THE MINI TRAVERSE

WHERE?
NORTHERN 'BERG
DURATION?
5-6 DAYS *
PHYSICALITY?
8  / 10
AGES
14-60
SEASONALITY
AUTUMN IS BEST
LIMITATIONS
MAX 12 PEOPLE
ABOUT THIS TRIP

Listed in some books as one of the 10 best treks in the world, the Mini Traverse (or Northern Mini Traverse, to be more precise) is truly adventurous trip. Taking place over 5-or-6 days, the trip takes you far from civilisation. It is not uncommon to complete the trip without seeing another person other than on the first and last days.

 

Taking place almost entirely off-trail at 3000m ASL, with daily climbs of 300m (sometimes more than once), the trip is demanding.

 

Expect to see:

  • Incredibly primal scenery

  • Cape Vultures (and perhaps some rare bearded vultures)

  • Ice Rats, which only inhabit a very small band of altitude

START AND END
This is an end-to-end trip that starts at Witsieshoak and ends at Didima in the Cathedral Peak Valley.
DISTANCES AND CHARACTER
Athough the daily distances are short (12-15km most days), the trip is almost entirely off-trail and at altitude. This makes it quite a demanding trip and you had better be up for a challenge. Nights are spent either in tents or in caves (rock shelters), with some spectaculer views as rewards for the work.
Please familiarise yourself with our Terms and Conditions before booking.
DAY BEFORE
We meet at Wtisieshoek and settle in to overnight accommodation. The evening starts off with a briefing to provide an overview of the trip, followed by the allocation of group-use equipment and ending off with a kit check to ensure that everyone has the minimum required kit in their packs. An early night is called for so that we can have a nice, early start the following morning.
DAY 1
After an early breakfast we catch a shuttle up to the Sentinel Car Park, where the trek starts in earnest. The morning segment sees us climbing ±700m to the chain ladders and thence onto the escarpment. Timing (and weather) dependent we will try for lunch at Tugela Falls before trekking along the Khubedu River and up one of the side-valleys to our overnight camping spot.
DAY 2
Our second day takes us up and over a couple of 300m high ridges. Along the way we plan to get some amazing views at the Mbundini Abbey.
DAY 3
Day 3 is the longest day, but has the advantage that a very significant portion of it is done at a pretty consistent altitude. It the conditions play along then a visit to the absolutely humbling scenery of the Mnweni Cutback is an absolute 'must do'. To round the day off we spend the night in Ledger's Cave which has a magnificent view over the valleys below. 
DAY 4
Day 4 takes us past the vulture colony at Rockeries, after which we head across towards Ntonjelane and the views of the Cathedral Peak ridge. A short detour to collect water for the night and we're off to our overnight spot at Twins' Cave.
DAY 5
On our second last day we descend Mlambonja Pass. This steep pass descends 900m in 2.7km. From here our options are either to head for Xeni Cave for our last night, or to steal a bit of dtistance for the last day and sleep at One Tree Hill instead.
DAY 6
A short hike sees us exit the mountain and back into 'civilisation' before lunch!
WHAT'S INCLUDED ?

 

 INCLUDED

All fees for entry into the park

All permit fees for hiking

Accommodation costs for the night before the trip starts

 Supper the evening before the start of the trip

Breakfast for the 6 days on the trail

 Lunch for the 6 days on the trail

 Supper for the 5 days on the trail

 Gas stoves, gas and cooking utensils for the duration of the trip.

Guide

 

 

 

 EXCLUDED

Transport either side of the trip

Personal hiking equipment (please contact us if you need to rent equipment)

Drinks or snacks not carried as part of the trek

Personal items such as souvenirs

Accommodation the night after the trip.

 

SHORTEN BY A DAY
If you are pressed for time we can combine our last 2 days, but we will then only exit the mountain at around 15h00.
 

ADD A DAY
By adding one extra day (total 7 days) we can extend our escarpment time and descend via Organ Pies Pass instead. There are additional options for extending this trip all the way to 10 days if you really want to get away from the world for a while.
 

RENT SOME GEAR
If you need to rent a tent, backpack or sleeping bag then please contact us
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