This is a Premier Route. To claim an FKT on this route, you must meet a high standard of documentation and verification. See details here: https://fastestknowntime.com/premier-routes.
The following description is taken from hikingsouthafrica.co.za/drakensberg-grand-traverse which is a thorough resource for those interested in completing this route.
The Grand Traverse of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is the definitive South African hike. It is a formidable experience for the intrepid hiker: your physical strength and endurance will be tested whilst the ability to navigate, a strong mental aptitude, sense of humour, proper planning and teamwork are all essential elements of completing this bucket-list hike. Add the unspoilt natural beauty and majesty of the Drakensberg, and you have all the ingredients for a truly world-class experience.
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse (DGT) starts at the Sentinel Car Park and finishes at the Bushman’s Neck Border Post, requiring one to summit Mont Aux Sources, Cleft Peak, Champagne Castle, Mafadi, Giant’s Castle and Thabana Ntlenyana in between. The route between these points is not predefined, but various record attempts through the years have settled on the fastest route which is approximately 205km long when “straight lining” along the most efficient route. In reality, your average hiker will follow contours and river beds on the same route, which should yield a route of between 220km and 240km.
This route may be completed in either direction. The following is some key historical data about previous attempts:
Warren G. posted:
The Drakensberg is a spectacular escarpment running many hundred kilometers, however various South African Hikers, then runners have been whittling down the time between Witsieshoek and Bushmen's Nek, a distance of 204 kms, much of which at about 3000m. Currently the record is 41:49 by Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel. Added by admin: This was set March 24-25, 2014. More info & map at redbull.com.
ghaznavid added some FKT info:
Just for the purposes of completeness - there are a few different recognised Drakesnberg Grand Traverse speed records. According to the best of my knowledge:
- Overall speed record: Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel 41h47 [March 24-25, 2014]
- Overall group speed record: Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel 41h47
- Overall solo speed record: Andrew Porter July 2015 at 45h08
- North to South overall speed record: Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel 41h47
- South to North overall speed record: Andrew Porter July 2015 at 45h08
- North to South solo speed record: Andrew Porter 61h24
- South to North solo speed record: Andrew Porter July 2015 at 45h08
- Mixed group overall speed record: Ryno Griesel and Linda Doke around 63h40 in March 2015
There is also a record for most khulus (3000+m peaks) which Andrew Porter broke on 4 January 2015 (an impressive 63 - previous record 28).
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