A Guide to the Drakensberg, by August Sycholt

A Guide to the Drakensberg, by August Sycholt. ISBN 1-86872-593-6 / ISBN 1868725936

A Guide to the Drakensberg, by August Sycholt. ISBN 1-86872-593-6 / ISBN 1868725936

August Sycholt's vast experience as a photojournalist and documentary film maker makes 'A Guide to the Drakensberg' a joy to read and browse through.

August Sycholt  

Example: Garden Castle Mountain Reserve

Garden Castle is named after the heavily eroded free-standing peak. Garden Castle (2356 m), which can be seen on the way to the reserve. Captain Allen Gardiner, an ex-naval officer who travelled the Berg in 1835 as missionary and explorer, originally named this peak 'Giant's Castle'. He found its resemblance to Edinburgh Castle startling. A rock painting in one of the caves in the area depicts men and ox wagons, possibly his party. It may have been one of the last works of the San artists. Numerous San rock art sites are protected, and some can be visited in the company of experienced guides. The principal peak inside the conservation area, which covers 35000 ha, is the free-standing Rhino (3051 m) although some other peaks nearby, including MIambonja (3309 m), Wilson's Peak (3276 m), Mashai (3313 m) and Walker's Peak (3306 m), are even higher. Together, they account for the dramatic impact of the landscape of the area, gently counterpointed by clear streams, rivers and tarns. This reserve, the southernmost in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, is part of the Mzimkhulu Wilderness Area, which is accessible from here, from Cobham or from Bushman's Nek further south. Its northern border lies just north of the road to Sani Top. Wildlife Mammals Eland, mountain reedbuck and baboons are seen regularly in the reserve. Klipspringer may be encountered near Sleeping Beauty Cave. Garden Castle is also known for its major share of the Giant's Cup National Hiking Way. Three of the Giant's Cup's five hiking huts are on the reserve's territory. For the less energetic, short walks and day hikes are plentiful.

San rock art
Starting at 08:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, guided walks are offered to groups of at least three people. Each walk takes about three hours. Book in advance at the KZN Wildlife office from 08:00 to 16:30 daily, or tel 033-701 1823. Please cancel bookings in good time.

How to get to Garden Castle
The Pietermaritzburg-Bulwer-Underberg route (R617) is recommended. A gravelled district road (D317) branches off to the right about 10 km past Underberg (35 km). It leads to the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel entrance and through the hotel grounds to the reserve.

Where to stay
A camping site and 12 caves are suitable for overnighting. Camping in the Wilderness Area is permitted (see 'Restrictions', page 173). Three hiking huts accommodate up to 30 people each and are equipped with beds and mattresses. Bring everything else with you. Casual visitors and hikers may book the huts, preference given to National Hiking Way hikers.

Where to eat
Bring your own food. Cold drinks and sweets are available at the office. Restaurants and fast-food outlets can be found in Underberg (35 km).

Facilities
There is a picnic area next to the car park but no fires are allowed. Super markets and other amenities at Underberg (35 km) or Himeville (40 km).

Bookings
Reserve huts through Central Reservations, Box 13069, Cascades 3202; tel 033-8451000, fax 033-8451001. All other bookings must be made through the officer-in-charge, tel 033-7011823.

Garden Castle Moutain Reserve Walks:

(return distance, starting at Visitor's Centre, unless otherwise stated)

147 THREE POOLS 4,5km
An easy short walk, ideal for hot days as it leads to dear pools ideal for swimming. Follow the Three Pools' signs from the parking lot. The path crosses the MIambonja River and leads steeply up to the ridge. Descend and cross the stream at the bottom. After 1 km take the right turn at the fork to Three Pools and Champagne Pools about 400 m on. […]

This is an extract from the book: A Guide to the Drakensberg, by August Sycholt.

Title: A Guide to the Drakensberg
Author: August Sycholt
Struik Publishers
Cape Town, 2002
ISBN 1-86872-593-6 / ISBN 1868725936
Softcover, 15x21 cm, 200 pages, numerous maps and colour photos

Sycholt, August im Namibiana-Buchangebot

A Guide to the Drakensberg

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