South Africa – Drakensberg (Mweni Pass)

My Dad was not impressed with his daughter who spent money to see the sunrise on a peak in Tanzania while she hadn’t set foot in our beautiful South African mountains.   

Therefore I didn’t hesitate when Sarel van Rensburg invited me to join them on a Drakensberg hike in July 2003. My “Camelman” I met on the airport in Tanzania 6 months ago had just broken my heart and it was therefore quite natural when I woke up in Mponjwane cave above the clouds (-10°) and burst out in tears.

Sarel van Rensburg en Harry Harke

Going down the pass was an awesome experience. The whole mountain was covered with tiny flowers and tears were streaming down my cheeks when I realised it was God’s bouquet of flowers. The other lady in our group was also crying—the mountain was just so amazing beautiful.

The two guys accompanying us just shook their heads.

My first encounter with the Drakensberg couldn’t have been better.

Since then, I have been back to the Drakensberg several times. Every time it is such a special experience and my heart fills with gratitude.