Great Escarpment Quest

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In 2026, we’re launching the greatest through-hike South Africa has ever seen! 🏔️
It’s called the Great Escarpment Quest — an epic journey across the spine of the Eastern Escarpment
https://sites.google.com/view/summitx/great-escarpment-quest?authuser=0

03/09/2026

🐴 THE FIRST EVER SUMMITX MOUNTAIN RUCK RACE! 🐴

Think you’ve got what it takes to carry the burden and beat the clock?

This isn’t just a hike. It’s a race against the clock — and yourself.

🎒 Carry a pack loaded with at least 20% of your body weight in animal feed
🥾 Conquer 10.5 km of mountain terrain
⏱️ Cross the finish line within the 5-hour cutoff
🏅 Earn your Mountain Ruck Race medal
🏆 And battle it out for great prizes for the winners!

But there’s more to your burden than a medal…

Every kilogram of feed carried will be donated after the race to The Blue Donkey Animal Sanctuary, helping feed animals in need. 🫏❤️

Carry the weight. Beat the clock. Feed a beast.

Are you up for the challenge?

Race registration on 15 January from 15:00 to 18:00 at Indabushe Eco Lodge. Same day registration starts at 6am. Pre-entry is essential (entries close on 10 January 2027)

Campsites available - to be booked directly with Indabushe. All other accommodation is reserved for private evening function attendees, until further notice. Please Whatsapp SummitX on 0835017662 for more accommodation options around Schoemanskloof.

To enter, click on link below. Early bird tickets available until 31 October, thereafter regular entry fee applies. Spectators welcome at R120pp. Book via link:

https://ticketwiz.co.za/311/add/

31/08/2026

⛰️ GOLDEN ESCARPMENT LITE — Fanie Botha Trail

2–4 October 2026

Missed out on the Golden Escarpment Full Traverse via Fanie Botha in July?

Here’s your second chance.

Experience the legendary Fanie Botha Trail and take on the summit of the formidable Mount Anderson — but in a lighter, more relaxed version of the full traverse.

And October brings a whole new experience to the mountains. 🌿☀️

With summer knocking at the door, the days are longer and warmer, giving you more time to slow down, soak up the scenery and truly enjoy the trail.

There will be plenty of opportunities to cool off in mountain pools, splash beneath waterfalls and linger in the wilderness before continuing along the Escarpment.
This isn't the full traverse.

But it still delivers the mountains, the challenge, the waterfalls and the views that make the Golden Escarpment unforgettable.

🏔️ 2–4 October 2026
🥾 Golden Escarpment Lite via Fanie Botha
⛰️ Optional Mount Anderson summit

Whatsapp 0835017662 for bookings

28/08/2026

A Tale of Two Summits

High above Eswatini’s Ezulwini Valley stand two mountains with very different stories to tell.

One is Nyonyane — Ex*****on Rock.

Known as the “Rock of Ex*****on”, Nyonyane is steeped in stories of those who were condemned and taken to the cliffs above the valley. Its name, meaning little bird, is traditionally linked to the fate of those who were sent over its precipice.

But Nyonyane’s story goes much further back. Long before kings, executions and European explorers, people were already living in the shadow of this mountain thousands of years ago.

And then, across the valley, rise two unmistakable peaks:

Sheba’s Breasts.

Named for their distinctive shape, these twin mountains have become woven into the mythology of the Ezulwini Valley — a landscape of ancient kingdoms, spirits, legends and stories of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon.

And between these two worlds lies something particularly intriguing...

An old tunnel.

A forgotten passage through the mountain that provides a link between the two summits — turning two separate climbs into one extraordinary journey through Eswatini’s history, legends and landscapes.

On 17 October 2026, SummitX will take on both Nyonyane (Ex*****on Rock) and Sheba’s Breasts, using the old tunnel to link the two.

But don't underestimate this one.

18km of tough mountain terrain. Two summits. Steep climbs. And a tunnel linking it all together.

This is not a gentle stroll through the valley.

It is a proper mountain adventure for those who are ready to earn the views.

Two summits.
One tunnel.
Centuries of stories.
18km of tough hiking.

Eswatini 3-in-1
16-18 October 2026

Come walk where the legends meet.

📞 Bookings: 083 501 7662

SummitX — Adventure beyond the ordinary.

26/08/2026

Two Wilderness Experiences. Two nights beyond the beaten track.

September brings two opportunities to leave the roads behind and spend a night in places that can only be reached on foot.

🦅 5–6 September | Manoutsa Vulture Colony
Celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day with an overnight hike to one of the region’s magnificent vulture colonies.

A 6 km hike takes us to our remote overnight spot, where we’ll have views across to the breeding cliffs below. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to witness these magnificent birds when they are most active.

⛰️ 19–20 September | Lufafa Wilderness Experience
Head deep into the Makhonjwas for an overnight adventure at the foot of the mighty Lufafa.

Our remote camp sits on the edge of a deep valley, with a waterfall cascading on the opposite side. Surreal, wild and far removed from civilisation.

For those brave enough, there is an optional ascent of Lufafa’s summit.

This is the wild heart of the Makhonjwas.

You carry your own gear and earn your overnight view.

You’ll need:
Your own tent, sleeping bag, food for one night and enough water.

Porters can be arranged at your own cost and within reason.

📲 Bookings: WhatsApp 083 501 7662 or 064 079 9476

18/08/2026

Upcoming hikes

17/08/2026

Bearded Man Overnight Trek

This past weekend, we trekked to The Bearded Man, a prominent peak along the border between South Africa and Eswatini.

Our journey began at Shiyalongubo Dam. We were slightly concerned about the prospect of a bitterly cold night in the mountains, but the clear blue skies gave us hope.

The hike starts with a steady climb that soon becomes steeper, leading to the first viewpoint overlooking the glimmering dam far below. From there, the trail levels out across rocky terrain, and before long our campsite came into view, with The Bearded Man rising beyond it.

We reached camp after about 2½ hours of hiking. Some pitched their tents while others took the opportunity for an extended lunch break. After an hour, we left the heavy packs behind and set off to tackle the summit.

We reached the top in the middle of the afternoon. As always, The Bearded Man takes your breath away — not only because of the climb, but because of the incredible panorama from the summit. The Great Escarpment stretches out before you, with peak after peak disappearing into the distance.

What a privilege.

After spending some time taking it all in, we made our way back to camp, where a fire had already been prepared for us. The evening was filled with laughter, good company and the satisfaction of a shared achievement before, one by one, everyone finally headed to bed.

The next morning, we hiked back down and were spoiled with the best jaffels I have ever tasted, prepared by local residents.

Moments like these are what make exploring the Great Escarpment so special — the mountains, the people and the communities that call these remote places home.

In September, we return to the Makhonjwas to take on Lufafa — the Wild Heart of the Makhonjwas — on another epic two-day trek.
Want to join us?

WhatsApp 083 501 7662.

09/08/2026

2027 BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN!

4 DAYS. 4 SUMMITS.

The Golden Escarpment Traverse is back.

Four days on the trail. Four summits to conquer. One serious mountain challenge.

⛰️ 4 summits
🛖 3 nights’ hutted accommodation
🎒 Slack pack
🚐 Shuttle available for the first-day transfer
🚿 HOT DIY camping showers
🏨 Optional 4th night at a Graskop lodge

Plan your strategy. Train for the challenge. And get ready to see what you’re capable of.

2027 bookings are now open.

For more info, WhatsApp 064 079 9476 or 0835017662

03/08/2026

Kick off the October mini break with a bang!

The Golden Escarpment Lite via Fanie Botha packs the most spectacular day of the famous trail into one unforgettable weekend. Expect breathtaking escarpment views, indigenous forests, waterfalls, and the chance to take on the legendary Mount Anderson—arguably the toughest summit on the Golden Escarpment.

The summit climb is optional, so whether you choose to conquer the peak or enjoy the regular trail, you'll still be part of an epic adventure and celebrate with those who stood on the summit.

With the warmer spring weather, the waterfalls along the route become the perfect place to cool off after a challenging day on the trail.

Your hike includes:
• Safe undercover parking
• Hutted accommodation
• Slack pack service
• Qualified guide and assistant trainee guide

📅 Bookings close: 30 August 2026
✅ A 50% deposit secures your place.

The mountain is waiting. Will you answer the call?

The WhatsApp 0835017662 now!

29/07/2026

Upcoming hikes and booking deadlines:

• Bearded Man Wilderness Hike Intermediate
15-16 August 2026 Fully booked!
• Vulture Colony Hike Intermediate 5-6 September 2026 (Deadline: 20 August 2026)
• Lufafa Wilderness Hike Intermediate/ Difficult 19-20 September (Deadline: 8 September 2026)
• First Aid Course: 26 September 2026 (10 September 2026)
*Golden Escarpment Lite Intermediate/Difficult 2-4 October 2026 (Deadline:10 August 2026)
• Eswatini 3-in-1 Intermediate/Difficult 16-18 October 2026(Deadline: 15 September 2026)
• Lekgalameetse Wilderness Hike Easy 23-25 Oct (Deadline: 10 October 2026)

Kindly note that all our hikes are mountain hikes with the inevitable incline, with the exception of Lekgalameetse.

We can't wait to share these incredible adventures with you. If any of these hikes have been on your bucket list, now is the time to secure your place!

Address

Johannesburg
1000

Telephone

+27835017662

Website

https://sites.google.com/view/summitx/great-escarpment-quest?authuser=0

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