15-09-2006, 01:52 PM
zebras Wrote:1) Buy David Bristow's book Drakensberg Walks, excellent descriptions of the hikes. Buy the detailed contour maps for the area, these repaced the old Slingsbys and are very good.
2) Pack light, max weight should be about 18kg.
Think twice before you pack.
No tinned foods, put the Scotch in a plastic bottle etc etc.
3) Carry the food you think you will need + 50%, it might save your life.
4) You can have 4 seasons in 4 hours on the Berg, pack warm clothing.
We have had from +30 to -!c in the space of a few hours.
5) Do not try and save money on your boots and walk them in beforehand. The Karrimor KSB Gortex range are excellent.
6) Ditto with your backpack, try on several different makes and get the fitting right, a bad pack can make your life hell. Vaude make very good packs
7) Make sure you have a decent sleeping bag -5 would be the minimum rating to go for.
8) Make sure your tent is rated "4 seasons" once again it could save your life.
Max weight should be about 2,8kg.
9) Carry a compass and if you can afford it a GPS, visibility in the Berg can go from bright sunshine to thick mist (3m vis) in an hour or less.
10) If you have never hiked the Berg before I would very strongly suggest that you try and link up with a group or leader who is experienced, The Mountain Club of SA would be a worthwhile starting point.
To hike the Berg is a stunning experience but you must respect the mountain, the Berg can be cruel and many inexperienced hikers have found themselves in serious difficulty and even lost their lives from not appreciating the dynamics of nature. The Berg is not a walk in the park
Make sure you are fit before attempting the Berg.
Check before you set out if the area is safe, there have been growing numbers of attacks on hikers by the Basothos, your R1500 pair of boots are worth more than some of them earn in a year.
DO NOT under any circumstances try and destroy any dagga plantations you may come across, it is the locals livelihood and they will injure or kill you if you take away their income.
Last but not least if you do go enjoy it, it is truly almost a spiritual experience to hike the Berg :luck:
Wow, that is some good advice in there Zebras....will print this out and keep it if i ever think of doing some hiking.... :haha: