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
“SOLO HIKING THE DRAKENSBERG WILDERNESS DOES NOT HOLD ANY FEAR, ONLY AN ACCEPTANCE OF MOTHER NATURE AND BEING IN A PLACE I BELONG, WHERE SOLITUDE AND MAGNIFICANCE IS ALL MINE”
Willem Pelser
Drakensberg Wilderness – A Photographic Journey – 7 Day Hike April 2016
Day One – 24 April2016
From Kamberg, up the Mooi River Valley to where the Imfula Wasenkomedi River meets the Mooi River.
Day Two – 25 April 2016
Further up the Mooi River to the source of the Mooi River, then halfway up to eChibini dam, sleep at The Sisters.
Day Three – 26 April 2016
From the Source of the Mooi River to eChibini dam, from the source of the eZbovana river, to halfway down Baboon Valley.
Day Four – 27 April 2016
From where two rivers join, down Baboon Valley to Roman Baths.
Day Five – 28 April 2016
From Roman Baths, up the Mountain to Bird Valley, follow the Valley River down to where it meets the Mooi River.
Day Six – 29 April 2016
Meander down the Mooi River towards Kamberg. Lazy exploration of the Mooi River.
Day Seven – 30 April 2016
Last stretch down to Kamberg Camp, the day the Snow arrived as a parting gift.
The memory of the suffering always fades, while the fulfillment grows brighter. For all the richness of “normal” everyday life, it is good sometimes to trespass in the Wilderness and live life with uncommon intensity, experiencing something that gets close to the sublime. I will soon return to the mountains and the wilderness, but I know that I had more than my fair share of those sublime moments. I have touched and seen some of the most magical places on Earth – places whose beauty is inherently dangerous and where man was never meant to go – and I will be back soon!
The End.
Safe Hiking.
References and Acknowledgements
Photos –Willem Pelser
Compiled by - W Pelser
No comments:
Post a Comment