PEAK HIGH Mountaineering

In 2016, I realised I really wanted to explore the Drakensberg wilderness area. I needed an experienced guide who knows the Drakensberg and who would take on the challenge to take four of us,.. eager woman  from Vereeniging… to experience the Drakensberg first hand.

Researching on the internet… I came across “Love Wild Africa”, reference of a hike with beautiful photos taken by the photographer Scott Ramsay,  where Gavin took two of his friends on the Mini Traverse. I came across gavin@peakhigh.co.za and read about: Gavin Raubenheimer.

I took a chance and sent a short email to ask if he would be interested in taking us on the Mini Traverse…Surprised…I actually didn’t think I get a yes for an answer.

Gavin Raubenheimer is an awesome, passionate and skilled guide with extensive knowledge and experience of climbing, hiking, navigating, rescuing and handling of groups in difficult scenarios of the weather/ element situations in the wilderness area of the Drakensberg.

We went in January 2017….we experienced Gavin as an experienced and passionate guide knowing what to do and how to handle us…our pace … the hike…when the weather elements changed (heavy mist, rain and lightning) to keep us save with good navigation skills and  experience the different senarios as exciting challenges. He also understands the culture and knows how to handle the Lesotho people (young shepherds), we encountered on the route.

Experiencing the  Ifidi cave, Ledgers cave, Twin cave and camping in tents in the open, swimming, resting, the mystical views and challenges in the mist, the challenging Bell Traverse and Bugger gully, Orange peel gap,was an “unforgettable” living life in the full.…. life changing  experience so much so that we asked Gavin to take six of us on the next experience in 2019 from Cathedral peak to Monks Cowl (Central Drakensberg).

To learn more explore his website: peakhighmountaineering.co.za and his book: Drakensberg SELECT

Rock climbing..…Ice climbing….Trekking….Day hikes (Blue mountain Publishers).

 

We recently completed the Bell-Twins Traverse via Cathedral Peak in the South African Drakensberg mountains (January 2018).

Overall, this was definitely one of the best hikes I have done- and I have hiked extensively around the world. Gavin is a fantastic guide and not only did he make the hike possible, but he also enhanced our trip with great stories and knowledgeable anecdotes along the way.

Gavin is a superior guide with extensive experience and skill. He is also an ambassador of his passion for the mountains, being a past president of the Kwa-Zulu Natal section of the mountain club, overseeing mountain search and rescue in the area, and involved in maintaining climbing standards and instruction.

In summary, the Bell Traverse is an exceptional hike and Gavin an exceptional guide for it! Challenges and rewards await each day.

And a further note, I would recommend Gavins’ book : ”Drakensberg Select” , by Blue Mountain Publishers, if you are seriously interested in some of the epic climbs and hikes in the Berg.

 

Ice climbing in Bokong, Lesotho was a great experience in beautiful and remote surroundings thanks to the expert guidance, organisation and skill of Gavin from Peak High. As a novice ice climbing group, he ensured our safety through rigorous standards and care, while keeping the experience encouraging and fun. I learnt a tremendous amount on the course, thanks to Gavin’s support.