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.

Map of listings on this page
Amangwane Traditional Authority Area (Mnweni)

Amangwane Traditional Authority Area (Mnweni)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This area is commonly referred to as Mnweni. The Amangwane Traditional Authority Area includes Abhulesini, Kohkwane and Manzano. The Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre, just past to the junction of the Tonyelane and Mnweni Rivers, is the gateway to all visits and hikes in the Mnweni area. The Centre is community-owned ...
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Black and Tan Wall

Black and Tan Wall

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Between Renqwa and Black and Tan Wall is the Renqwa Pass.
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Caboose Peak

Caboose Peak

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Caboose Peak is located within the Mnweni area. Icidi Pass and Mbundini Pass are the closest passes.
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ChiChi Bush Camp

ChiChi Bush Camp

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Chichi Bushcamp is located at the base of Pins Pass and offers a campsite area consisting of several isolated flat spots in the river bed gravel at the confluence of the Pins stream and Mnweni River.
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Corner Cave

Corner Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Corner Cave is in the Mnweni area. This cave can sleep sleep 8 people and offers good protection from bad weather. The cave has no official name and has thus been called Corner Cave. From a distance it looks like its positioned in a corner. North Peak is a further 2km up Nguza Pass. Rockeries pass is to the right after ...
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Cutback Highway

Cutback Highway

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Cutback Highway is located within the Mnweni area. Pins and Mweni pass are the closet passes.
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Cycad Cave

Cycad Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

In Mnweni and is the start of the Ifidi pass route.
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eZangomeni Shelter

eZangomeni Shelter

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

eZangomeni Shelter is in the Amangwane Traditional Authority Area. Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: A large rain-animal or a snake, with an antelope head, is accompanied by many white and red humans. What is of interest are the white dots and lines visible on the human bodies. It is believed that these marks repre ...
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False Ifidi Cave 1

False Ifidi Cave 1

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Not a good shelter, try find the true Ifidi Cave rather which is about 700m South East from this cave.
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Fangs Buttress

Fangs Buttress

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Quite possibly the most spectacular pass in the Mnweni area.
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Fangs Cave

Fangs Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Found near the top of fangs pass and to the left of Fangs Buttress looking North.
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Fangs Pass

Fangs Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

In most hikers' opinions Fangs Pass is definitely one of the most stunning passes in the Mnweni area and perhaps even in the entire Drakensberg. It is a difficult pass to undertake and should not be attempted by the inexperienced. It starts at a small waterfall where the Fangs tributary joins the Mbundini River.
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Five Star Cave

Five Star Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Found just before Mbundini Cave (50m lower down) heading towards Fangs and Mbundini pass in Mnweni.
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Five Star Cave Hike

Five Star Cave Hike

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

From the Mnweni Cultural Centre this is a long hike of 14.5km and elevation gain of 546m. The views from near the cave of Fangs and Mbundini pass are stunning.
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Grasscutter's Cave

Grasscutter's Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

A large cave which is found just before the start of Icidi Pass.
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Icidi Back Ridge

Icidi Back Ridge

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Found in Mnweni in the Northern Drakensberg.
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Icidi Buttress

Icidi Buttress

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Icidi buttress is located in Mnweni. It lies next to the Icidi pass. 
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Icidi Cave

Icidi Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Icidi Cave is found 310m above Icidi pass towards Icidi Crown (North Easterly direction) along a long rock band.
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Icidi Crown

Icidi Crown

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Icidi Crown is not shown on the maps and is found near Icidi Cave.
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Icidi Pass

Icidi Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Icidi Pass is most likely the most difficult non-rock pass in the Drakensberg. It is very long, steep and boulder-choked. It should not be attempted by any inexperienced and unskilled hikers as it could become very dangerous.
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Icidi Pass Cave

Icidi Pass Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

A small cave just before the top of Icidi Pass on the left side of the pass. You would be better of hiking about 360m further towards Icidi Cave itself.
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Ifidi Buttress

Ifidi Buttress

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ifidi Buttress is in the Mnweni area of the Northern Drakensberg.
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Ifidi Cave

Ifidi Cave

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The true Ifidi cave, not always found. This large cave can accommodate at least 6 people and offers reasonable shelter. There is enough space to put up a tent if needed. The views from the cave and morning sunrise make the effort to find this elusive cave well worth while.
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Ifidi Cave (Annex)

Ifidi Cave (Annex)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Not the true Ifidi cave but does offer shelter for about 4 people. The true Ifidi cave is about 280m further in a South Easterly direction.
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