Climbing topo for the North and East faces of Sentinel Peak, Northern Drakensberg.

Sentinel Peak

The most accessible rock climbing in The High Drakensberg, also the only area with fully bolted multi pitch routes, as well as the Berg's hardest free trad route.

Climbing topo for the North and East faces of Sentinel Peak, Northern Drakensberg.

Climbing topo for the North and East faces of Sentinel Peak, Northern Drakensberg.

Sentinel Peak

The most accessible rock climbing in The High Drakensberg, also the only area with fully bolted multi pitch routes, as well as the Berg's hardest free trad route.

Overview of Sentinel and Beacon Buttress

Climbing topo for the North and East faces of Sentinel Peak, Northern Drakensberg.

Sentinel Peak

The most accessible rock climbing in The High Drakensberg, also the only area with fully bolted multi pitch routes, as well as the Berg's hardest free trad route.

Overview of Sentinel and Beacon Buttress

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
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Multi Pitch
Single & Multi Pitch Options
Single Pitch
Climbing Topo of the North Face of Sentinel Peak, Drakensberg.
Overview of Sentinel peak area

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.
90
min
-
2.0
hr
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
Overview of Sentinel peak area

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.
45
min
-
1.0
hr
3300
m ASL
AM Shade
Special
Overhang
Double
Single & Multi pitch
Multi Pitch
Single Pitch
Climbing Topo of the North Face of Sentinel Peak, Drakensberg.
Overview of Sentinel peak area
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.
45
min
-
1.0
hr
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
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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.