MCSA July Camp

This year we look forward to July Camp returning to the majestic Injisuthi area in the Central Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, after an absence of 9 years, plus a “Covid Gap Year”. The area is described as being “cradled” between the Injisuthi (Little Tugela) and Cowl Fork rivers, at the head of the Injisuthi Valley; surrounded by magnificent scenery and dominated by Cathkin Peak, Monk’s Cowl, and Champagne Castle.

The Injisuthi area offers a dramatic and scenically rugged terrain with exhilarating hiking in the Little Berg; backpacking on the Escarpment from Giant’s Castle to Champagne Castle and beyond, with a range of mountain passes in between; rock-climbing opportunities; and, if weather conditions are suitable, even opportunities for ice climbing or snowmen and snow-ball fights! It has some superb examples of rock art, e.g. Battle Cave to which there are tours conducted by community guides (COSTS below), abundant bird life and the antelope for which the Berg is renowned. Small wildlife abounds.
The ruggedness of the terrain has precluded the development of a road beyond the small,

beautiful, hutted Camp, so Base Camp will be in this minimally developed Injisuthi Camp Site. It is very inviting and well-maintained, with mown areas for tents, ablution facilities, running water and sufficient longer grass and trees for a pleasing degree of privacy and good shelter from the wind that has been a most unwelcome visitor in the past. Holding our July Camp here will also please the many Campers who revelled in the ‘home comforts’ we enjoyed at the Centenary July Camp. Our Camp Site is within easy walking distance from the sign-posted parking site, just before the Camp Office.

The Base Camp runs for 9 nights, Friday 9th July to Sunday 18th July 2021 to fit in with the school holidays. Campers are most welcome to attend for just a few days or for the whole period.

In short, JULY CAMP 2021 at Injisuthi will offer:
o Superb sub-camps and long hikes in the Little Berg and/or on the Escarpment
o Satisfying day walks with views, forests, waterfalls, streams and spectacular rock formations
o Excellent opportunities for game viewing, bird-watching and Berg photography
o Visits to rock-art sites
o Time to absorb the incredible beauty of the area
o Opportunities for rock leaders to organize parties to do some rock-climbing
o Fishing for the ardent or the casual fisherfolk.
o Basic catering – a tradition that includes hearty open-fire meals at Base Camp and the standard selection of provisions for sub-camps and day trips.
o A campfire enclosure where after supper, weather permitting, we can gather for a singsong, chat, maybe a drink or two of your own favourite tipple and some of your own snacks or hot cocoa which the Camp provides.
o Hot water and showers.
o A luxury we do not always enjoy: you will be able to drive to the camp-site to off-load but as usual, must return your vehicle to the demarcated parking lot. At Camp we wish to retain that important ambience of being close to nature in the mountains.

COSTS
JULY CAMP FEES: Each night includes three meals and the overnight fees of the Reserve.
R350 per person per night or R220 per night for those aged under 12 years.
Non MCSA members: R80 once off. Can be redeemed against future membership of KZN
Section of the MCSA

For Bookings and further info: https://mcsajohannesburg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/July-Camp-2021-Brochure.pdf