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MOUNTAIN HUTS
OF THE NATAL DRAKENSBERG
NOTES
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The "huts"
listed here vary in quality from dilapidated corrugated iron shells to brick
homes that have been converted to accommodate hikers.
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Some of the huts are in a
poor state of repair, some because of natural aging and the lack of
maintenance as a result of their remoteness, others because of wanton
vandalism by Basuthos from Lesotho. Giant's Hut and Meander Hut were
destroyed in a veld fire and stand derelict. The Parks authority has
no intention of rebuilding these.
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Most of the huts must be
booked through KZN Nature Conservation Services in Pietermaritzburg.
HUT ETIQUETTE
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Book
your hut/s in advance of your hike, and make every effort to stick to your
planned route. Under no circumstances except in dire emergencies
should you ever stay overnight in a hut you have not booked.
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If
you are trying to make for a hut you have never seen before, or if the
weather report indicates that the weather may turn foul, it is always best
to take sufficient tentage with you so that you can function independently
of huts if need be.
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Make
sure you clean the hut before your departure, and leave it in as good or
better a condition as it was in when you arrived.
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All rubbish must be brought back
down with you - do not bury anything except the most highly bio-degradable
waste such as apple cores and left-over dinner scraps. While it is
very tempting to make use of the rubbish bins provided at some of the more
remote huts, remember that someone else will eventually have to bring your
rubbish down for you. Rather do it yourself.
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Make
sure that all windows and doors are properly closed before your
departure. Many animals - especially baboons - would love to get
inside to look for food scraps or simply out of curiosity. Wind can
also work doors and windows loose if they have not been closed properly.
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Report
any damage or missing items as soon as possible after you return from your
hike.
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