This is an excellent 4-day circuit that commences and ends at Mnweni, one of the least developed valleys in the Northern and Central Drakensberg. “Developed” that is in the western sense – Mnweni is home to the Amangwane Community, a Zulu tribal faction, whose traditional huts and kraals occupy the head of the valley, adding to the draw of this very attractive corner of the Drakensberg. Other than the excellent Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre, there are no hotels or B&Bs up here and the area is rarely frequented by day-walkers.

For those intending to trek for a few days, spend a few nights out and put the effort in to make a long climb over two days up the lovely Rockeries pass, the rewards are numerous – the plateau from which the Orange river springs affords many fine views and as you trek south towards nTonjelana the views over Cathedral Peak and the Bell Traverse are truly impressive.

There is a possibility of meeting Basotho herders en route and experiencing a variety of mountain birds, including the magnificent Bearded Vulture (previously named the Lammegeier, or “lamb killer”), whose wingspan can reach 3m. The vulture colony occupying a series of ledges high up on the escarpment walls, just south of the Rockeries, can be viewed from close proximity and provides mesmeric viewing. Owing to the proximity of tribal lands, this trek can easily be run on a fully portered basis.