Mnweni (Amangwane)
This area is commonly referred to as Mnweni. The Amangwane Traditional Authority Area includes Abhulesini, Kohkwane and Manzano. The Mnweni area of the Drakensberg is not only the most spectacular but also the only part of the range that does not fall within the Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
The main valleys of the area - Mnweni, Ntonjelane, Ifidi and Icidi - top out among convoluted spires, turrets, buttresses and other impressive rock formations that give these mountains their reputation as a natural gothic edifice. The valleys, in contrast, offer some of the most sublime mountain scenery in the country. Whatever else you might leave at home, don't forget your camera.
Mnweni Outer Needle
Mnweni Outer Needle is in the Mnweni area. The outer needle is on the left.
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Mnweni Outer Pinnacle
Mnweni Outer Pinacle is in the Mnweni area. The outer pinnacle is on the left.
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Mnweni Pass
The Mnweni Pass is steep but is one of the most rewarding ascents. The view just gets better!
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Mnweni Pools Hike
A 12.5km hike from the Mnweni Cultural Centre with an elevation gain of 347m.
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Mnweni via Rockeries and Mnweni Passes Hike
An extreme hike of 4 days (48 kms) An extremely long and difficult hike which begins at the Isandlwana Police Post in the Mnweni area. The first day would take you to the base of the Rockeries Pass, the second to the top and Mponjwane or Ledgers Cave, the third down the base of Mnweni Pass and the fourth back to the po ...
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Mponjwane (Rockeries Tower)
Mponjwane Cave
Mponjwane is found near the top of the Mponjwane (Rockeries Tower) Pass in Mnweni, the views are excellent.
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Ncedamabutho
Nguza Cave 1
Nguza Cave 1 is near the top of Nguza pass in the Mnweni area, 80m from the top of the pass.
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Nguza Cave 2
Nguza Cave 2 is near the top of Nguza pass in the Mnweni area about 160m before Nguza Cave 1
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Nguza Pass
Nguza Pass is a rock pass without a trail. It is an amazing pass that is definitely worth doing.
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Nguza Pass Peak
Ntonyelana Pass (iNtonyelana) Hike
An extreme round trip of a minimum of 2 days. A long route to the top of the escarpment from the Isandlwana Police Post, following the Ntonjelana River.
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Patrick's Shelter
Patrick's Shelter is in the Amangwane Traditional Authority Area.
Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: Natural features such as holes and cracks in the parent rock are sometimes incorporated in Bushmen rock art. In this depiction a hole represents one man’s head and three holes represent another’s eyes and mouth. To the ...
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Pins Buttress
Pins Cave
Pins Cave is in the Mnweni area about 360m from the top of Pins Pass. The cave has a flat floor and offers reasonable protection from bad weather. The views from the cave are stunning.
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Pins Pass
Pins Pass is not a rock pass. If you choose the correct route, it is a relatively easy and straightforward pass.
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Rat Hole Cave
Rat Hole Cave is in the Mnweni area, just above Madonna Pass. The cave is a narrow tunnel about 7m deep and can sleep up to 4 people. This cave is not for you if you have claustrophobia.
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Rockeries
Rockeries Pass
Rockeries Pass is a relatively easy way to reach the escarpment in the Mnweni area. Navigating your way along this pass is no problem at all because the path is clear.
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Rwanqa
Rwanqa Cave
Rwanqa Cave 2
Rwanqa Pass
Rwanqa Pass is fairly difficult. It's route is not clearly shown on official maps as the pass is very overgrown.
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Rwanqa Spear
Saddle (North)
Saddle North is in the Mnweni (Amangwane) area.
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Saddle (South)
Saddle South is in the Mnweni (Amangwane) area.
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Scaly Cave
Scaly Cave is in the Mnweni area. This is a small cave for 3 people. You would be better off staying in Sunshine Cave on the other side of the valley, about 300m away.
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Sgonqweni Cave
Shepherd's Cave 1
Shepherd's Cave 1 is in the Mnweni area in a Westerly direction heading towards Rwanqa pass.
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Shepherd's Cave 2
Shepherd's Cave 2 is in the Mnweni area in a Westerly direction heading towards Rwanqa pass.
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Skylight Cave
Skylight Cave is in the Mnweni area. The cave is 250m North East of Rat Hole Cave. This is a relatively small cave and exposed to the elements, Rat Hole Cave is a better alternative.
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Stimela Peak
Stimela Ridge
Sunshine Cave
Sunshine Cave is in the Mnweni area. This is a nice cave that can sleep 8 people on a level floor and offers good protection from bad weather.
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Twelve Apostles (Mnweni)
Veranda Cave
Veranda Cave is in the Mnweni area. This is a tiny cave that is exposed to the elements. The cave is about 380m South West from the top of Ifidi Pass, rather continue to Ifidi Cave, about 900m in a South Easterly direction from this cave.
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Waterfall Cave (Mnweni)
Waterfall Cave in Mnweni is behind a waterfall, hence the name. The cave offers moderate shelter and parts of the floor are level for sleeping.
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