Sentinel Peak

When seen from the Kwa Zulu Natal side, it is clear to see the origin of it's name as it forms the Northern bound and stands proud of the Amphitheater like a guard...a sentinel.

Due to the ease of access provided by the road to Witsieshoek and Sentinel car-park coupled with the easy approach/descent, The Sentinel has by far the largest collection of routes on one peak in the Drakensberg. It is, also, unique insomuch as it's Eastern flanks are located in the Ezemvelo National Park which is less accommodating of fixed (bolted) anchors (see Access & Restrictions) in the wilderness, while the Northern and Western flanks are owned by the Batlokoa Traditional Authority.

At the time of writing (2022/2023) the road between Witsiehoek and Sentinel Car Park is heavily eroded and best negotiated in a high clearance vehicle or 4x4. Witsieshoek Hotel offer a shuttle (free to their guests, paid if not).

Best mountain footwear for hiking, approach or mountain running in South Africa

Camping & Bivi-ing

As a general rule, most climbers will not overnight, however there are a number of options

Sentinel Cave (8 ppl)

From the neck between Sentinel Peak and Beacon Buttress, continue toward the Chain Ladders (West) passing the prominent Beacon Buttress Gully. Approximately 150m past the Descent gully and c60m above the path is the cave.

Water is often scarce
Good shelter even in foul weather

Gavin's Bivvy (3 ppl)

Located on the just around the right hand side of the rocky ridge immediately behind (when climbing) the chain ladders. The bivvy looks out North over the Ewa Ewa valley and is very picturesque.

Water is often scarce and the bivvy is
Not suitable as foul weather shelter

Multi Pitch

Single & Multi Pitch Options

Single Pitch

Climbing Topo of the North Face of Sentinel Peak, Drakensberg.

Sentinel East Face

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Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

Despite its easy access, The East Face of sentinel Peak is significantly more committing than the others. A wild environment, without the hardship of a major approach.

min

2.0

3300

m ASL

Special

Overhang

Double

PM Shade

Trad

Multi Pitch

Single & Multi Pitch Options

Single Pitch

Climbing Topo of West Face of Sentinel Peak, Drakensberg

Sentinel West Face

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Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

The least committing face offering the easiest access via a number of routes, to the summit. Also used as the common descent.

min

1.0

3300

m ASL

AM Shade

Special

Overhang

Double

Single & Multi pitch

Multi Pitch

Single Pitch

Andrew Pedley & Matt Hoffman climbing Surprise Attack 7c+, North Face Sentinel Peak. 📸 Pedley Collection

Sentinel North Face

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Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

Home of both the most daring of alpine trad routes, and the test-bed for bolt-protected climbs on the gearless Basalt make the The North face of Sentinel Peak both committing and relatively non-committing, depending on the style/route of choice. The easy approach and varied styles make this one of the most visited in the 'berg.

min

1.0

3300

m ASL

All Day Shade

AM Shade

All Day Sun

PM Shade

1 Pitch

2 Pitch

3 Pitch

4 Pitch

5 Pitch

6 Pitch

6+ Pitch

Std Rack

Special Gear

50m

60m

70m

80m

Double Rope

Face

Overhang

Powerful

Slab

Technical

Vert

Tips & Tricks

Interactive Icons

GAIA GPS

Click to see the GPX track.
Requires GAIA GPS App

Google Maps

Click to see the Parking Area . Requires
Google Maps

Icons and Symbols

AM Shade

Morning ; Afternoon ; All Day or NO Shade

10B | Ch

Equipped with x number of Bolts & Chains (lower off rings)

Alpine

Area's or routes located in mountainous regions and requiring multiple mountain skills (navigation ; extreme weather ; self sufficiency ; remote )

Ice

Area or Route requires Ice Climbing and associated Winter skills

Sport

Area or Route is fully equipped as a sport climb. Separate distinction for # of PITCHES

Sport & Trad

Area or Route is a mixture of SPORT & Trad climbing styles

Trad

Area or Route requires Traditional equipment and experties

2 Pitches

Indicates the typical # of pitches of the area or route

Special

Indicates that a specialised Rack or Traditional equipment is typically required and will be mentioned in the Route Description BETA

Standard

Indicates that typically a Standard Traditional Rack will suffice. Typically in ZA that is a 8-10 Cams + 10-15 wires/nuts.

50m

Indicates the minimum length rope needed to typically climb safely.

Double

Typically climbed using half ropes

Corner

Climbs or mostly climbs a corner system. This often requires stemming as a technique.

Crack Climb

Follows a crack-system predominantly and may require good jamming technique.

Overhang

Indicates the overall style. Face climbing is steeper than slab usually on small holds and edges, often feeling delicate / insecure.

Overhang

Overhanging, usually involving roofs.

Powerful

Powerful style is often in conjunction with another style but feeling more powerful than is common for the style.

Slab

Usually not quite vertical and requiring smearing and friction techniques.

Steep

Consistently steeper than Vertical but not overhanging / roof-y

Technical

Additional to general styles, requiring careful sequence and thoughtful climbing.

Vert

General vertical climbing with no other defining style.

Sentinel Peak

Sentinel Peak

Sentinel Peak

Camping & Bivi-ing

Sentinel East Face

Sentinel West Face

Sentinel North Face

Tips & Tricks

Interactive Icons

Icons and Symbols

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