Cathedral Peak - Monk's Cowl link-up via escarpment

I have done this general area three times before - the last being in July this year. Good water is around untill you climb the dome out of yodlers cascade. From the top of the dome water can be dificuilt in winter but in summer you will find small streams. Even so with a little bit of scouting you can get water in winter from small trickles. Security is Ok - from the top of Organs down to yodlers you follow quite a busy Basotho route but only for about 5 km's I guess then you turn up towards Yodlers cascades out of the main routes down into SA - there is usually three Basotho herders around but they are harmless and friendly In summer they will probably not be around since they trek deeper into Lesotho. Towards Greys Basotho traffic will pick up again but nothing I will be too worried about - the normal rules apply - pitch camp out of sight and away from well used paths and as close to sunset as possible.

Would it be necessary to book with EKZNW in advance if I'm planning a 3 day trip to Mount aux Sources area over December?
And what's the closest / best camping site to the Sentinel car park when driving from the Free state side?

Thanks Intrepid, we'll be going there this weekend. Do you perhaps know what time the gate closes and if you're allowed to make fire inside the car park area? Also is there ablution facilities? And the camping facilities at Witzieshoek, what are they like.

Hi,

This is my first post to this forum. I followed some of the threads and it seems like there's quite a few enthusiasts out there - i like...

We plan to hike up the berg at the end of March to do some proper photography. We are a party of 8 guys and we'll spend quite some time on the berg. I have a few questions that I would like to pose, your inputs are much appreciated.

Firstly, the issue around routes. We have no dedicated schedule yet, but we plan to hike up from Monk's Cowl Forestry Station and visit Injunja, Ship's Prow and Cleft Peak. I can't find any proper maps that we can use to plan the trip. Can anyone suggest where I can buy/download proper maps with routes - if they exist. Or is the only maps we can use available when we start at the Forestry station? By the way, what time do they open as we want to get going bright and early on the first day?

Then one of our concerns is water. What is the water situation like at the end of March? I have not hiked up those routes in the Central berg before. Is there also maps that can indicate streams/rivers?

Security is also one of the topics we discussed in detail. I have read all the posts on security in this forum, but is there anything else we need to consider? I want to stay away from the hot spots, but can we avoid them if we want to visit all the spots I mentioned above?

Also, what will the weather be like at that time of the year. I know it might get cold if it rains, but do we need to take sleeping bags that goes below zero or will a normal +5 suffice?

Thanks

Hi welcome to the forum.

It all depends on how much time you want to spend in the 'Berg, but i would maybe look at starting hiking from Cathedral peak hotel and then work my way along the escarpment to Monks Cowl. You can leave a car at the hikers parking at Monks cowl the day befor the hike. There is a few passes you can take to the top but Tseketsekepass would be my way up. It also have great views of Cleft peak and the column. From the top of the pass you work your way past Cleft peak to organs pass and on to Yoddlers. From there you go on to Grays pass if you want to go to Intnja(gatberg) or go pass to Ships Prow pass. It would take a few days if you stop to take photos. From there you can desent to monks cowl Forestry station.

Best maps that are the Geomaps sold at most hiking stores. Your route will be on Map 2 (Gulfargie to Monks cowl) You souldnt have a problem with water on the high 'Berg.

If you keep everything in your tent at night you should not have any security problems. Sleep away from the to of the passes.

Weather could turn bad any time of the year. I had 30cm snow in Nov 1997 at the top of Organs pass so be ready for anything. A +5 should still be ok but take thermal undies with if it gets cold. If you stay dry you should be good.

This is just a rought idee of how i would have looked at it. Hope it helps. I would also like to hear what other members thinks.

Aux, thanks for the info. I have managed to get my hands on Map 2 - now I can actually see where all the spots are.

I'm glad to hear that water should not be a problem. I think it was a concern as we would be carrying alot of stuff.

Hi all

I'm wondering if anyone would have any advice or comments on the following proposed route - do the distances sound feasible (we have a decent amount of berg experience and are fit enough? And could anyone recommend whether we should aim to stay in caves (is didima cave in particular worth going to) or rather tent it?

DAY 1 (Thurs 19TH May): Drop-off top of Mikes pass, walk to Nek, up Organ Pipes, pitch tent/cave. Approx how long would it take in hours to get to the top of the escarpment (What is the latest we should start hiking from top of Mikes Pass an order to reach the top comfortably before nightfall?)

DAY 2: (Fri 20TH May): On to Yodlers cascades and then didima cave

DAY 3: (Sat 21ST May) Didima cave to Champagne castle summit, then descend Grays Pass to Keiths Bush Camp or stay in Nkosana cave. Can cut out Champagne summit if necessary.

DAY 4: (Sun 22ND May) Continue on down to Monks Cowl Resort.

Any comments would be appreciated!
Thanks