Silent Hiking for 7 days in South Africa and Lesotho

ABOUT THE HIKE
In March 2022 I solo hiked for 8-days in the Drakensberg mountains on the border of South Africa and Lesotho.
My route started in Cathedral Peak in uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. I hiked up to the escarpment via Organ Pipes Pass where I headed north towards the Mnweni area. I got down the escarpment via Rockeries Pass for resupplies and back up (bushwacking) via Fangs Pass. North at the top of Tugela Falls in the Amphitheater of Royal Natal National Park I met up with my dad to spend one last night up the escarpment. We got down via the infamous Sentinel Ladder.

Favorite hike in the world. The weather, terrain, views, people and remoteness make this hike really unique. Also the most challenging hike to date.

GEAR

Hiking Poles: Decathlon Forclaz MH500
Shirt: North Face Summit Series Futurefleece

This is an ambient film without dialog.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:38 Day 1 - Thunderstorms from a cave (17km, 2400m gain)
4:23 Day 2 - The shepherds (20km, 1200m gain)
7:55 Day 3 - Storm down to Mnweni (22km, 900m gain)
11:53 Day 4 - Mnweni children (11km, 300m gain)
14:15 Day 5 - Bushwhacking up the escarpment (24km, 2300m gain)
17:01 Day 6 - Where the Lesotho shepherds live (15km, 800m gain)
20:04 Day 7 - Hi dad! (18km, 800m gain)
22:30 Day 8 - World's tallest waterfalls (19km, 600m gain)
25:35 Outro (photos)

#drakensberg #southafrica #solohiking #southafrica #hiking #solocamping #silentfilm

[HarmenHoek]

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Super excited about this!
More information, including pricing and exact dates, following soon!

[thepeoplesoul]

This may be the coolest hiking film I’ve watched, and I’ve watched 100s and 100s. So many unique elements. I’ll be watching this again. Well done. I LOVE how you filmed some locals, the monkeys, horses, the caves, the moon, stars, everything. Stunning film work.

[dennisklopper]

South Africa most beautiful country in the world 🇿🇦❤️

[MehdiMirian]

This may be the best hiking video I’ve seen on YouTube. The landscape, weather, camera angles, wildlife, people, music choice, everything. You created a masterpiece Harmen. Very well done!!!

[mohammadrezabidabadi]

wow, i can't believe i watched this for free.
for several times i found myself out of breath and felt hard to breathe, this is literally breathtaking.

[AllThingsLindo]

This has to be the most beautiful video ive ever watched on this platform! You are so talented. Your eye for detail is impeccable. Shuu!!

[wenstrupphoto]

I have never seen a hiking movie that well produced. I love that your dad shows up in the middle of the Drakensberg. I'm looking forward to your next Hike.

[johnogden]

Beautiful! You're the new king of no-diologue hiking videos now that Kraig Adams is basically a vlogging channel

[francis.inca]

Romans 11:36... a perfect ending to a wonderful film. Absolutely my favorite channel on YouTube ❤

[cascadiahiking]

That was one of the best 26 minutes I've ever spent on Youtube. It was so good I had to watch it a second time. Very well done, Harmen :)

[lucky]

I'm only 8 minutes in and my mind is officially blown!
The amount of effort you put in these videos is on a different level! Keep it up brother!

[tintswalochabalala]

Our country is beautiful, My God! You captured it so beautifully . I'm in awe!

[matemarijan]

This is the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.

[Rayray-ek]

This is the most beautiful hiking video I’ve ever seen. I’m a South African and can definitely say that we do have the most beautiful landscapes with gorgeous sunsets and thunderstorms. I’ve never been to the Drakensburg but I’ve always wanted to go. It’s officially at the top of my list this year 🌻

[annettehoek]

I love this film so much! (I love South Africa) It touch my soul. I know it wasn't easy some days, but you did it! And again: I am so proud of you! Love you!

[petersteyn]

As a South-African and a Photographer/Filmmaker you have touched my heart. I run in these mountains and you have connected me with them again in such a deep level. Well done!

[kestrel.hiking]

Absolutely gorgeous! What an epic thunderstorm! Thanks, man! So much joy of watching your videos.

[kylerborden]

This is the most elaborate, well thought out and executed hiking film I’ve ever seen. The placement and frames and effort put into this is incredible. Very inspiring Harmen!

[paularuotsalainen]

I have now seen both, the full version, and this shorter one of "The Drakensberg". I'm lacking superlatives that would describe well enough my feelings. Both versions are the best hiking or nature videos I've ever seen, in YouTube or elsewhere. Outstanding cinematography, every scene so complete, the beauty, and on the other hand - the hiking challanges of the area so well presented, all those breath-taking drone sequences, and all the trouble you have seen to get that splendid material, and such an outstanding result of editing. Ýou truly are very, very talented, Harmen. Heartfelt thanks for these two wonderful visual experiences!

[silverestmoon]

I was young when I first hiked through Drakensberg, I'll never forget the taste of the purest water I've ever had, the clearest star light sky I've ever seen, and the most at one with the earth I've every felt. Great Video, brought a lot more back, like the signs of long dead animals, back to the earth only leaving their bones behind, the lives of the many living out there, people, animals and plants. Great watch!