12 April 2008    to      13 April 2008

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This weekend had been another first for us in that we did our first tented hike and in the "berg"! After staying over at the Witsieshoek mountain resort the Friday evening, Petro, Kerneels, Silvia and myself set off from the Sentinel carpark towards the chain ladders that take one up the final stretch to the top of the Drakensberg at the source of the Tugela river.

The morning had been clear weather.

Along the first stretch we watched as two paragliders base jumped from the Sentinel.

We did a stopover at the "viewpoint" which allows one to look into the amphitheater from quite high up.

Some of the stunning views into the gorges along the way to the chain ladders.

The mist rolling over some of the cliffs above.

Finally we got to the chain ladders and started the climb up to the plateau above.

The stretch along the top is flat and follows the Tugela which at this stage is only a small stream.

Once you reach the other side, one looks down into the amphitheater with a sheer drop of 900 meters.

We however decided to move on into the next valley and go and camp there. The area around the Tugela falls can get into a veritable "tent town" sometimes with all the people camping up there.

A crack in the wall allowing a view below.

A view down into the next valley.

Petro and Kerneels knew of a nice camping spot which we eventually found and pitched our tents....and just in time too, as it started to rain.

After the rain had stopped we went for a walk exploring the cliffs that look into the amphitheater below. The views are absolutely stunning!

Petro looking over the edge with Kerneels holding on.

In the distance a thunder shower.

Making dinner. During the night we had quite some rain, so it was a good test for our tents. They kept up very well too against the cold, so it gave us some confidence for future hikes.

Next morning was partly cloudy but as we reached the chain ladders again for the descent we could see thick clouds moving in, the rain of which would hit us later as we drove back home through Phuthaditjhaba.

Silvia coming down the ladder.