Hiking & Trekking Adventure Africa | Firecloud Adventure Travel Africa

Country:	South Africa
Nearest town:	Bergville
Type of trek:	Hiking
Duration:	5 nights / 6 days
Difficulty*:	Moderate to demanding
Technicality:	Hiking experience strongly advised
Accomm:	Camping
Best time:	March to May although it can be hiked year-round
Min group size:	Four people

*Difficulty: Easy A moderate walking fitness required. Distances are shorter and gradients moderate. Moderate A good walking fitness is required. Distances covered are between 10 and 20km’s per day and gradients are moderate Moderate to demanding A good level of endurance and fitness is required. Distances are moderate but the gradients steeper. Demanding A high level of fitness is required. Distances can vary but gradients are steep and may include technical sections. Extreme Only for the super fit and experienced mountaineers. Distances and gradients vary but trails involve technical skill and conditions are unpredictable.

Deshun Deysel African Adventure Mountaineer

	back \| home

Drakensberg Cleft Peak Circuit

Description

The Drakensberg is South Africa's longest and highest mountain range, extending from the Eastern Cape the length of the country to Mpumalanga. It's rugged peaks and sheer cliffs form an impressive display against the skyline. Hiking in the Drakensberg is not for the inexperienced. Although the altitudes are not extreme the weather is extremely unpredictable, and mist and rain can cover the mountains in a matter of minutes, causing disorientation. On the positive side, the hiking in the Drakensberg is extremely rewarding, with spectacular sunrises above the clouds and magnificent views, it's wilderness hiking at it's best. Our guides have traversed the many trails across the Drakensberg, and have years of experience in guiding and mountain rescue. We have hand-picked our two favourite trails to feature, and hope you will soon be joining us in the Drakensberg.

Highlights

Explore San / Bushmen paintings in the Didma George
Ascend the Organ Pipes pass
Sunrise above the clouds
Summit Cleft peak

Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Depart from Johannesburg and travel by road to the Northern Berg region. The drive takes approximately 4 hours. Arrive at Cathedral Peak and check into the hotel where you’ll be staying overnight. Before dinner there will be a short hike briefing, the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 2
After and early breakfast check out of the hotel and start up the trail at an altitude of 1361m. The route travels along an easy road and paths for approximately13km. Overnight camp is at the Didma Gorge at an altitude of 1385m. Once camp is set up explore the San/Bushmen rock paintings in the nearby rock shelters.

Day 3
After breakfast break camp and walk up the Didma Gorge for 7km. The trail takes you up to the summit, ascending via the Organ Pipes Pass. The climb of 7km takes you up to an altitude of 2990m. Overnight camp in the Didma Cave. From the campsite there are fantastic views out over Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Day 4
An early start, the trail ascends Cleft Peak (3277m), which is the highest point of trip. After a short break, descend back down to Twins Cave at 2700m where you’ll be camping overnight. The day’s walk is approximately 17km.

Day 5
The last day on the trail takes you down the steep path of Mlambonjwa Pass, descending down to Cathedral Peak Hotel. The day’s walk is roughly 11km’s. Check into the hotel and enjoy a warm shower and some cold refreshment.

Day 6
After breakfast check out of the hotel. The tour ends with a transfer back to Johannesburg.