Drakensberg Wilderness Hiking South Africa - Mountain of the Dragons - Where Adventure beckons.....: MHKOMAZI WILDERNESS

Quathlamba

“A mass of Spears. Named thus by the Zulu warriors before the white man came. Today called the Drakensberg, Mountains of the Dragon. 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.”

“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".

DRAKENSBERG WILDERNESS PHOTOS © WILLEM PELSER

“NORMALITY IS A PAVED ROAD: IT’S COMFORTABLE BUT NO FLOWERS GROW ON IT.”

Vincent van Gogh

MHKOMAZI WILDERNESS

DRAKENSBERG

This wilderness area in the central and southern Drakensberg stretches between Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve in the north and Sani Pass in the south. Covering some 54 000 ha, it is traversed by deeply incised gorges and valleys that give the landscape a distinctly rugged appearance. The High Berg is not as accessible as other areas of the Berg and is consequently not as well-known as the more popular areas further north.

Highmoor camp, the northernmost access point, is reached by following the signposted road from Rosetta to Kamberg Nature Reserve. About 30 km beyond Rosetta the route forks – keep to the right along the road which leads to Ntabamhlope. Almost immediately after this fork, you turn left. Continue along this road to Highmoor Reserve, about 10 km further.

In the south the wilderness area can be approached from the Lotheni and Vergelegen nature reserves. The Lotheni Reserve is situated on the Nottingham Road/Himeville road. From the turn-off it is about 16 km to the rest camp. Access to Vergelegen Reserve is along the Nottingham/Himeville route.

Scenically the area is more rugged than the southern Drakensberg. The spurs of the Little Berg extend further east from the escarpment than they do further north and the area is characterized by numerous rivers which have carved deep valleys. Soaring buttresses and several unnamed peaks of over 3 000 m dominate the escarpment.

Despite the rugged nature of the area there are numerous footpaths, which are mainly restricted to the river valleys and the occasional spur. It is often necessary to boulder-hop up a valley to reach higher ground from where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the escarpment. There are access routes to the escarpment via some passes.

Although the terrain mainly lends itself to one- or two-day hikes, it is possible to undertake a four-day traverse to Sani Pass.

The first day’s hike initially takes you along the Lotheni River Valley which was used as early as 1847 by San stock raiders. They drove their booty up the tributaries of the Lotheni River. Taking the left hand path, go pass Yellowwood Cave to the contour path. Follow the contour path for 4 km to an intersection just below Redi Pass where there is a suitable overnight spot. The day covers 14 km and an 850 m gain in altitude.

On the second day continue for about 5,5 km before ascending steeply along the Hlatimba Pass to the escarpment. From the top of the pass you will follow the escarpment in a southerly direction for about 1 km to Lynx Cave. The second day covers 8,5 km and a 500 m gain in altitude.

On the third day you will follow the escarpment in a south-westerly direction to reach the head of the Mlahlangubo Pass after about 1 km. The route takes you down the pass and you will lose some 600 m in altitude before joining the contour path. Turn right and less than 1 km further on, right again, following a winding path for about 2 km before crossing the first Ngaqamadolo Pass. About 1 km onwards the second pass is reached, but you will continue along the footpath in a westerly direction, passing the Rock Arch and crossing numerous streams below the Saddle. Ignore the turn-off to the Mhkomazi River 4 km later and continue for another 2 km to the Mhkomazi Pass which is reached 14 km beyond Lynx Cave. This is a good place to pitch camp.

If you opt to camp at the Mhkomazi River junction, Kaula cave is probably the best spot to break the remaining 25 km into two more manageable days.

From the Nhlangeni River you will head for a sulpher spring which is reached 2 km further on and you will no doubt find the thermal water very therapeutic. Continue up the river valley for 3 km before turning left to reach the Burnera Ridge junction 5 km further. Turn right here and, after about 1 km turn left, following a path below the Pillars to reach Koko Tabagi Ridge 4 km beyond the previous junction. Here you will cross the Mzimkhulwana Reserve and after traversing below the Twelve Apostles for about 6 km you will cross the Mkhomazana or Little Mhkomazi River shortly before joining the Sani Pass road. The junction is about 4 km beyond the South African Police Services Post.

The End.

Safe Hiking.