Post #2058108

Just finished an amazing hike in the Drakensberg. We did most of what would be known as the full Mnweni traverse. Our first two days were concerned with ascending to the escarpment to about 3100m using a classic, but difficult pass known as Ifidi. This also forms the most northern part of the Mnweni area. The first day we walked to a cave which marks the approach to the pass. The second day was the hard day. There are few paths scattered around the area, most which seem to lead to bundu bashing or steep grassy slopes. We eventually just returned to the stream bed and boulder hopped all the way up to the pass proper. The latter is where the pass comes to its full "enjoyment" - all-fours in many places. Close to the top there is one place where we had to haul the bags and another where we just passed them up. The terrain at this point was wet and the scrambles became real short wet rock scrambles with the risk of injury. We eventually topped out in howling wind (50-70km/h). It was cold enough that I had to wear my shell jacket over my puffer jacket. We eventually made our way to another rock overhang where we spent the night. It was a hard day and we had to take many breaks, but it the kind of memories one can carry to the end of days. #hiking #southafrica #wanderlust #drakensberg #mnweni