Gray’s Pass

Explore one of the bergs most picturesque valleys, iconic peaks, and one of the steepest trailed passes in the Drakensberg.

Day 1 we depart from Monks Cowl campsite and climb steadily onto the little berg plateau above the Sphinx and then across to the forest near Blindmans Corner, with impressive views of Sterkhorn and Cathkin ahead. 

Day 2 – An easy contour for about 7km around the base of Sterkhorn and into the Mhlwazini valley, the renowned Intunja/Gatberg towering above us towards the north. After crossing the river we head up the valley to Keith Bush camp at the base of Grays Pass. 

Probably my favourite campsite in the berg, Keith Bush camp is elevated above the river and sits within a bowl of peaks including Cathkin and Monks Cowl. If you spend any amount of time there you’re also likely to see some of the residents –  klipspringer, rhebuck, drakensberg rockjumper, spotted genet, bearded vulture, verreaux’s eagle and cape eagle owl. 

On day 3 we ascend Grays pass and then stroll down to Vulture’s Retreat and Nkosazana falls for lunch, above the sheer cliffs with views down the Dragon’s back and across to the Cathedral Range. 

After lunch we descend the pass back to camp for tea and a swim. 

Day 4 – walk back to Monks Cowl campsite with lunch at our initial campsite in the forest at Blindmans corner.