South Africa > Thunderstorm in the mountains

The alarm goes off at half past seven. The weather forecast for today isn’t very good, but the sun is already shining through the curtains—a perfect day for a hike in the Drakensberg. Seven of us in the group set out on the long five-hour hike, while the other travelers opt for a shorter walk to a waterfall.

South Africa - A walk through the Drakensberg Mountains

After a hearty breakfast buffet, we gather at the bus. We drive further into the mountains and enter Royal Natal National Park. At the entrance, we purchase a detailed map of the park with the hiking route. At the trailhead to the rock paintings, the other group gets off. We are dropped off a bit further at the parking area. We agree to meet Gerhardt at half past four. Armed with two liters of water, we set off. From the parking lot, the mountain range already looks stunning. The rocks jut jaggedly from the landscape—unbelievable how steep and high they rise. We hike the Thukela Gorge Pass, a 2½-hour trek to a viewpoint in the gorge (and 2½ hours back). The trail runs along the mountainsides, and occasionally we cross streams by stepping over rocks. It’s wonderfully quiet without anyone else around. After a little over two hours, we reach Thukela Gorge, where we do encounter other hikers—almost all Dutch.

South Africa - On the way back we are caught in a heavy rain and thunderstorm

We climb a little further over the rocks and cross the stream in the gorge. When we can’t go any further, we dip our feet in the water and eat our lunch packs. It’s delightful to sit here peacefully. Just as we start heading back, the weather changes. We had been warned to turn back immediately if dark clouds appear over the Amphitheatre, as the weather can shift quickly. About halfway back, it starts to drizzle, and distant thunder can already be heard. Not ideal conditions for hiking along the mountainside. The drizzle quickly turns into a heavy downpour, and the thunder and lightning intensify. I only have my rain jacket, and my pants, socks, and shoes are soaked. Without saying much, we pick up the pace and head to the end point. Everyone feels the same. The trail is slippery from all the water running down the mountainside, and some slips are inevitable—but luckily no injuries. A little after three o’clock, we reach the parking lot. Even though we were scheduled to meet at half past four, our bus is already waiting. Relieved and soaking wet, we quickly get on the bus. Gerhardt is happy to see us too—he had been quite worried. Back in the hotel room, we take off our wet clothes, take a warm shower, and relax in the room. In the evening, we have dinner at the restaurant.