Hola Everyone

I'm really keen to organise an ice-climbing trip to the Drakensberg this winter (or the Maluti's)

Does anyone have any information as to how I can go about doing it? Such as best places to climb, when to go, best gear to bring?
If you've done a trip in the past 2-3 years i would be great to chat.

Warm Regards
Kai

kaifitchen@gmail.com
0728630203
http://www.facebook.com/mykape

Check http://kzn.mcsa.org.za/climbing/route-guides/drak-ice

I don't do ice climbing myself, but I know that the Mlambonja Coulier, Sani Pass and the South Gully of Giant's Castle are common ice climbing spots.

_________________
If you are what you eat, rock climbers must be people who eat nuts...

I was in the northern berg last August (end of August) and it was in the mid-high 20s in the day and only 10 at night.. I think from May-September you can have warm days and mild nights, or cold days and freezing nights! It is not predictable really..

If you are KZN based the link to the MCSA KZN ice crags outlined in the RDs that Ghaznavid posted is probably the first to hit. Gauteng based ice climbers focus more on the Lesoto side (see the ice section of the Lesotho part of the wiki at http://www.climbing.co.za/wiki/index.php?title=Lesotho).

In term of predictable conditions there are both Gauteng and KZN based ice climbing regulars that have been climbing every year for at least a decade (some for longer) without fail. Some ice seasons are better than others, but you can bet to see the regulars at the ice crags on just about any July weekend regardless of the temperature in Johannesburg / Durban.

If you are not an ice climber take the same approach that many on this forum have recommended for trad: join up with someone that can show you the ropes and help you discover the peculiarities of the various crags. The MCSA (KZN/Johannesburg) ice meets (look for their meet programmes) are a good starting place especially if you have little or no gear / experience.

Thanks so much for the help and all in th info! I'm in CT but I'll get hold of MCSA asap.
Adios!
K