6. The Sentinel Trek

After a long drive through the “Midland  Meander“ a scenic route through great countryside dotted with little towns including “Piggly Wiggly“ which provided much needed caffeine (and a lot of crap for sale which we resisted) until we eventually arrived at the Cavern hotel In the northern Drakensberg, A famous old style resort hotel on the border of the Royal Natal National Park. It supplied a roaring fire in the bar plus Chelsea on TV and a cracking meal.

 We were here for the start of  a  three day trek to the summit of the Ampitheatre, arguably the Range’s most scenic feature. We had to carry only the basics plus lots of layers plus some changes of clothes and toiletries but with water and food the packs were heavier than we are used to.

 This is not a trek to do without a guide and we had booked ours through the excellent travel company “Walks in Africa”.
We met our guide “Zee" a quite  large fortyish something woman, powerful, in all senses of the word and very experienced on the route. In fact, she had guided Julia Bradbury on her “ Walking in South Africa” programmes. I like to think we came to know her over our long and sometimes very challenging three days together.



lots of scrambling..

high winds all day led to a change in route
grasshoppers managing despite the wind!

We walked up, up and up through the protea woodland. Total ascent  for the day was just under 3000 feet but what we will remember forever from the day were the high winds which at times were so intense we had to stop and crouch down to allow the gusts to pass especially when we were on narrow paths with steep drops to the side. However, the sky was blue and the scenery was wonderful.

 Our next two nights were spent at the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, situated at 2220 m with fabulous views of the surrounding mountain range.

 The second day was the “big day“ in that it involved they ascent to the top of the Ampitheatre, 2000 feet of ascent plus the  climb of the infamous chain ladders up (and down) the final section of the ascent. Thankfully the winds had died down as otherwise we could not have done that day's hike at all.


Carolyn near the top

pleased to be at the top

 The chains were intimidating ( more so for Nic than Carolyn tho she had not enjoyed some of the scrambling the previous day). We ate our picnic lunch at the top with the views over the plains and the rest of the range, then faced going back down the ladders and the long walk back .Has to to be in the top treks we have ever done.



the llama does get around 
The third day was the hike back down and the drive to Spion Kop for some R&R.

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