Of course as a hiker you expect to be out facing the elements. I always enjoy being aware of the
moon and its phases, and feeling the sun and wind on my skin.
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Wind - Anabatic (upward) and Katabatic (downward) winds are expected depending on time of
day. On fair weather days we had the most wind pre-sunrise through to about 09h00 and late
afternoons from about 16h00. This was only upset by the arrival of a cold front bringing rain
and snow and a windy day or two just before we reached Sani.
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Water - Tasting the cool and fresh mountain water is always a treat, although one must be
aware, particularly in the southern areas of the hike, of where herds are grazing and pick
water spots upstream wherever possible.
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Sunshine - Don't be fooled by the cool temperatures. At altitude, the atmosphere offers less
protection from the sun than it does at lower levels. One afternoon we reached our camp at
about 15h00 and I sat for two hours without my fishing hat as protection. I had sun-blisters
and sunburn that forced me to coat my face with Zambuk at 03h00 the next morning and for a
few days thereafter. Even though we were walking mainly with the sun at our backs, heading
south, sun protection was needed, particularly for those walking in shorts with peak caps who
burnt their necks and the back of their legs.
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Temperature - We were most fortunate with the weather. Minimum temperatures of no worse
than perhaps a few degrees below freezing and maximums somewhere in the top twenties. It
got cold from about 16h30 and once in our tents, typically before 18h00 due to the cold
conditions we would remain in our sleeping bags until the next morning at 05h30.
1. What is the Drakensberg Grand ...
