Lotheni Wilderness - Drakensberg - A Photographic Story - Three Day Winter Hike – August 2016

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 area, 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.

“WHERE THE RIVERS,

SILVER ARTERIES OF THE MOUNTAINS,

POUNDS THROUGH ITS BLACK HEART”

Lotheni Wilderness

Drakensberg

A Photographic Story

Three Day Winter Hike – August 2016

   The Lotheni Wilderness in the KZN Drakensberg is an absolute hiker’s Paradise. As a hiker you can get lost in this magnificent, vast Wilderness for days on end. Lotheni consist of some magnificent scenery consisting of forests, valleys, hundreds of rivers and wildlife. The escarpment is also accessible via a number of passes in the area. Most of the Wilderness areas in Lotheni is untouched and do not see humans at all.

   So, if you are looking for some spectacular multi-day hiking, pack your backpack and go visit Lotheni. You will never be sorry.

DAY ONE – LAZY RIVER RAMBLE

DAY TWO – UP TO THE ESCARPMENT – BUTTRESS PASS AND THE SNOW

DAY THREE – TO JACOBS LADDER FALLS, UP THE MOUNTAIN, FOLLOWING JACOBS RIVER VALLEY TO THE SOURCE OF JACOBS RIVER

The End.

Safe Hiking

References and Acknowledgements

    1)   Photos – Willem Pelser

    2)   Compiled by Willem Pelser