Hike the Sentinel Mont-Aux-Sources Trail

By Rolf Kanwischer

The Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa have held a deep fascination with anyone who has ever visited them. Those dark jagged Basalt peaks are exactly what gave these mountains their name. Drakensberg means dragons mountains in Africans, and if you let your imagination wander just a little, it is quite easy to imagine a great dragon hiding in its lair somewhere amongst the black peaks.

It is therefore small wonder that people have wanted to get to the top of "the berg", as it is often referred too. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways of doing this is by hiking the Sentinel Mont-Aux-Sources trail. The Sentinel Mont-Aux-Sources trail can be done either as a day trail, or a 2 day backpack hike which takes you right to the top of the Drakensberg. It is well marked and not very difficult.

Anyone wanting to do this trail should however be properly prepared, as the weather in the Drakensberg can change rapidly, with rain and fog being common. Proper raingear and warm clothes are essential to have with. If it has rained, some parts of the trail can get slippery. If you are planning on camping at the top, remember to take a gas stove along as there is no wood available for making fires.

To reach the trail, drive through the Free State town of Phuthadijhaba and onto the Witsieshoek Mountain Resort situated south of Phuthadijhaba. You can either stay at the resort before you do the trail, or go straight to the Sentinel car park. Once you have signed in at the ranger's office you are ready to go!

The trail starts at the Sentinel car park and gently winds its way upwards towards the Sentinel peak. Close to the Sentinel peak is a small detour that takes you to a lookout point with magnificent views of the famous Royal Natal National Park amphitheater. After another 2 to 3 hours hiking, you will reach the famous chain ladders. These are an experience in themselves! There are in fact two separate chain ladders taking you those last 60 meters to the top of the Drakensberg. Take a break when reaching the top of the chain ladders as the views are well worth it.

From here onwards the trail flattens out and follows the Tugela River, which at this point is merely a small stream. After another half an hour to an hour hiking you will reach the Tugela Falls. Here the river plunges almost 900 meters down the rocks of the amphitheater into the Royal Natal National Park. This is an excellent spot for lunch. For those doing this trail as a day trail, the route back is just a matter of heading back the way you came.

If you are planning on camping here, there are various options. Most hikers stay at the Tugela Falls, although in peak season it can get a bit crowded. The other option is to head East over a small ridge into the next valley. From the Tugela Falls onwards there is no trail anymore. Due to the altitude being in the region of 3000 meters, there are also no trees.

The terrain consists mainly of grassland and rocks, with small streams running north before disappearing over the cliffs of the amphitheater. The water is very clean and drinkable. Looking down these magnificent black cliffs you will see thin pinnacles of rock which themselves are hundreds of meters high. As you walk along the edge of the amphitheater, notice the large cracks in the rocks. The views are really stunning, and spending a night camping here is a wonderful experience!