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TREKKING WEEK:

May is the best hiking week in the berg with the weather normally more stable, cooler for hiking but sunny and clear. The following hikes will take place during the trekking week:

Day 1: The Tugela Gorge - Grade C
Drive across to the Royal Natal National Park (25kms - own transport) and through to the Thendele Car Park. R30.00 per person entrance fee into the Park. Hike from the car park along the Tugela river on a fairly easy gradient to the Tugela Gorge (7kms to the gorge, 1630m). The energetic can continue boulder hopping up to the base of the Tugela Falls. Picnic lunch at the Gorge.

Day 2: Test your walking skills against the legendary Big 5 Hike - Grade D
This hike takes you up Hlolela (500m and approximately 2 hour climb, 2127m) via Scilla Gulley and then on to the Bridge of the Battleship. From Battleship down towards Venus Bath for tea and then on to the pimple of Sugar Loaf. Then hike to the top of Cold Hill. Descend from Cold Hill via the Devil's Staircase and Cavern Gap to Cannibal Cavern for lunch. After lunch hike along Surprise Ridge to Camels Hump and then home. The hike is approximately 16kms and takes the average hiker 8 hours, see the attached profile. There are escape routes back home.

Day 3: The National Park Grotto, Serpentine and Shell - Grade B
An all day hike departing from the front lawn. Hike via Surprise Ridge into the Park, along the contour route and have a dip beneath the Diamond and Castle Rocks in the mountain stream. Lunch at the Grotto. Visit the Serpentine and the Shell. Ascend through the Hole in the Wall to the Broom Hill / Cold Hill saddle. Hike to the top of Cold Hill (2100m) and descend via Sugar Loaf gap.

Day 4: The Sungubala Challenge - Grade B
An all day hike with some steep sections and "Bundu" bashing in places. Hike into the Sungubala valley, past Jackal Hill and to the northern side of Sungubala mountain. Ascend through the Juluka "the big sweat" pass and on to the top of Sungubala Mountain (2133m). Hike along the edge of Sungubala and descend to the Troglodytes for lunch. Home via Sugar Loaf gap. Approx. 17 kms.

Grades of Climbs
A - Reasonably flat undulating terrain
B - Climb, but on grassy slopes
C - Climb, but on rocky terrain or up loose rocks
D - Climb, but up steep chimneys or gulleys, where a slip could be dangerous
E - Climb where one should be roped for safety due to the hazardous nature of the terrain

Each day 2 other morning hikes will go for those that would like to alternate between full day hikes and morning walks.

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