Florida Hiking Club awards hikers who completed the Mafadi
After a grueling track in KZN, the hikers who completed the Mafadi hike are showing off their certificates of accomplishment.
Florida Hiking Club celebrated their members’ achievements for completing the Mafadi hike.
“Mafadi Peak is the highest peak in South Africa at 3 450m. It is a four-day 53km hike. Every day one starts at first light and hikes just about the rest of the day,” said Rudolf Liebenberg from the club.
He continued every hiker has to carry their supplies in their backpack with them for four days, as well as their sleeping bag and tent.
He explained the first day of the hike, September 2, starts at the Small Tugela River at Injisuthi Camp, a wildlife reserve in KZN. The trail goes up the steep Heartbreak Hill to Centenary Hut. On the second day, the trail goes from Centenary Hut and continues on Judges pass. After the top of the berg, there is still a never-ending trek to Upper Injisuthi Cave, where you lay your tired body to rest.
The third day starts with a short backtrack before the hikers continue to Mafadi Peak.
“Here on top of Mafadi Peak is the highest point above sea level in South Africa, all are on a high as they reached the highest peak. From the top of Mafadi, the trail goes on and on and on, as to get to Lesley’s Pass, where the big descent down the very steep and slippery trail begins. If you are lucky you will reach Marble Baths Cave before dark, where you can overnight. Otherwise, you will overnight like a cowboy in the mountain,” said Rudolf.
The last day of the trail continues down the berg, which he added ‘will push your quads to their limits’.
“A tired and dirty, but very happy party of hikers reach Injisuthi Camp. Safe, uninjured, and back on solid ground. Goal accomplished. This hike is only for the fit and those not scared of heights,” he concluded.
