Dung Beetle
Ivan Horvat

Autumn is Drakensberg's kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow. With perfect warm days and cool evenings, it is one of the best times of the year to spend outdoors in this magnificent escarpment.

“Autumn is the time when Nature takes her watercolor to the trees."
Laura Jaworski 

Contents:

• Drakensberg's Dung Beetles;
• Grindstone and Marble Baths Loop;
• Sandford Park Country Hotel;
• Grindstone Cave's San Rock Art;
• Reading the Drakensberg's weather warning signs;
• Drakensberg Events;
• Weather charts;
• Tourism directory

Hikers who explore the Drakensberg range may be fortunate enough to encounter Drakensberg Dung Beetles, also known as Scarabaeidae. These insects are fascinating as they feed on the dung of both herbivores (animals that eat plants) and omnivores (animals that eat both plants and meat), although they prefer the latter. 

These beetles are known as "rollers" and bury dung balls for either food storage or for creating a "feeding" ball for their offspring. When rolling a ball for feeding, a male and female beetle work together, with the male usually rolling the ball and the female hitching a ride or following behind. In some cases, both beetles roll the ball together. Once they find a spot with soft soil, they stop and bury the ball, then mate underground. After mating, one or both beetles will prepare the "feeding" ball. The female lays eggs inside the finished ball, and the larvae eventually hatch and feed on it. In the latter case, two beetles, one male and one female, stay around the dung ball during the rolling process. Usually, the male rolls the ball while the female hitch-hike or follows behind.

In some cases, the male and the female roll together. When a spot with soft soil is found, they stop and bury the ball, then mate underground. After the mating, one or both prepare the 'feeding' ball. When the ball is finished, the female lays eggs inside it. The larvae feed on this ball when they hatch.

The Grindstone Cave and Marble Bath Loop hike is a full-day trail that starts and ends at Injisuthi Camp in the Central Drakensberg. The hike spans 18 kilometres, with a total ascent of 1046 meters and a descent of 1056 meters. You should expect to spend several hours on this route.

The trail's first leg takes you through the Yellowood Forest and Shower Cave. Afterwards, it intersects with another path that leads down to Marble Baths. During this stage, you can enjoy spectacular views of Monks Cowl Peak. Shower Cave is an excellent spot to rest before continuing on the trail.

The descent to Marble Baths is steep and winding, with many zigzags. However, the breathtaking views of the Greater Injisuthi Buttress and Red Wall make up for the challenging terrain.

Marble Baths are simply magnificent, offering a perfect spot for a lunch break and a refreshing swim to cool down.

The return leg of the trail involves crossing the Injisuthi River twice. You should exercise caution when crossing the river, particularly during summer when the water flow is strong. A rope may be necessary to ensure the safety of your group.

Sandford Park Country Hotel is one of the oldest inns in the Drakensberg. Established in 1852, it served as a coach house to provide food and shelter for pioneers travelling between Natal and the Transvaal Republic. During the South African War or Anglo-Boer and the period of the relief of the Siege of Ladysmith, it also served as a British garrison.

Located on the outskirts of the small town of Ladysmith, the Sandford Park Country Hotel is close to the famous Battle of Spionkop site. This warm and friendly hotel is renowned for its 'ye' English pub and excellent Table de Hote menu. It is an ideal venue for individuals exploring the Drakensberg and KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, small tour groups, small weddings, family occasions, and business events. This hotel is also a perfect stop for travellers who need to do business in Ladysmith, Bergville, Winterton and surrounding areas.

The hotel offers a real country experience where you can breathe fresh air.

Unfortunately, most of the San Rock Art in Grindstone Cave has faded. Wilcox, in his comprehensive account of San Rock in the Drakensberg, "The Drakensberg Bushmen and their art", indicated six images in this shelter in 1984. Five of these are of humans, and the sixth is a substantial image of an eland.

These images can still be viewed in this shelter, located near Injisuthi Camp in the Central Drakensberg. The Eland image is still impressive in yellow ochre, with white shading.

Hiking in the Drakensberg requires careful consideration of the weather. Before embarking on one of the rugged mountain trails, it is essential to check a reputable weather app, such as mountainforecast.com or YR. Unexpected thick mist and sudden lightning storms can pose a significant danger to hikers.

Even if you have carefully considered the weather forecast, weather conditions in the Drakensberg can change suddenly. Therefore, being aware of the early signs of bad weather is crucial. The appearance of big fluffy cumulus clouds is the most important sign to look out for, both in summer and winter. From the east, these clouds can quickly turn into dark grey cumulonimbus clouds in summer, indicating an impending lightning storm. In winter, blue-grey clouds from the southwest signify extreme cold, cold rain, or potential snowfall.

Carrying a poncho or a good rain jacket when hiking in the Drakensberg is essential. Avoid wearing cotton clothing, such as jeans, as cotton absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry. Wet clothing can be dangerous, especially when it suddenly gets cold in this region. Instead, wear the new 'dri-max' type materials that dry quickly, do not absorb moisture as easily as cotton, and can be worn in layers. Wool is also a suitable traditional alternative.

Winterton Parkrun takes place every Saturday morning from the Waffle Hut starting at 08.00. Cannibal Cave Parkrun takes place in the Northern Drakensberg;

Cathkin Park Walking Group takes place every Tuesday. 8.00 in Winter and 7.00 in Summer. Contact Nick at 0794936424;

Central Drakensberg Hiking Group Saturdays and overnight hikes. Contact James Seymour for details. 0829255508;

Cathkin Park Community Projects Run takes place on the last Friday of the month at 17.00 in Summer and 16.30 in Winter at The Nest;

Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School has a concert on Wednesday afternoons during term times at www.webtickets.co.za or 0364681012

Mountain Music Club occurs on the last Saturday of every month from 5 pm, usually at Mac’s Café, Cedarwood Shopping Centre. Dave: 0724839049.

2024

20th March: Tugela Round Table Cancer Walk at Winterton Country Club. Contact Deon Wattrus 0832798123 

23rd March: Jazz at the Drakensberg at Cathedral Peak Wine Farm. Bookings through Computicket.

20th Apr: Oxpecker Ultra 25km or 50km https://www.oxpeckerultra.com

24th – 28th Apr: Music in the Mountains. Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School. 036468 1012 or 0785118680

26th – 28th  Apr: Ultra Trail Drakensberg www.ultratraildrakensberg.com

4th May: Mweni Marathon www.kzntrailrunninbg.co.za

4th – 5th May: Yellow- billed Oxpecker. www.theoxpecker.co.za

11th-12th May: Red- Billed Oxpecker. www.theoxpecker.co.za

18th – 19th  May: African Oxpecker. www.theoxpecker.co.za

31st May – 2nd June: The Standard Bank Berg and Bush Descent. www.bergandbush.co.za

8th June – 9th June: The Standard Bank Berg and Bush 2 Day.    www.bergandbush.co.za

11th – 14th June: Adventure Summit 2024. www.dirtyboots.co.za

22nd June: Drakensberg Polar Bear Swim Challenge  Belinda Espag 0797377282

6th – 7th Sept: The Berg Show. Applications open 1st March. Contact Joanine 0828564368

28th Sept: Run the Berg. www.runtheberg.co.za

18th – 20th Oct: Kudu Canter Trail Run www.entryninja.com

2025

24th Jan: 125th Anniversary of the Battle of Spionkop. Lynette 0825730224

Ann Gray

10th March 2024

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