Cathedral Peak (South Africa)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Cathedral Peak | |
| Mponjwana | |
| Mountain | |
 Cathedral Peak during the winter dry season
|
|
| Country | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Region | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Range | Drakensberg |
| Elevation | 3,004 m (9,856 ft) |
| Coordinates | |
| Geology | Basalt |
| Easiest access | One day hike |
| Ascended by | D.W Basset-Smith, R.G. Kingdon |
| - date | 1917 |
Cathedral Peak (South Africa) (3,004 m or 9,856 feet) is a free standing mountain in the Natal Drakensberg. The mountain is also known as Mponjwana (Little Horn) by the local Amangwane people.
Cathedral Peak is part of the Cathedral Ridge which is at right angles to the main range. Other peaks in the spur are the Twins, also known as the Triplets, (2,899 m or 9,510 feet), the Bell (2,930 m or 9,800 feet), the Outer (3,006 m or 9,860 feet) and Inner (3,005 m or 9,858 feet) Horns, the Chessmen (2,987 m or 9,800 feet) and Mitre Peak (3,023 m or 9,919 feet).
The proximity of the Cathedral Peak Hotel has made this region one of the most popular climbing and trekking areas in the Drakensberg. The hotel has been the base for many mountain rescues and the owners have developed several scenic trails (including a gentle level walk to Rainbow Gorge to the NE) to suit the abilities of all ages and fitness levels. They also provide guides to the higher peaks. The ascent of Cathedral Peak from the hotel is a long day's trek with a bit of rock scrambling to the summit. The view is worth the effort, not just the panorama of the Northern Drakensberg from Mont aux Sources to Champagne Castle but the adjacent peaks, seen from Cathedral Peak, are magnificent.
Cathedral Peak was first climbed by D.W Basset-Smith and R.G. Kingdon in 1917, via the gully.
[edit] References
- David A Dodds, A Cradle of Rivers: The Natal Drakensberg, Centaur, Cape Town, 1975. ISBN 0-908379-43-9
