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
This blog is all about the Drakensberg Mountains and its Wilderness areas, South Africa. I have lost my heart and soul to this area and every single time I hike these mountains, I stand in awe all over again at this magnificent beauty.
“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.
“THOU WEAR’ST UPON THY
FOREHEAD
THE FREEDOM OF A HIKER IN THE
WILDERNESS”
HIKING TRAIL HINTS
COBHAM DRAKENSBERG
Safety is
of the utmost importance and disregard for a few commonsense rules can turn a
trail into a tragedy. In most cases where fatalities or serious injuries have
occurred in the Wilderness they could have been avoided.
Bear the
following in mind – they will not only ensure pleasant hiking, but could also
save lives.
The party should always be led by the most
experienced person.
Plan each day carefully. Start off as early as
possible if you have a long day ahead of you, if the terrain is difficult or
unfamiliar to you or in hot weather.
Keep in mind that there is considerably less
daylight in winter than in summer.
Large parts of Southern Africa receive rain in
the summer and thunderstorms are common in the afternoon. Try to reach your
destination before the rain sets in.
COBHAM DRAKENSBERG
Hike at a steady pace. Three kilometers an hour
is a good average. For every 300 meter you gain in altitude an hour can be
added. On steeper sections it is advisable to shorten your stride slightly,
while maintaining your hiking rhythm. Avoid frequent breaks – rather have short
rest stops and use the opportunity to appreciate your surroundings.
Keep the party
together. A member lagging behind is an almost sure sign of trouble, exhaustion
or exposure. Establish the cause of the problem, assist the person by spreading
the weight of his/her backpack and keep him/her company. In large groups it is
advisable to appoint someone to bring up the rear. If you do this you will
always know who the last person is.
Keep your energy
levels up by eating snacks – peanuts and raisons, glucose sweets, chocolate and
dried fruit – between meals.
COBHAM DRAKENSBERG
If you
encounter bad weather, or if the route proves too demanding physically, do not
hesitate to turn back if you have not reach the halfway mark of the day’s hike
by midday.
Misty conditions occur frequently in the
mountains at high altitudes. If mist sets in seek a suitable shelter and stay
put until it has cleared.
Be aware of the dangers of flash floods. Never
cross a flooding river. Fortunately most South African rivers soon return to
their normal flow after flooding. Either wait until the flood has subsided or
make a detour.
Some routes necessitate frequent river crossings.
At times it might be possible to boulder hop across, but avoid long jumps with
a heavy pack which could result in a slip, and not only a soaking, but also
injury.
COBHAM DRAKENSBERG
If you are uncertain about a river’s depth,
always probe it without your pack. If the river is shallow undo the hip belt of
your backpack and loosen shoulder straps for quick unloading.
Float packs across deeper rivers.
Avoid crossing rivers near the mouth unless there
is a definite sandbar. These rivers are more likely to be shallow and slower
where they are wide. Steer clear of bends, where the water is usually deeper
and the flow stronger.
COBHAM DRAKENSBERG
Avoid the dangers
of lightning by staying clear of prominent features such as trees ridges,
summits, shallow caves and large boulders. Find an open slope; sit on a
groundpad or a backpack, preferably on a clean, dry rock, with your knees drawn
up, feet together and hands in your lap. If you are in your tent during an
electric storm, sit in a crouching position and avoid touching the sides.
COBHAM DRAKENSBERG
Always carry two water bottles. Remember that
smaller streams are often dry during the winter months in summer rainfall areas
and dry during summer months in winter rainfall areas. Unless ample water is
available along the route it is advisable to ensure that you always keep a
reserve supply of water.
Water-bottles should
always be filled from safe, fast-running streams above human habitation. Water
below human habitation should be regarded as unsafe and should not be drunk
before it has been boiled.
Water suspected of being infested by bilharzia,
cholera or other waterborne diseases should be boiled for at least 5 minutes.
This method is preferable to using commercially available chemicals. Strain
water through a handkerchief to remove debris before boiling it.
COBHAM DRAKENSBERG
In the event
of a veld fire, try to find shelter in a kloof or ravine rather than going up a
slope. Avoid waterfalls and take care to minimize unnecessary risks.
Always carry a
whistle. It can be used to attract attention should you get lost. Remember the
international SOS – three short, three long and three short whistles.
Safe Hiking.
Willem
Pelser – The Mountain Man
Acknowledgements
Extract from the book - Hiking Trails of Southern Africa – W&S Swanepoel
Photos – Willem Pelser, The Mountain Man.
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