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    • Drakensberg Grand Traverse – May 2025
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August 4, 2025

Drakensberg Grand Traverse – May 2025

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backpacking, drakensberg, grand traverse, hike
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Dawn at the Madonna… #drakensberg #intotheberg # Dawn at the Madonna… #drakensberg #intotheberg #hike #hikingsouthafrica #sunrise
Fiery sunset at Madonna on this week’s chilly Nort Fiery sunset at Madonna on this week’s chilly Northern Traverse. #drakensberg #hike #intotheberg
Probably my favourite wake up spot, overlooking th Probably my favourite wake up spot, overlooking the mighty Mponjwane with @proteacafesa coffee and a @terribrown3d sourdough rusk #mnweni #hiking #cave
Good to be back on another northern traverse… gonn Good to be back on another northern traverse… gonna be a chilly evening, settling in with hot bobotie @trailfoodco
One of more special moments on the recent grand tr One of more special moments on the recent grand traverse. Approaching camp on day 5 (see tents on bottom left at the start of reel) we saw two bearded vultures on the ground nearby, which was a first for me, and helps you to appreciate the size of these monstrous birds. With a wingspan of over 2.8m this one then cruised around the escarpment edge the whole afternoon and finally made one flyby before disappearing #drakensberggrandtraverse #intotheberg #beardedvulture
Home for the night… getting the heck out of here a Home for the night… getting the heck out of here and down to 2000m by Thursday 😁 ⛄️
Drakensberg Grand Traverse_days9&10 A frosty start Drakensberg Grand Traverse_days9&10A frosty start to day 9 but once again we could som in some rays and didn’t need to rush off. After a brief climb we descended into the valley below Rhino and then began our last big climb of the GT. It wasn’t as bad as it looked and after heading down what must be the most frozen south facing slope in the berg, we made short work of the final ascent and started heading down towards Isicathula pass. Most of the crew had never done a berg pass and were quite surprised by the scree and slopes, but we descended a lot faster than expected before heading down valley and through a bunch of mostly empty kraals and huts. Since we were ahead of target it made sense to get to the best spot for our final sunrise. We ended up settling on a fantastic ridge about a km down Mashai pass and it was one of the highlights of the trip. More fantastic weather meant the perfect sunset and sunrise, and the catabatic ensured the tents were dry for the final pack up. With just 8.2km to cover on the final morning the thought of food and comforts had the guys racing down the final slopes for a 10am pickup. Again the views were spectacular (not that some moved their eyes off the finish) and it wasn’t long before we were at the Olde Duck ordering just about anything and everything on the menu. Always nice to wind down a long hike slowly and we had one more dinner and brek together at Witsies, looking back on the previous 10 days, savouring the memories, new friendships and what lay ahead for all of the worldwide adventurers. What a trip, what a team!#drakensberggrandtraverse
Drakensberg Grand Traverse_days 7&8 Another icy mo Drakensberg Grand Traverse_days 7&8Another icy morning greeted us on day 7 but were in no rush and could soak in some sun before heading off on a lowly 18km day with only one major climb. Wrapped in our many layers, we were approached by some young shepherds who were dressed for summer. We were now closer to Sani top and the dress and lifestyles of the local herdsman are noticeably different. One of the young men could speak fairly good English and Zulu (unfortunately my Sotho is still very limited) and it was nice to be able to converse a bit for a change. He told us stories of his work in Durban and gave us a bit more of a glimpse of teenage life in Lesotho. He was super happy with the food and audio Sotho Bible from @megavoiceinternationalafrica  and hung around until our 8:30 departure. We skirted up and around into the valley below Thabana Ntlenyana. It seemed everyone was mentally prepared for the 650m of elevation ahead, and I was amazed at the pace being set as we started on the proper lower slopes. My plan was to give everyone a quick rest after every 50m of elevation but that got blown out of the water as everyone opted just to keep moving towards the top. Everyone reached the summit saddle in good spirits, despite the usual cold breeze on top, and after some pics we now turned our sights towards Sani top Church of the Good Shepherd and a comfortable afternoon at my friends Pastor Thato and wife Bernadette. The south facing slopes were full of ice and we were tempted but not persuaded to slide down on our packs. Arriving at Sani by 14:30, we were buoyed by the new installation of toilets and a hot gas shower. Absolute luxury. By 4pm we were eating toasted sandwiches at the nearby lodge and by 6:30pm were tucking into a massive beef lasagne cooked on the sheep dung coals. Thato told us amazing stories and answered questions around the fire about life in Lesotho. He really does amazing work taking care and sharing Gods love with the shepherds in the entire eastern region of Lesotho. Full stomachs and weary bodies enjoyed the soft mattresses in a warm (ish) rondavel. Cont in comments #drakensberggrandtraverse
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