Cathedral Peak (South Africa)

This article is about Cathedral Peak (South Africa). For other uses, see Cathedral Peak.

Cathedral Peak (Afrikaans: Cathedralpiek) is a mountain in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is a 3,004 m (9,856 ft) high free standing mountain in the Drakensberg. The mountain is also known as Mponjwana (Little Horn) by the local Amangwane people.^[1]

Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Peak during the winter dry season
Highest point
Elevation	3,004 m (9,856 ft)
Listing	List of mountains in South Africa
Coordinates	28°55′24″S 29°8′2″E
Geography
Cathedral Peak Location in South Africa
Location	KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Parent range	Drakensberg
Geology
Mountain type	Basalt
Climbing
First ascent	1917 by D.W. Basset-Smith and R.G. Kingdon
Easiest route	One day hike

Cathedral Peak is part of the Cathedral Ridge which is at right angles to the main range. Other peaks in the spur are the Twins, also known as the Triplets, (2,899 m or 9,510 feet), the Bell (2,930 m or 9,800 feet), the Outer (3,006 m or 9,860 feet) and Inner (3,005 m or 9,858 feet) Horns, the Chessmen (2,987 m or 9,800 feet) and Mitre Peak (3,023 m or 9,919 feet).^[1][2]

Cathedral Peak was first climbed by D.W. Basset-Smith and R.G. Kingdon in 1917, via the gully.^[3]

Sunset over the Cathedral Range

References

1. says, Selamiso Mlalazi (27 June 2023). "Drakensberg – The Highest Mountain Range In Southern Africa". Mountain IQ. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
2. "The Twins". Drakensberg Hikes - explore the Drakensberg. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
3. Dodds, David A (1975). A Cradle of Rivers: The Natal Drakensberg. Cape Town: Centaur. ISBN 0-908379-43-9.