Rhino Peak ascent – March 2014

In early March 2014 I led a group of friends (Doug, Rowan, Nic and Richard) on an ascent of the Rhino Peak in the Garden Castle region of the Southern Drakensberg mountains. It was a new region of Berg for me as I’ve mostly explored the central to Northern parts of this beautiful landscape of South Africa. Due to us not wanting to infringe of work time and guys having to take leave on the Friday we set out to do this ascent in a single day ie. leave Durban at sea level by 4:30am and the plan was to be at the summit of the peak for sunset. Little did we know what a challenge this would be – it was my first single day ascent of the escarpment as the trip up is normally split over 2 days. I think the body also takes quite a shock ascending 3000m in 12 hours or so.

The walk to the base of the pass was easy going the group was all in good spirits but from Pillar Cave the path turns right into the steep cliffs of the escarpment and it seriously starts to go up! The guys were quite despondent quite near the top as we’d lost the path a bit and so the traversing over the rocky section started to get rather hectic! Doug was amazing in keeping spirits high and pressing on ahead to make sure we could actually do this thing! With the motivation of radical adventurer Bear Grylls foremost in the minds of some, we all reached the top of the pass just before 4pm, 7 hours after starting our walk. What a sense of accomplishment together with a feeling of terror at facing that descent the next day – a few experienced some serious vertigo coming up! We knew that a good nights rest would make all the difference in our mental mindset.

After setting up camp and having an hour rest in our tents while waiting for the massive afternoon thunderstorm to pass, 3 of us still had the energy, or maybe sheer determination, to reach the Rhino Peak summit. It was a 45 minute walk up to the peak and were rewarded with fantastic, dramatic views with lightning storms taking place below us. The rain started to wet us just after sunset so we opted to head back to camp to enjoy our reward of the traditional summit steak cooked in whiskey!

The next morning we awoke to a glorious, cloudless day. We had our Aeropress coffee (Rowan even bought his grinder up the mountain!), breakfast and then packed up camp ready to head back down the same route we ascended.

The descent was much easier than expected mostly because we found and followed the path! Some very weary legs and tired backs back at the car park but after a warm shower at the camp site we were already reminiscing fondly of the adventure from the past 36 hours. A great weekend away I’d recommend to anyone wanting a tough, physical but rewarding challenge. Enjoy my photographic feedback below.

The group all set to go from the bottom car park. From the left is Nic, Rowan, Richard, Grant and Doug. Rhino Peak just appearing through the trees.

Taking in the sights of the Rhino Peak, top right of the image, from the lower foothills.

First stop of the day at the Pillar Cave. It’s from here the path turns right and and starts to ascend the pass.

Looking up to our destination of the Rhino Peak, another 1000m higher.

Just near the bottom of the really steep section and we’re taking a breather. Was well needed as the next section was brutal.

Richard slowly making his way through the rocky section of the pass.

The lads were pretty broken once we reached the top of the pass with a few battling with vertigo caused by steep cliffs towering either side us near the end.

Camp site setup and ready for the single night on top of the escarpment

Doug heading for the stream to collect water before the late afternoon thunderstorm hits us.

Time head off to the Rhino Peak itself after a well deserved rest at the camp. Notice the hiker dwarfed by the dramatic mountainscape.

On route to the Rhino Peak where Richard and Doug are taking in some of the breathtaking scenery

Reached the summit at 3050m above sea level. Just more than 12 hours earlier we were at sea level by the coast

View from Rhino Peak looking north towards Loteni and Giants Castle

We awoke to clear skies the following morning.

Having breakfast before heading back down the mountain

These images show just how steep the ascent and descent was the next day.