After a quick discussion with one of the locals - did I mention Swazi's speak impecable English - he pointed out the route to the base of the rock but after that I was on my own. The rock itself reminds me of a large granite dome in Canada located in the Cocquihala (sp?) called Yak Peak. I prepared myself based on a prior discussion with Swazi Trails' guides and took a litre of water, good friction runners and a stop watch. They informed me it typically takes 4-5 hours car to car so I figured that it would mean about 2 hours up and a little less down.
Looking up at the base of the dome, the summit looked closer than what I had imagined but then looks can be deceiving. I flipped the Chrono on and started my ascent. The friction on the face is great and there are just enough ruggosities to keep the feet well secured. I can see how this would freak a non-climber out but with the La Sportiva trail shoes I was wearing and the comfort factor high I had no problem keeping a nice pace. 2/3 of the way up I snapped a couple of shots including the view down the face. Off I was again and crested the summit to touch the big boulder at a little over 24 minutes.
The summit is covered in great granite boulders with a ton of bouldering potential and the views were great looking up and down the Mbuluzi Valley. Game trails run all over the summit so continuing to trail run was a joy.
One thing that must be considered is that the rock is pretty hot and the heat is fairly intense. Do not forget to hydrate on this run. Eventually I made my way down and around the west side slabs. The only casaulty on the route was this little guy. I guess he never had the common sense to pack his own water.
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