I have seen the Drakensberg many times but never quite as I experienced it on this trip. Twelve
days of walking in scenery that is splendid does not dull the senses to the beauty and sense of
tranquility that abounds. Having said this, it must be noted that the scenery does change through
the trip:
-
The northern part of the hike is majestic. The peaks, passes, ridges and cutbacks are bold in
their definition. Scenes like Madonna and her Worshippers, the Traveller, Mweni, Rockeries,
Cockade, Cathedral and the Chessmen etc are understated when referred to as grand.
Looking down on the sea of clouds in the early mornings is surreal. The effort expended is
forgotten and you run out of adjectives and refrain from even attempting to describe the
grandeur. The climbs and descents are steep and frequent and the reality that the top of the
escarpment is not flat certainly hits home.
-
The southern part of the hike is more tranquil. The valleys are wider, the climbs more gradual
and less frequent. Although you go higher in elevation, it seems less challenging. Perhaps
this is because you become fitter as you progress, to perhaps it is a change in the terrain.
There is a wonderful sense of open space and timelessness. Hills have kraals on them and
shepherds and their sheep and horses are seen fairly regularly. The ground is fertile, moles
by the million.
1. What is the Drakensberg Grand ...
