Mario Todeschini, South Africa
Travelling in the mountains with Gavin is a very safe and reliable place to be. The fact that he is the author of the definitive Drakensberg climbing and mountaineering guidebook makes for a very re-assuring feeling. Couple this with the fact that he is the head of the Drakensberg search and rescue organisation and feelings of doubt in his experience completely disappear. Gavin’s bold but safety conscious guiding style really allow one to appreciate the beauty of technical climbing and the aesthetics of the high mountains without the constant interruption of more immature and chatty mountain guides, something which I really appreciate. Gavin’s guiding style is very subtle and one sometimes almost forgets he is there until one begins to do the wrong thing and he snaps to the forefront and corrects what ever danger he has observed beginning to unfold. Having spent many days in the high mountains with him and completed many objectively dangerous and challenging technical climbs I would highly recommend Gavin as a mature, responsible and confidence inspiring mountain guide.
How to climb South Africa’s highest mountain – Mafadi 3451m
South Africa’s highest mountain is a point on the border between the republic and the Kingdom of Lesotho in the central Drakensberg. It lies between Champagne Castle to the north and Giant’s Castle to the south. To get to the top does not involve any rock climbing or even scrambling, but does require good fitness.
Most hikers use the Injisuthi Camp run by KZN Wildlife as their starting and end point. Then there are two options used. Either to hike to the summit via Judge Pass and then back via the same route and this would typically take 3 days and 2 nights to complete. The longer, but more scenic route is to hike in a clockwise direction via Judge Pass, over the summit and down Leslie’s Pass in a 4 day, 3-night trip.
In both options it is possible to not have to carry tents and use caves for accommodation and the Centenary Hut located near Corner Pass.
Due to the height of the peak, it is frequently windy and cold and snow falls in this area most winters and in springtime.
Hikers planning to do either of these routes should have good fitness and be able to carry backpacks of 15-18 kg. Most days involve walking up or down steep mountains in thin air conditions. Where the route is below the escarpment, there are paths to hike on but these are simply rough tracks and are not maintained. On the summit area there are no paths and the hiking is rough under-foot and good sturdy hiking boots are a must. The leader of the group needs to have good navigation skills, as the route is not sign posted in anyway.
Mafadi is a very rewarding hike for those who want a remote wilderness experience with a physical challenge.
