After many hours of planning and researching, a group of 5 guys were ready for another multi-day hike in the Drakensberg with the aim to reach a peak of the area. We were keen on an area to which we hadn’t been before and the Cathedral area was the choice. Initially we were keen to head up towards Cathedral Peak and across the Bell Traverse but had heard that in the winter months water is quite scarce on the Bell Traverse. It was then decided that we’d ascend up the Cockade Pass, between the Cockade and the Elephant, traverse across the top of the escarpment, taking a quick walk up to Cleft Peak without our packs (highest place in the area) and then on to Windy Gap for night 2. Finally it would be down Organ Pipes Pass and over The Camel, back to the Cathedral Peak Hotel via Ribbon Falls.
Below are some feedback photos of our trip.
Our hiking party: Doug, Nick, Ryan, Grant and Matt
Starting the ascent of the Little Berg – the Cockade Pass on the escarpment in the cutback just to the right of the shadow.
Our first taste of going up on the Friday morning.
Having a brief rest on the Xeni river before boulder hopping and bushwhacking up towards the start of the pass.
Campsite of night 1 – right in the river bed. Great to be so close to water. Note the mountain kitchen!
Start of the scrambling before reaching the base of the Cockade Pass. Doug and Matt assessing the best route forward.
Halfway up Cockade Pass
Here we’d reached the steepest section of the pass. This photo of Doug’s really shows the incline. Note Nick well below me to the right.
Top of the pass cresting out at 3000m having started our day at 2200m
Group photo showing we all made it. Now to head across the escarpment to Windy Gap by Organ Pipes Pass
A view of the Cathedral Spur from near Cleft Peak at 3250m – our highest point of the trip.
Campsite on night 2. We ended up behind Cleft Peak about an hour short of our destination of Organ Pipes Pass.Weren’t keen to hike in the dark so setup camp before sunset.
Sunrise on day 3 looking over the snow on the shadow side of Cleft Peak towards Organ Pipes Pass in the distance.
Sunrise on the final day turned out quite spectacular.
Looking back to our campsite as the first rays of the morning sun warm up our existence.
Heading off on the final day’s 8 hour descent.
Top of Organ Pipes Pass. Starting the scary descent and about to turn left and over The Camel. Tough way down with some hectic scrambling sections.
Safely off the escarpment and heading back to the Cathedral Peak Hotel via Ribbon Falls.
Outstanding photos as always, Grant. What great memories and well done!
Thanks Sheena. Not sure I’ll be rushing back to that descent over The Camel as it was rather hairy!
AHHH – I miss the Berg. Thanks for some stunning photos bringing back wonderful memories.
Ya a really beaut place hey Brad. Glad you like the imagery.
wonderful photos , I lived and imagined your every step – have not seen this area of the berg up close – we hiked the injasuti and loteni / giants area for last 30 years
Nice photo.s Agreed the Camel is a bit of a hectic section, claimed the life of a hiking mate Luciano Columbo a few years back when he fell during a descent of the pass.
Eeeish it looks one heck of a climb to say the least. Your photos of the sunrise are as spectacular as the sunrise itself!
Great photos! You guys did well doing the route in such short time.
Thanks Pieter – just meant for long days of walking but well worth it. Awesome area of the Berg.
WOW AMAZING PICTURES I WISH WAS THERE
I went 3/4 way to organ pipes and came back .
Well done