their hike
General Information
Gate Opening and
Closing Times:
Summer (October to
March) 05h00 to 19h00
Winter (April to
September) 06h00 to 18h00
Office Hours:
The office is open
from 08h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 16h30
Distance and Time
from Gate to Camp: 4 kms
Camp Telephone
Number: (033) 7020540
Camp Fax: (033)
7020540
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00
Shop:
Limited curios and
supplies.
Special Precautions:
The weather is
subject to change at short notice and can become very cold. Hikers need to be
well equipped.
The nearest town
which has a full range of services is Underberg which is 50 kms away.
How to get there:
From the south turn
off the N3 at the Underberg Bulwer on R617 and proceed to Underberg. Lotheni is
50 kms away on a gravel road except for the first 5 kms. From the north turn
off the N3 to Nottingham Road and follow the signs in the village. The reserve
is 62 kms away about half of which is gravel.
Pets are not
permitted into the reserve.
"No entry fees
will be charged for visits by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Primary and Secondary School
groups, from KZN Schools to KZN Protected Areas and St Lucia Crocodile Centre
provided that such visits:
1. Are authorized by
the Head of the school
2. Are booked in
advance with the Officer in Charge of the Protected Area or Crocodile Centre
3. Do not take place
over weekends, during KZN Provincial school holidays or Public Holidays".
Safe Hiking.
Willem
Pelser – The Mountain Man
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