DRAKENSBERG 1996/97
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Ó Copyright: G du Preez            e-mail: dPreezG@NetActive.co.za
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A trip from Bloemfontein around Lesotho and back to Bloemfontein.

 
Overnight stops at:

A. Zastron caravan park
B. Thompson Dam caravan park, Elliot
C. Kokstad (sleep in car because of rain)
D. Caravan Park in the Himeville Nature Reserve
E. Drakensville holiday resort
F. Mahai caravan Park, Royal Natal National Park

 
ZASTRON

On a walking trail in the Aasvoëlberg.
ZASTRON

De Winnaar's Eye on the Aasvoëlberg.
BARKLY PASS

On a short hike, starting at the Mountain Shadows Hotel
ELLIOT

Caravan park at Thompson Dam. We climbed the mountain in the background on route to Valie's cave.
ELLIOT

Rock formations on the route to Valie's cave
ELLIOT

The route to Valie's cave is covered with wild flowers during the Summer months.

 
RHODES

A gravel road takes you to this small town of many artists... 
RHODES

The highest pass in South Africa negotiable by sedan motor car, the Naude's Nek Pass, starts just outside Rhodes. 
UNDERBERG / HIMEVILLE

The Sani Pass zigzags down into Natal from Lesotho. Only four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed by law to ascend from the South African side. We walked up and down in one day. A 16 km return trip, ascending one vertical km. A grueling experience for the unfit because of the time limit. The border post on the SA side opens at 08:00 and closes at 16:00. Allow at least one hour for the formalities.
UNDERBERG / HIMEVILLE

On top of the Sani Pass, 1 January 1997. Mid-Summer, but very cold at this height (9400 ft, 2865 m)
OLIVIER'SHOEK PASS

Retiefklip near the top of the pass where names of Piet Retief and other Voortrekkers were painted on the rock during the Big Trek.
PHUTHADITJHABA, QWAQWA

The Sentinel trail to the top of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls. The left part of the picture shows the bottom set of chain ladders and the right side shows the top set. A total of 100 steps. A fit person can complete this return route in 4 hours, but allow at least 6 hours plus time for sightseeing. Extremely dangerous in misty conditions. Do not attempt this route if it looks like raining. This route will take you to above 3000 m above sea level.
PHUTHADITJHABA, QWAQWA

On top of the Amphitheatre, next to the Tugela Falls. The Devil's Tooth with it's Toothpick is in the background.
PHUTHA DITJHABA, QWAQWA

The Tugela Falls drop 850 m in five steps - the second highest waterfall on earth.
ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK

The Tugela Falls as seen from the Tugela Tunnel. See the Drakensberg 1994/95 page for detail on the Tugela Gorge trail.