Be Prepared!
Hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains can be the most wonderful experience. It can also be a frightening experience in adverse conditions, if you do not know the rules of the game. The Drakensberg escarpment runs the length of Eastern South Africa, providing the main source of water for the country, as it traps clouds and moisture which precipitates into rain that gushes down the deeply incised valleys of these mountains.
The Drakensberg lies in the summer rainfall area of Southern Africa (October to March). During this time thunderstorms, accompanied by sleet and hail, can occur several days in succession. They are normally preceded by a small fluffy cloud build-up at high altitude by mid-morning. By midday, the storm is usually fully developed and lasts until mid-afternoon. This weather pattern makes early starts very important for the climber and hiker. During November through to February it is normally possible to begin walking by 7 a.m.
From September to April it is also usual to get periods of several days of rain and mist shrouding the summits, making hiking very unpleasant, if not impossible. Daytime temperatures can become very high and may be accompanied by high humidity.
The Drakensberg enjoys relatively stable weather conditions during winter (June to late August). The conditions are characterised by warm, sunny days and clear cold nights. However cold fronts strike about every two weeks, which can bring icy rain in the foothills and light to heavy snowfalls on the high peaks. These snow falls can last from a few hours up to two days and sometimes as long as four or five days.
Cold fronts very rarely strike without warning. They are usually preceded by strong, warm westerly winds about 24 hours before the actual front. High cirrus clouds begin to be seen in the west. These clouds slowly give way to a build-up of cirro-stratus and eventually alto-stratus clouds. Temperatures drop significantly a few hours before the first snow falls.
Snow falls have been recorded for every month of the year in the Drakensberg!
If you go hiking, you must fill in the Mountain Rescue Register. This will allow searchers to find you quickly if you get into trouble. Do not change your route in mid hike as this will negate your register entry.
Do not hike on your own. If you get into trouble there will be no one to help or seek assistance. Do not attempt to cross fast running or swollen rivers or streams. Many people have lost their lives in this way. In these steep conditions waters tend to subside quickly so sit and wait it out. In heavy mist or fog, stay in one place until you can see enough to identify direction and obstacles. Even experienced hikers get dis-orientated in these conditions, when a wrong step can result in a fall that breaks or sprains limbs or even a loss of life.
There are many ways of being able to tell direction without using a map or compass. One method is by using the phenomenon of aspect. In the southern hemisphere northern slopes are drier while southern slopes are wetter and cooler. In the Drakensberg this relates to northern slopes having grasslands and sometimes Protea bushes and trees growing on them. The southern slopes have a lot of mosses growing on the rocks. Deep in river valleys you will find large trees growing on the southern slopes. Direction can be hinted at by just looking at a large boulder or tree. The southern side will be wetter, darker and have more moss than the northern side.
Hiking in the Drakensberg just after Easter or any major holiday period will lead you to think there has been a sudden blossoming of white flowers. From a distance, the area around each cave or overhang shows hints of white behind every bush and under every rock. These are clumps of white toilet paper where hikers have done their ablutions under the mistaken belief that they are biodegradable. The accepted procedure is to bag the wiping material and remove it from the mountains. This applies to all your rubbish. Bottles, tins and paper, in fact everything including fruit and vegetable skins must be brought back at the end of your hike. At these altitudes and under these weather conditions, very little biodegrades in any acceptable time frame.
Fires are an absolute no no in the mountains. Cooking must be done on portable camping stoves or cookers. Camp fires sound wonderful, but unless they are in a designated area, can turn into a nightmare with one gust of wind.
Finally, be aware of security when hiking in the Drakensberg. Above the escarpment party size should consist of at least five people. Equipment should be secured inside tents at night and tents and other equipment should never be left unattended.
Obey the rules and have a wonderful hike. |
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