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MBC Fixtures Q1 2023

MBC Overnight Hike Fixtures Q1-2023        
           
           
Dates (days) Description Dist / Elevation Leader Contact Grd
7-8 January (1 or 2) Garden Castle: Overnight hike via Pillar Cave to christen Bates Cave after Lawrence Bates, the founder and first chairman of the Mountain Backpackers Club. Also visit Butterfly Cave, a rock arch, Gargantuan Cave and Engenambhede Cave. Some of this route is off-path. Those who want to can return via the first day's leg as an out-and-back day walk on the Saturday only, and possibly overnight at the Hermit's Wood campsite or Swiman trail hut instead. 10 km 200 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
7-8 January (2) Garden Castle: Overnight at Swiman Hut, do various trails and visit pools. R125pp accommodation. Option to camp or book at nearby Gooderson Drakensberg Gardens Resort. 20 km 500 m Zanele Jele 083-2951682 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
7-8 January (2) Mkhomazi: Easy beginner's hike to Cyprus Cave. Delightful waterfall and pool right on your doorstep with a little gorge nearby, so bring your costume. 8 km 200 m Jan Lens 082-8009135 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
12-19 January (8) Strandloper Trail (with extras):   John & Christine Pickup Contact via WhatsApp: Christine 082-7826025       John 072-1512031 2+
12 Jan: Meet at Seagulls Hotel (optional stayover the night before is approx. R850 pp dinner, bed & breakfast)
13 Jan: Walk to Kei River and overnight at the Environmental Centre (R150 pppn or accommodation of your choice in Kei River)
14 Jan: Start of the Strandlopers Trail, briefing at 09h30. Overnight at Double Mouth (trail accommodation)
15 Jan: Overnight at Haga Haga (trail accommodation)
16 Jan: Overnight at Cape Henderson (trail accommodation)
17 Jan: Overnight at Gonubie (accommodation to be found)
18 Jan: Ending at Nahoon, the shuttle service will return us to our vehicles at the start of the Strandloper Trail (additional cost for the shuttle is approx. R450 pp). Overnight at the Environmental Centre (R150 pppn or accommodation of your choice).
19 Jan: Return home
The cost of the Strandloper Trail is R850 pp. This excludes Seagulls Hotel, 1 night at Gonubie, 2 nights at the Environmental Centre,   and shuttle. Limited to 12 as per Strandloper Trail accommodation. Pack light as there are establishments and shops for food. There are two river crossings.
14-15 January (2) Cathedral Peak: Overnight hike to Sherman's Cave. Ideal for first-time backpackers and those unsure of their fitness. 10 km 200 m Farouk Omarjee 081-5308447 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
21-22 January (2) Bushman's Nek: Daniel's Cave via Twin Pools and the Surprise Cave rock art site, returning via Vast Cave. Some sections are off-path. 18 km 180 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
28-29 January (2) Cobham: Mapping exercise to Pimple Cave via The Policeman. Also visit Outlook Cave, Recluse Cave and Gorilla Cave. 24 km 500 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
4-5 February (2) Oribi Gorge: Experience the Gorge's many scenic wonders. For those looking to be out in nature, but not do something hectic. Accommodation options: Rest hut R240 pp, camping R100. 10 km 200 m Zanele Jele 083-2951682 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2
4-5 February (2) Garden Castle: Exploratory hike to Ramp Cave via the Giant's Cup Trail and Puffadder Rock. Return via the Rob's Cave fissure, Secret Cave and Sleeping Beauty Cave. Some sections are off-path. 24 km 625 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
11-12 February (2) Garden Castle: Easy tenting trip to Hidden Valley. There is a lovely pool next to the campsite, so bring your costume and hiking tent. 12 km 200 m Farouk Omarjee 081-5308447 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
18-19 February (2) Bushman's Nek: Tarn Cave and back via Twin Pools and the ridge route. 22 km 735 m Jan Lens 082-8009135 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
18-19 February (2) Mkhomazi: McKenzie's Cave via a rock art site, returning via the Nzinga River and Cyprus Cave. 24 km 675 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
25-26 February (2) Bannerman's Hutt: Leave from Giant's Castle picnic site, hike via The Thumb. Max 8 people - booking essential. 10km Ryan West 0734517000 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 4
25-26 February (2) Cobham: Overnight in one of the large caves overlooking Pinnacle Rock. Out and back via Emerald Stream with some sections off-path. 20 km 500 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
4-5 March (2) Injasuti: Easy overnight hike to Lower Injasuti Cave, with several river crossings. 16 km 300 m Farouk Omarjee 081-5308447 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
11-12 March (2) Monk's Cowl: Stable Cave via Jacob's Ladder. Return via Hlatikhulu Nek, Blind Man's Corner and Crystal Falls. 30 km 670 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
18-19 March (2) Garden Castle: Fun Cave via the Little Rhino. Return via Mzimkhulu Pass North, Verkyker Peak, Rhino Peak and Mashai Pass. Physical fitness required. 26 km 1250 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 4
25-26 March (2) Cobham: GT resupply drop-off hike from Sani Lodge Backpackers to Gxalingenwa Cave. Return via The Hub, Sakeng Cave, Sani Pass and the SAP border post. Bring your passport! 25 km 990 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
 
           
           
ADVANCE NOTICE          
Dates Description Dist / Elevation Leader Contact Grd
2-15 April 2023 Grand Traverse 2023: Sentinel car park to Bushman's Nek. Physical fitness and high alpine experience essential. Limited to 8 enthusiasts! 240 km David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 5
7-9/10 April 2023 Grand Traverse Resupply: Bannerman Pass TBA David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 5
           
DAY HIKES          
Dates Description Dist / Elevation Leader Contact Grd
29 Jan 2023 Road cycle La Lucia Mall (Food Lovers entrance) to On Point and back. Max 6 people, back roads (no freeway) but road sense required. Book by 27 Jan. Rain stops play. 08h00 start. +-34km sea level, some hills Heidi & Chris Cox This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
11 March Virginia Bush Durban North meet 09h30 at Seattle Coffee Virginia Circle, walk through Lower, Middle and Upper Virginia Bush. Lots of birds, some small wildlife, quite steep and tricky in parts. Book by 9 Mar, rain stops play. +-5km Heidi Cox This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2.5
SOCIALS SHERWOOD BOWLING CLUB 850 Jan Smuts / King Cetswayo Highway, Sherwood    
Dates Description    
26 Jan Bats KZN Kirsten Steytler Bats: The invisible wildlife    
9 Feb Tentative AGM date    
23 Feb Peter Slingsby of Slingsby Maps will talk to us about his maps and the set that are currently in work and in print.    
23-Mar TBA - waiting for confirmation    
       
OVERNIGHT HIKES        
Dates (days) Description Dist / Elevation Leader Contact Grd
1-2 October (2) No hike planned this weekend        
7-9 October (2+) Cobham: Club campout at the EKZNW Cobham campsite. Day walks, Saturday evening braai and other fun activities. Arrive Friday afternoon if you can, depart Sunday afternoon. Camping tent / caravan required, and bring your mountain bike too if you have one! A campsite costs R80 pppn. Various Heidi Cox This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 1+
15-16 October (2) Garden Castle: Easy overnight hike to Pillar Cave. Ideal for first-time hikers and those unsure of their fitness. 10 km 160 m Farouk Omarjee 081-5308447 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
22-Oct Day hike - Virginia Bush see below +-5km Heidi Cox 0827064283 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2.5
29-30 October (2) Cobham: Camp at The Policeman tarns or Centurion Cave*. Return via The Pimple, Siphongweni Valley, Mzimkhulwana Hut and the Giant's Cup Trail. Hiking tent required. 27 km 520m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
5-6 November (2) Garden Castle: Tenting hike to Hidden Valley. Bring your own hiking tent. 12 km 200 m Farouk Omarjee 081-5308447 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
12-13 November (2) Bushman's Nek: Overnight at Bushman's Cave, then return via Ngwangwane Pass, Goat's Cave, Lammergeier Cave, Daniel's Cave and the Surprise Cave rock art site. 24 km 720 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
18-20 November (3) Lesotho: Walk up Sani Pass to Sani Stone Lodge, then climb Thabana Ntlenyana (3482 metres) from the lodge. Please contact Sani Stone Lodge to secure your 2 nights accommodation via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You are welcome to join us on the trip to Lesotho to relax at the lodge and not participate in the hike to Thabana Ntlenyana. If anyone has a 4x4 vehicle and would like to help by transporting our luggage, that would be appreciated. Passports are required! 60 km 1280 m John & Christine Pickup Contact via WhatsApp: Christine 082-7826025       John 072-1512031 4
25-27 November (3) North Eastern Pondoland: Walk from the Wild Coast Casino to Mtentu Campsite. Visit Mkambati Nature Reserve, waterfalls and untouched beaches. R680 pp for two nights tent accommodation and one day permit fee for Mkambati Nature Reserve. The shuttle back to the casino on Sunday costs about R200. 40 km 100 m Zanele Jele & Ryan West 083-2951682 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
26-27 November (2) Garden Castle: Overnight in a "new" cave and participate in its christening. Also visit Butterfly Cave* and Gargantuan Cave*. About half this route is off-path and is not suitable for beginners. 10 km 200 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3.5
3-4 December (2) Monk's Cowl: Day hikes from Monk's Cowl campsite (R120ppn). Camping / hiking tent required. 25 km 1000 m Zanele Jele 083-2951682 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
10-11 December (2) Highmoor: Very easy overnight hike to Aasvoëlkrans Cave. Ideal for first-time hikers and those unsure of their fitness. 10 km 100 m Farouk Omarjee 081-5308447 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 3
10-11 December (2) Monk's Cowl: Climb Sterhorn (2973 metres) from campsite on the contour path near Blind Man's Corner. Physical fitness, hiking tent and a head for heights are required. 15 km 1475 m John & Christine Pickup Contact via WhatsApp: Christine 082-7826025       John 072-1512031 3.5
15-18 December (4) Cobham Adventure: 45 km 1200 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 4.5
Day 1 - Camp at the tarns above Lakes Cave
Day 2 - Wilson's Cave via Amakehla Pass and Pitsaneng Pass
Day 3 - Campsite on Mzimkhulwana River above the trail hut
Day 4 - Return via the Giant's Cup Trail
A hiking tent and a head for heights are required!
30 December 2022 - 2 January 2023 (4) Bushman's Nek (New Year Hike): 45 km 1250 m David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 4
Day 1 - Tsoelikane Falls campsite via Bushman's Nek Pass
Day 2 - Mirror Tarns campsite via old lodge, Irish Cave and rock arch
Day 3 - Climb the Devil's Knuckles then camp at The Citadel
Day 4 - Return via the Ngwangwane River
Hiking tent required.
*This is a recently discovered cave and is new to the MBC fixture list.
DAY HIKES          
Sunday 9 October HOWICK DAY HIKE IN THE "AMBERS" Hike in extended are - lovely views around Howick & surrounds, game and birdlife. R30 donation to AV amenities. Max 10 members, Last booking Wed 5 Oct. 14km Keith Ashton Provide cell number on booking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2.5
22-Oct Day hike - Virginia Bush meet at Seattle Coffee Virginia Circle, Durban North and explore the 3 sections of Virginia Bush, some steep sections. Book by Thurs 20 Oct, rain stops play. +-5km Heidi Cox 0827064283 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2.5
Sun 27 November 2022 MKHOMAZI - CYPRUS CAVE First part a long uphill, then levelling off followed by downhill to a lovely cave with waterfall over the top & pool alongside. Chance to explore around the cave area. R50 day fee or Wildcard
LAST BOOKING BY WEDNESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER		 12km Keith Ashton Provide cell number on booking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2.5
Sun 11 December HOWICK – UMGENI VALLEY
Lovely local reserve & always popular as there are several different trails with waterfalls and pools. Plenty of game and birdlife. R35 fee, members only
LAST BOOKING BY WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER		 14-16km Keith Ashton Provide cell number on booking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 2.5
ADVANCE NOTICE          
Dates Description Dist / Elevation Leader Contact Grd
12-19 January 2023 Strandloper Trail (with extras):   John & Christine Pickup Contact via WhatsApp: Christine 082-7826025       John 072-1512031 2+
12 Jan: Meet at Seagulls Hotel (optional stayover the night before is approx. R850 pp dinner, bed & breakfast)
13 Jan: Walk to Kei River and overnight at the Environmental Centre (R150 pppn or accommodation of your choice in Kei River)
14 Jan: Start of the Strandlopers Trail, briefing at 09h30. Overnight at Double Mouth (trail accommodation)
15 Jan: Overnight at Haga Haga (trail accommodation)
16 Jan: Overnight at Cape Henderson (trail accommodation)
17 Jan: Overnight at Gonubie (accommodation to be found)
18 Jan: Ending at Nahoon, the shuttle service will return us to our vehicles at the start of the Strandloper Trail (additional cost for the shuttle is approx. R450 pp). Overnight at the Environmental Centre (R150 pppn or accommodation of your choice).
19 Jan: Return home
The cost of the Strandloper Trail is R850 pp. This excludes Seagulls Hotel, 1 night at Gonubie, 2 nights at the Environmental Centre,   and shuttle. Limited to 12 as per Strandloper Trail accommodation. Pack light as there are establishments and shops for food. There are two river crossings.
April / May 2023 Grand Traverse 2023: Sentinel car park to Bushman's Nek. Physical fitness and high alpine experience essential. Limited to 8 enthusiasts! 240 km David Gay This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 5
SOCIALS          
Thurs 27 Oct In the process of confirming …        
Thurs 24 Nov Peter Slingsby of Slingsby Maps fame on the compilation and release of his latest maps        
TUESDAY 6 Dec 2022 End of year party - bring your festive cheer!         
Thurs 26 Jan 2023 Kirsten Steytler - Bats KZN        
 

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