"Over the Edge Escarpment Adventure"

Over the Edge- Escarpment Adventure, combines wilderness trekking through the remote untouched Drakensberg in South Africa with a scenic abseil next to a mountain waterfall and an awesome climb of the highest free standing peak in the Northern Drakensberg (3165m). It’s a fantastic adventure, with the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Drakensberg – Ukhahlamba World Heritage site as our play ground.( To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above. )
DAY 1
Leave Johannesburg early and drive the 4 hours to the Sentinel Car Park(2400m). Sort gear, sign mountain register and leave the Car Park at latest 11h30.
THE AMPHITHEATRE (it undulates but averages at 3000m above sea level)
Leaving the Sentinel carpark, we follow the footpath past the mighty Sentinel – the highest free standing peak in the Northern Drakensberg - countouring our way to the base of the chain ladders. We use these iron ladders to gain access to the Mont-Aux-Sorces Plateau. The plateau is the sorce of many of South africa’s rivers including the Tugela which winds its way down to the Indian ocean near Durban. This will be where we camp on the first night, we will have time to explore the plateau and it’s views in the afternoon, before dinner. We will then hike to the first night’s camp on the Mont- Aux- Sources Plateaux next to the Tugela Falls. Depending on the time, we will explore the area including Crows nest Cave. You can expect awesome views over the escarpment and of the imposing Sentinel, the highest free standing peak in the Northern Drakensberg. A steep 6 km

DAY 2
The following morning after breakfast, we leave the amphitheatre, head into the Lesotho highlands and trek to Ifidi 3204m. This magnificent area with surging gorges, the massive Ifidi buttress(3148m) and independent Ifidi pinnacles( 3033m), has great views of the Cathedral Peak summits. After lunch we will continue to Icidi, where a lovely waterfall awaits us. We will set up an abseil into the valley to explore the Icidi waterfall area. That night will be spent on the escarpment at Icidi(3000m). Approximately 12 km

Day 3
We return to the Amphitheatre via the rivers that carve up the Escarpment for a last night’s camp Highest point during the day 3100m Approximately 16 km
Day 4
An early start to for the highlight of the trip
The Sentinel is an imposing free standing peak in the Northern Drakensberg. Standing a proud 3165m above sea level, it poses a great challenge!
The climb starts with a scramble up steep grass covered scree slopes. Once we reach the base of the first rock pitch, we refresh your memory or teach you all you need to know about the ropework and safety techniques you will use during your climb. Ascending the two pitches is great as they are quite different from one another, allowing climbers to experience different techniques of climbing. Reaching the summit is a triumph that affords an exhilerating view of the Northern Drakensberg escarpment, the tugela falls and the amphitheatre. Approximately 6km, plus the 300m vertical detour up and back down!

After abseiling back down the rock face, we stop for a hikers lunch before heading back towards the car park. We spend the night back at the mountain lodge.

Day 5 return to Johannesburg – sad but inevitable

To contact this tour operator please use the contact form next to the map on the right.

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Price/Person: 600 DOL
Number of participants
Duration: Hours

Area: Drakensberg
Accomodation is included in this tour: Tented accomodation and lodges

The Guide is able to understand this language also    
   german
   english

edited at 09.01.07 | 07:05 AM
last update 05.02.07 | 06:58 AM

Guide details

Garth, GoVertical Mountaineering Adventures

Web: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.
Phone Number: ---
Vita
GoVerticalMountaineering Adventures is a Company specialising in Trekking and Mountaineering trips in the South African mountain areas, including Drakensberg, kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya.

edited at 09.01.07 | 06:51 AM
last update 30.01.08 | 06:51 AM

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