Embrace the Mont-aux-Sources Challenge in the Drakensberg
The Royal Natal National Park boasts with the renowned natural wonder of Drakensberg Amphitheatre. This 5km rock wall looms up to 500m high, with the dramatic peaks of Mont-aux-Sources towering above it.
This trail is a ‘toughie’ for all runners, but pain gives way to magnificent views over the Drakensberg once at the top. Heading down to the finish is when the true battle starts. The start of the event is staggered to relieve congestion on the mountain paths. Each runner is seeded into one of 4 start groups; A, B, C and D; based on their most recent marathon time. You have 10 hours to complete the event.
A Piece of Heaven for Hiking Gurus
The Royal Natal National Park is difficult to beat as one of the world’s premier outdoor hiking destinations. The Park boasts with breathtaking scenery and spectacular natural wonders such as the renowned Drakensberg Amphitheatre. Rivers such as the Orange and Tugela, the latter with one of the world’s highest waterfalls, start their meandering journeys to the far-off ocean right here.
The main reason why you visit the Royal Natal National Park is to hike. A network of the most amazing hiking trails criss-cross the park, taking you right to the top of the Drakensberg. A map and booklet are available on sale at the Visitor Centre and main entry gate and once you've completed the Mountain Rescue Register, the Berg is your oyster!
The Terrain
This is real mountainous terrain with very fast changing weather. Summer thunderstorms can change rivers and mountain streams into raging torrents and swirling mists descending with lightning fast speed can turn your world upside down. The route is a combination of gravel roads and hiking trails. The trails are rocky and especially slippery in wet weather.
The chain ladders add a total new dimension to the run and ascending these needs to be taken seriously at all times. Everyone wears a safety belt and sliding device attached to fixed ropes alongside the ladders. The Mountain Club of South Africa guides will assist you, and the trick is to not look down. Once you reach the top, a short scramble over rocky terrain leads you over the Tugela River and the welcome run down a gentle slope to the Tugela Falls.
A team from Peak High Mountaineering, a locally based adventure group within the valley, will be manning the top, middle and bottom of the chain ladders, harnessing runners into safety belts and helmets.
Getting There
There are two routes from the north, depending on weather conditions: The first one requires you to turn off the N3 at Harrismith and take the N5 to Kestell. Two kilometres down the road turn left on to the R74 to Qwa Qwa and follow the signs to Bergville going over the Olivier's Hoek Pass.
Turn right into Royal Natal National Park at the bottom of the pass at the area tourism sign. This route is considerably shorter than the following, more conventional route, and saves an additional toll fee. The alternative route is to turn off the N3 just past Ladysmith on to the N11 and proceed to Bergville. The Park is well signposted from there.
By Jacques Marais