The Injisuthi to Monks Cowl Hike is a strenuous hike of approximately 21km long and takes over seven hours to complete. Start early, around 06h30, and you should reach Monks Cowl before 16h00. The hike provides spectacular views of Shada Ridge, Champagne Castle, Cathkin Peak, and Sterkhorn, amongst other peaks and ridges.
You will need a friend to drop you off at the Injisuthi Camp and collect you at Monks Cowl Camp. The walk starts from the main office, and you must head toward Van Heynigens Pass. You will walk between Chalets Three and Four.
The walk-up Van Heynigens Pass is tiring, but it is worth it when you reach the top and walk across to the viewing point. The views of Red Wall, the Greater Injisuthi Buttress, Cathkin Peak, Monks Cowl and Ship’s Prow are particular. You then need to return to the main contour path and turn right to walk along Shada Ridge to Blind Man’s Corner. At Blindman’s Corner, you turn right down the contour path to either the Sphinx Route or Keartland’s Pass to reach the Monks Cowl Camp.
It is advisable to use a mountain guide for this route. Drakensberg Walking Excursions will gladly assist in this regard.
