The Jack and Jill Hiking Club went to Monk’s Cowl in the Drakensberg during November 18 to 20.
The weather forecast had predicted low temperatures and rain but hikers were fortunate to have had a lovely, partly cloudy weekend with just the odd drops of rain.

Monks Cowl, taking its name from the peak sandwiched between the towering Champagne Castle and Cathkin mountains, is part of the 260 000 ha Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site and is the access point to the Mlambonja and Mdedelo Wilderness Area.
On arrival, tents were hastily put up as there were misty rain clouds around. On Saturday, due to the unpredictable weather conditions, the hikers decided on a shorter hike to ensure that all were back in camp before late afternoon. The Hlathikulu Forest hike was decided on, it was a 7.5km circular route, of which one had an option of doing an additional 4,2km loop trail.
The hikers decided to do the additional 4,2km loop trail which zig-zagged its way steeply up, where one then passes through grasslands, filled with wild flowering flowers. This trail takes one through three forests.
On entering the forests, the drop in temperature can immediately be felt and it comes as an amazing relief to hot hikers.
The forests consist mainly of Yellowwood trees and due to the cooler temperature in the forest it enables mosses and fungi to thrive. Streams flow through the forest offering the most idyllic spots to take a breather and break to admire the moss-covered stones.
The hikers chose one of these streams to stop and have a snack to eat. The trail climbs its way, away from the forest and river streams and slowly the vegetation changes into Protea bushveld. The trail passes some rustic wooden bridges, and then after one last uphill, the path levels off on the plateau, above the office and campsite and all breathed a huge sigh of relief knowing that the end of the uphill’s and downhills has finally being accomplished.
After a refreshing bath/shower, the hikers settled down to a lovely relaxing evening around a braai fire. Sunday morning the packing up started a bit earlier than planned as the heavy dark misty clouds were moving in.
The weekend at Monks Cowl came as a lovely break away and a wonderful weekend was enjoyed hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains which never disappoints with views and sites to be seen.