The route follows a hiking path up the Mahai Valley, past the Mahai Falls, to Witsieshoek Mountain Resort – a climb of some 700m over a distance of 9km. From here to the Sentinel Car Park, a distance of 9km, it’s very rough undulating dirt road resulting in a further climb of some 300m. A concrete path is followed for a short distance, ending at the start of a zigzag hiking path past the Witches, the Sentinel, Western Buttress and Sentinel Caves to the chain ladders, a further climb of 450m.
Organised race editions have used safety lines and marshals at the Chain Ladders. These are event arrangements; independent visitors must not assume that fixed ropes, a safety belt or helpers will be provided. The route continues across the escarpment towards Tugela Falls.
The gully return is steep, with loose rocks that can be dislodged. Descend carefully and allow time and energy for the large steps. Do not rely on fixed ropes being present. The return continues via Sentinel Car Park and Witsieshoek towards the finish.
Recorded trail times (historical)
Men
1. Eric Ngubane - 4:22.19
2. Linda Zondi - 4:31.30
3. Perfect Dlamini - 4:34.53
4. Quintin Honey - 4:42.26
5. Kwenza Ngubane - 4:42.59
6. Andrea Biffi - 4:43.29
Women
1. Holly Page - 4:59.07
2. Kerry-Ann Marshall - 5:17.17
3. Ann Ashworth - 5:26.03
4. Tracy Zunck - 5:48.36
5. Carine Gagiano - 5:50.06
6. Isla Stil - 5:55.09
Explore the Royal Natal area: Read our Royal Natal Nature Reserve guide for the valley start. The Sentinel Car Park approach is a different, higher starting point.
GPS track
GPS Track Details
| Track length: |
49.52 km |
| Moving time: |
4:22 |
| Total ascent: |
2605 m |
| Total descent: |
2604 m |
