Hi
Would anyone please assist me regarding booking to do a 4d hike through witels, I have done Die Hel in the past but am keen for Witels.
I know its difficult to secure a booking.
Website, cost, requirements in terms of permits, etc.

Thanks
Morne

Rule 1) All groups must go with someone who has done the Witels before.

So they'll know the beta.

You should contact UCT Mountain and Ski Club.
http://www.mountainandski.com/

Hey Morne i dont know you but you sound like a very cool and wise dude Hope this helps.

http://www.climb.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?p=18054

http://www.climb.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4917

Definately go!!!! It's awesome out there. You can follow someone who's done it before, but if we all did that nobody would ever go anywhere new? But if you do go without someone who knows the way make sure you have done all your research very very very well. At least talk to people who have gone before, show them your intended route, let them point out potential problems etc. Make sure you know how to navigate useing the maps, even in bad weather/visability, this is very important if you don't have experiance finding your way thru mountians with a map and cumpass don't go. Take your maps, cumpass, alti monitor and preferably gps as well. Plan each day regarding route, time, food water, camping areas, antisipate potential problems, escape routes, etc. You should be able to more or less work out how long each day will take you just by studying the map, if you don't know how to do this don't go. Make sure someone at home knows where you are going and when you should be back. If you know your stuff you can go. If any of the above sounds strange don't.
Enjoy

@jgb: What Ant said is correct, the land (for most of the way) is owned by UCT MSC and the MCSA and you have to follow their rules if you wish to go there. Every party needs to have a leader who has done the trip several times before (I can't remember the exact number off hand but it includes having done the walk in to Pells in the dark, in winter) and you also need a permit issued by the UCT MSC.

These rules were not introduced to inconvenience anyone, they are for everyone's safety.

AFAIK, the bookings open in September (for November, when the season opens) and close in January (for March, when the season closes) groups are restricted to a maximum of eight people (due to space at campsites) and groups are kept around one day apart.

But the rest of your advice re equipment is correct

_________________
Happy climbing
Nic