Isipezi Hill

Does anybody know if a hike to the top of Isipezi Hill is a reasonable thing to do ?
Are there routes/paths or is it something that too difficult to even try ?

Alleng
Its a few years since ive been up there. The last time I climbed from the eastern side, never ever again in my wildest dreams. Going up from th West is better you can drive on the new road from Silutshane to the ridge connecting iSiphezi to Silutshane hill. From there its still a long arduous hike, Returrn trip at least 6 to 8 hours. As a tip don't even think of doing it on your own, take masses of water and some food. And if you cant do a marathon in Olympic times...........buy the video. Seriously mate its a bitch with very little reward.

Frank
Many thanks for your reply, and for outlining the difficulty of this, it is just what I wanted.
I am lucky enough to have visited Isandlwana and the area on numerous occasions, and I have always admired Isipezi and thought about a walk to the top, but I will take on board your valuable comments before I decide. I would do it with a colleague if I did it.
You say 'it is a bitch with very little reward', but surely the views from the top are fantastic ?
Anyway thanks again for your comments.
Regards

Alleng
My pleasure. The views East go a long way as do the views towards the Ngwebini Valley and across the plain, to a degree. A lot of the closer Western view is blocked by Silutshane Hill. The Mangeni valley is only seen intermittently. So really not a lot of reward. If you want a fun hike, drive West along the Nqutu road for a kilometer past the iSandlwana turn of the turn right into the ngwebini valley itself. Park at the river crossing then walk along the valley. Thats the area the impi spent the night of the 21st in and its also the exit route onto the plateau. Its interesting to look up at the Mabaso heights, the historical point that Raw looked down and saw the impi. That's one hell of a tough climb and to a degree persuaded me that L and Q were on the right track with MFHT. Walk on the South part of the river nd if your lucky you will pick some old cartridges. After the battle the Zulu spent time here breaking open thousands of rounds for the powder. Its probably one of the best walks in the area. From there go back onto the main road and drive around a half Kilometer, turn into the left then left at the T junction. that will take you to the area that L and Q put the impi at 11 oclock. If you park up near the school you can follow an easy route to the theoretical position of the right horn holding point. From the middle heights the view of the plateau is unparalleled. Sit there and just look at the ground, that whole advance/retreat just explains itself. ( even better if you take a cold bottle of wine and some snacks).

Frank
Once again, many thanks for your comments, and your suggested alternative hike looks very appealing to my colleague and I, it will be given serious consideration for when we visit in November.
It seems the more we explore, the more we want to explore, if you understand what I mean.
Regards

Hi ALLENG.
Haven't done it yet but will do so at some stage , one of the fellow Aussies on here has climbed it as far as I'm aware , he may comment if he reads the post , I know he went with Paul Naish , who may not be a household name , but is a much renowned guide to those into the Nitty Gritty of the AZW .
90th

Alleng
I have e mailed some photos to Pete and asked him to post for me.

Hi Alleng

I climbed up Isipezi back in 2014 infact I posted a video on you tube about a month ago the link is [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]  its well worth the climb and the views are number one

Well done Anthony .
90th

Hi guys
Gold plated advice on here. Enjoy your next trip Alleng and the physical challenges. And don't forget to share them.

Regards
Lindsay

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Bottom of the Ngwebini valley.

Photo's by Frank.

I am taking on board all of the comments, they are much appreciated.
I have just looked at the youtube clip of the summit of Isipezi, and the view looks fantastic.
A hike to the top may be too hard to resist !

Ngwebeni also looks appealing from the photos, thanks again.