The Amphitheatre in the KZN Drakensberg is a special place for me and I headed back there for a 3 day hike in July 2012 for some more exploration after not having been in that region of the Berg for nearly 3 years. I would like to thank my beautiful wife for her grace in allowing me freedom to set out on this adventure during such a busy period in our lives. It was mostly a group of photographers all seeking that ‘hero shot’ – must say I felt I got a few heroes of my own as you’ll see below! Two of us, Kierran Allen and myself, were feeling strong and pushed on further on day one to setup up camp at the base of Mt Amery (3145m), explored the frozen river in the valley towards Ifidi the following morning and then set off back across the escarpment to join the rest of the group for Saturday night near Ribbon Falls which is fairly central on the Amphitheatre. Saturday was the clear night of glory where the sighting of the stars was quite spectacular, albeit rather chilly out of the tent at 3:30am!
The group: Rian, Rian Jnr, Karl, Kierran, Lee, Mark and myself.
Looking back from the base of the chain ladders at the route which we’d just traversed. You’ll notice the car park in the distance to the right.
I do not enjoy the chain ladders especially going down and normally choose to descend ‘The Gully’ and avoid this route going down. On this occasion I would have been on my own!
Ascent to one of the peaks near Mt Amery on night one for the sunset.
Sunrise over the Eastern Buttress on the first morning.
Looking back at our campsite for the first night. You’ll notice our lone tent near the edge of the cliff face. What a view to wake up to with the clouds in the valley.
Walking on water …. well it was frozen water. I river I’ve seen before in full flow now solid ice!
Some water flow frozen and a view to the snow peaks further inland.
The clouds then started to roll over the top of the escarpment but then disappeared a short while later which made for some sensational night skies full of stars.
Rian catching the last colours of the sunset.
The Milky Way as if like smoke appearing from the top of the tent. Taken at 3:30am on Sunday morning with the temperature gauge reading -25C!
A silhouette of the Sentinel Peak from the lights of the nearby town. The Milky Way like a dusting of glory on the mountain tops.
Sunrise on our second morning before packing up camp and heading back down the mountain.
As always, stunning and technically beautiful! Take me along as a sherpa next time please!
A sherpa is always welcome Richard. Then I can take more camera gear for a greater range of shots! I’ll let you know for next year’s hike.
A very nice series. Kierran’s mug does spoil the landscape somewhat 🙂
wow stunning images Grant!!!
Just got round to viewing your pics now Grant and they are quite breathtaking!
Brilliant 🙂