This is an unusual route for Peak High Mountaineering to guide as it is not one of our scheduled trips. The route idea came from the leader of the group. A group of ladies from Gauteng, had already done the Mini Traverse hike from Monte aux Sources to Cathedral Peak with us in 2017 and this route then is a continuation of the Drakensberg southwards.
It was group of 6 avid hikers and we hiked to Ribbon Falls on day 1. It was a short 3 hour hike and we camped in tents. Day 2 was up the spectacular Camel Pass to Windy Gap and the top of the main escarpment. This is at an altitude of 3000m. Then turning south we did the final hike up to Roland’s Cave. Roland’s Cave has a reputation for the most spectacular and mind blowing views in the Drakensberg. But getting to the cave takes some mental energy as there is a narrow ledge to cross before getting there. I set up a safety rope across this section to help things along.
Day 3 was the hardest and we set off at 8am for a 21km hike towards Champagne Castle and Monk’s Cowl. By the afternoon, wind and rain accompanied us as we traversed a high ridge at an altitude of 3300m before arriving at Inkosasana Cave. The group were pretty tired and we had an early night.
Day 4 was also fairly hard as we had 15kms to go, which included descending Grey’s Pass. There was heavy frost all over including Champagne Castle, where in areas it looked like a light snowfall rather than frost. We all arrived at Monk’s Cowl by 3.30pm and ended with a few ice cold beers.