23 – 27 September 2005
Report by Moira Filmer
It was very early in the morning when 11 hopeful hikers set out on a sunny Friday morning to conquer the berg. From the Sentinel, up the chain ladder and along the Amphitheatre was the route and we were geared for a hard 5 days in tents and with minimal water. As we all met at Little Switzerland and made our introductions we wondered if we would indeed all make it. The 5 hikers from Durban Backpackers looked particularly young, fit and strong and we must admit we were a bit intimidated by their athleticism. But we soldiered forth.
From the Sentinel car park we followed Leader Dave on the start of our trek on the windy path up to the chain ladder. I had been told it was a short walk to the ladder, but after a while was beginning to wonder if there actually was a ladder and that maybe the excitement of climbing a long ladder was just a lure to get me up the mountain. But yet, there it was and I must admit it was a sight. Two huge long ladders snaking up the escarpment. It was so exciting (for some) to be climbing such a mammoth ladder, on the side of a mountain with a 20 kg (and above) backpack. After carefully making our way up – and with some help from the 2 gentlemen from Durban (thanks Justin and Fred) we all made it and were on our way. First stop was lunch at the top of Tugela Falls – or as we saw it the Tugela Trickle! Spectacular views and a clear day made lunch, well, just that little bit more exciting. Then it was off again until we set up tent. The next 4 days were spent in absolute awe of the majesty of the Drakensberg. Dramatic cut backs from the escarpment and deep valleys below was cause for great joy and wonder. We were able to see little cameos of the mountains that one could only see if one were as high up as we were; the Madonna being worshipped, rat-hole cave and even the donkey (Teresa swears he’s wearing a hat!) were only a few of the treasures that we found. The weather on the other hand was not so obliging. We hiked through falling snow, piercing rain and I am not joking when I say gale force winds. We had to tent over for 2 nights at the same place as it was too windy to carry on and even on our morning walk, without packs, we found it difficult to put one foot in front of the other without fighting the gusts.
After 5 days of harsh conditions, yet awesome scenery we made our way back to the “highway” in order to descend the chain ladders. This proved to be somewhat of a challenge for all involved, as the winds were so strong that many had to stop mid stride on the ladder and wait for gusts to subside. After coaxing, clinging, crying and carrying we all made it to the bottom and then set off for the cars. The adventure was by no means over as the steep descent down was fraught with gale force winds that were able to knock Margaret off her feet and caused many a weary hiker to be blown off the path. Not a very calming thought when sheer drops down the cliff were looming. As we all hurtled into the cars – forced in by the wind – we were grateful that we had made it, tired and smelly from 5 days in the mountains, in awe of the sights we had just seen, yet glad that Escourt Ultra City and the promise of burgers and coffee was only one and a half hours away!