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We had to go up Banneman’s Pass in the Giant’s Castle area of the Southern Drakensberg last weekend – James had left his sunglasses on top of the pass the weekend before. Tony was only willing to come along if we climbed something. After phoning Gavin Peckham it was determined that Banneman’s rib is a worthwhile climb.

We walked in on Saturday and slept the night in Sparerib cave. The morning dawned with the spectacular Drakensberg cloud carpet below us, creeping upwards. After 3 cups of tea we eventually decided to just go anyway, we can’t control the weather.

The start of the route was never found, but after we had both lead one pitch it seemed that we were on top of the third pitch, which meant that I got to lead the spectacular 5 meter hand-jam. I lay-backed up it! Anything not to jam and then did the very scary knife edge, which involved sitting down on  my bum and moving very slowly, one limb at a time, across the rib. I always find it amazing that on Berg a spectacular F2 hand-jam and a knife edge can leave one so happy to still be alive. What a spectacular pitch…

I was happy for Tony to lead the rest, since I had the best pitch! And by lunch time we were on top!

Hannelie Morris

For more info on guided climbing in the Drakensberg, visit our website on: http://www.peakhigh.co.za/

We left Pietermaritzburg at 6 Saturday morning. Had the usual last minute shopping at the Underberg SPAR before the trek. Then we headed for Bushman’s Neck.

Southern Drakensberg

First stop was Cedrics pool and most of us had a swim in the icy cold water… Many a flower was photographed, although all the spring flowers aren’t out yet.

Drakensberg Flowers

Lammergeier cave is an enormous overhang! Big enough to even play Hackey Sack! We had a lovely night cooking dinner looking out over the Berg!

From Lammergeier Cave

Evening light!

We were lucky enough to see the beautiful sunrise!  

Sunrise from Lammergeier Cave

The day was overcast, but the views were still spectacular!

Southern Drakensberg

The mist coming in.

What a magical place the Drakensberg is…

Hannelie recently took a group of Mountain club members hiking for a weekend. They walked up to Sherman’s cave in the dark, after work on Friday.

Saturday they walked up Orange Peel gap and down Bugger Gully (past some snow). Then it was time for the amazing Bell-Twins traverse – it did not disappoint – beautiful views, nice exposure (but not too much), spectacular scenery and even some vultures! The night was spent in Twins cave, which is always a treat.

But they woke up to snow!! Luckily it did not last and after a couple of hours going down the pass in snow, rain and wind, the sun came out and some members of the group even had a swim at the river near Cathedral Peak hotel.

The view from Twins cave!