Drakensberg Mini Traverse

The Mini Traverse might be the little sister of the Grand Traverse (220 km from the Sentinel car park all the way to Bushman’s Nek border post), but you still clock up 100 km over five or six days, so it is not for sissies.

Day one: Sentinel car park – Ifidi Pass; 13 km, roughly 7 hours
The hike begins at the Sentinel car park from where you climb to the top of the Amphitheatre, taking the chain ladder route via the Tugela falls towards Devil’s Tooth or, if you are frightened of heights, the Beacon Buttress gully is a good alternative. Depending on which guided tour you use, you could overnight either on the Ifidi or Ifici Pass.

Day two: Ifidi Pass – Fang Pass; 13 km, roughly 7 hours
The trail is now in the Mnweni valley, touted as the wildest and most dramatic part of the Drakensberg. You hug the escarpment as much as possible (taking into account the series of cutbacks and gorges that necessitate detours) learning in the process that the escarpment is far from flat and is, in fact, a series of valleys and ridges. Camp at Fang Pass.

Day three: Fang Pass – Ledger’s Cave; 14 km, roughly 8 hours
Mnweni Pinnacles, Hanging Valleys, Twelve Apostles, Mnweni Needles, Mponjwane – a series of rugged peaks and landmarks are the highlights of the day, with an overnight at Ledger’s Cave right on the edge of the cliffs.

Day four: Ledger’s Cave – Twins Cave; 18 km, roughly 9 hours
A long day over beautiful terrain with a few ridiculous gorges and equally incredible scenery. One begins to glimpse the Cathedral Peak range whilst hiking around the Saddle and arriving at Mlabonja Pass (the way off the escarpment).

Day five: Twins Cave – Cathedral Peak Hotel; 14.5km, roughly 8 hours
The last day trails the Bell Traverse, an exciting but imposing trail with a surprise at every corner, and a final plunge down Bugger’s gully before arriving at the hotel.

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