NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA

7 pitch route
Sport route (fully bolted protection)
Grade 21 or 19 (pull on draws), (French 6b 6a pull on draws USA 5.10d)
Summit of peak 3165m
Over all feel – technically hard sport climbing in a dramatic mountain setting.

The route meanders up the huge west face and is on-balance face climbing. We usually stay the night before at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. The climb is completed the next day and we are back at the carpark at approx. 3pm. Another option for a wilderness experience, is to hike in the day before and bivvy in a beautiful overhang of rock with a view over the Drakensberg.

You need to be reasonably fit, able to belay properly with double or single ropes and abseil without a safety rope. Prior rock climbing at good grade is essential. Peak High has a policy that clients will belay the guide only with auto-locking or assisted breaking type devices. (e.g. GriGri or ATC Pilot) We provide these if clients do not already have them. We guide this route at anytime of the year.

NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG, SOUTHH AFRICA

7 pitch route
Trad (natural protection)
Grade F3 or 17 (4b HVS 5.8)
Summit of peak 3165m
Over all feel – easy climbing in a serous setting.

This is a very popular route, on good rock with amazing views and on a major peak. Approach is on a well arked trail to the start of the route, 1.5 hours. One abseil (rappel) on descent. The route is not very difficult and the grade is derived from one hard move near the top. Pitches 4 and 5 are easy but exposed. We usually spend the night before at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. Then climb the next day and return to the carpark by 3pm. Another option for a wilderness experience, is to hike in the day before and bivvy in a beautiful over hang of rock with a view over the Drakensberg, then do the climb the next day.

You need to be reasonably fit, able to belay properly with double or single ropes and abseil without a safety rope. Prior rock climbing experience is essential. Peak High has a policy that clients will belay the guide only with auto-locking or assisted breaking type devices, (e.g. GriGri or ATC Pilot). We guide this at anytime of the year.

A 1 or 1.5 day hike in the Southern Drakensberg, South Africa

This is a trekking peak and no ropes are needed. The summit of the peak is 3056m. Hiking can be done all year round. It is spectacular hiking in a wilderness area. The start is from the Garden Castle office. It is 20kms to the summit and back. The nearest town is Underberg. You need to be hiking fit.