Drakensberg Lower Traverse

The mission: link all the upper contour trails between Bushman’s Nek and Royal Natal National Park, establishing a route which runners and hikers can use to explore the Berg.

On the morning of 23 December 2016, Andrew Booth, Michelle Davis, and Jack Davis set out on their mission from Bushman’s Nek in the Southern Drakensberg.

Jack relives the five-day run, ensuring you hear the mountain range call your name.

DAY ONE

DRAGON’S HEAT

The team comprised of my wife Michelle and I, as well as the Don of KZN Trail Running – Andrew Booth.

We aimed to run over five days, with a break on Christmas day to meet up with family and celebrate.

The first leg of the journey was the 62km Giant’s Cup Trail, finishing up at Sani Backpackers.

We were not sure what we would be presented with but we knew we were in for an adventure. It happened to be one of the hottest days of the year in the Southern Berg, with temperatures hitting 43 degrees Celsius.

Despite the heat, it was amazing running on the Giant’s Cup Trail. We were grateful to have the one and only Spurgeon Flemington, Giant’s Cup Trail Run organiser, guiding us through the new sections of the trail.

The highlight was a rinkals on the trail, and spending time near the refreshing rivers and rock pools.

We finished off with an incredible run into the Sani valley with a massive thunderstorm bearing down on us: quite magical.

DAY TWO

BUSHWHACKING CHRISTMAS EVE