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.
“THUNDER ROLLS AND ECHOES
AMONG PEAKS THAT
WERE BORN IN FIRE”
DRAKENSBERG COBHAM NATURE RESERVE
A PHOTO JOURNEY
Amongst the major
attractions of the Drakensberg are the many opportunities it offers for the
walker, both the dedicated hiker and for the more occassional enthusiast. There
is nothing more invigorating than the fresh mountain air breathed in on the top
of a ridge. Cobham was established in 1959 by the Department of Forestry and
has been administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife since 1988. The reserve is managed
with Vergelegen to form one management section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park
of approximately 52 000 ha in extent.
The campsite at Cobham is an open area
where visitors can put up tents or caravans anywhere in the designated area.
The campsite is rustic with eight toilets and four hot water showers. No
electrical points are available in the campsite. There are nine different caves
situated throughout the reserve which can accommodate overnight hikers. Parties
hiking into the Wilderness areas are limited to 12 people. All caves in the
Cobham area are situated within the wilderness area.
The town of Himeville is only 13
kilometers away from Cobham on a very good dirt road suited to all vehicles.
Cobham Wilderness is a
stunningly beautiful place, and is more than worth the effort of multi-day
hiking. There are numerous hiking trails to choose from, or go your own way and
explore the Wilderness. Just make sure you leave it as undisturbed as you found
it. Rivers, streams and waterfall are around every corner, with good swimming
pools a plenty.
Please join me on a photo
journey of a recent 4 day multi-hike through the Cobham Wilderness.
Day
One – To Lakes Cave
Pholela
River
View
across the Pholela Valley- Shelter Rock
Rock
Formations in the Valley
View
from Lakes cave
View
from Lakes cave
Day Two – Lakes cave to Fingall’s rock
area
Looking
at Lakes District
View
over Lakes District
Rock
Formations
Room
with a view
Day Three – To Minaret Pass Trail, down
Gxalingenwa Trail to Emerald Valley
Inside
Giant’s Cup’s Valleys
View
over clouded KZN Province
Giant’s
Cup Area
Giant’s
Cup Area
Gxalingenwa
River Valley
Pinnacle
Rock
Emerald Valley Route
Emerald
Dome
Emerald
Dome and Valley
Emerald
Valley
You will never be sorry for dusting of your boots and hiking the Cobham
Wilderness. It is a majestically beautiful Wilderness with so much to offer the
hiker willing to put in the effort.
The End.
Safe Hiking.
Willem
Pelser – The Mountain Man
References and Acknowledgements
Photos –Willem Pelser
Compiled by - W Pelser
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