Description

The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains offer superb hiking and trekking. Most people mistakenly believe that you have to climb up to the summit in order to enjoy the spectacular views. Whilst the vista’s from there are indeed dramatic, the best scenery can rather be enjoyed from atop the “Little Berg” where you are elevated above the surrounding valley’s yet still have the impressive escarpment ridge towering above you. With the feeling of being tucked away in your own private wilderness you can explore the many valley’s and spurs and even visit some secret rock art sites in the numerous caves.

Highlights

• Walk in the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains
• Overnight in mountain caves
• View secret rock art sites
• Swim in mountain streams and waterfalls

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg or Durban. Your guide will meet you at the airport. From there you will drive the Central Drakensberg area. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours. Upon arrival at your hotel you will have an opportunity to get refreshed and settled in your room. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Before dinner, meet your guide for a short hike briefing where the guide will check your equipment and explain the route and area. After dinner prepare your packs and have an early night.

Day 2: Following an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Monk’s Cowl forestry station where you will sign in and complete the hike register. After final checks are made you start out on the trail. The first stretch of the hike is the toughest for the day as you ascend up to the top of the little Berg. You’ll stop en route at the waterfalls for snacks and lunch. Once reaching the top at breakfast stream you have an easy contour walk around Hlatikhulu Nek. Past the neck you’ll be able to see the mighty Intunja or Gatberg as it’s also known. The route then takes you down in the valley to Zulu cave. You’ll be spending the night out in the cave with the waterfall streaming overhead.

Day 3: An early morning wake up as the sun streams into the cave. Enjoy breakfast, tea or coffee before packing up and clearing out the cave. You’ll then head down the valley to visit caves that have original rock art. Most routes are unmarked in order to preserve the rock art. A little later you’ll rejoin the contour path that takes you up to Stable cave where you’ll be staying overnight.

Day 4: The tough part of the hike behind you, the last day takes you from Stable cave down Jacobs ladder to Barry’s Grave. From the grave you walk through the fern forest and down to the Grotto where you’ll stop for lunch and a swim. The last stretch is a moderate walk through the lush rain forests of the gorge ending at the Drakensberg Sun. Your luggage will be waiting for you so that you can check in and enjoy a nice hot shower of bath. Join the group on the pool deck for sundowners and delicious dinner. The evening is at leisure.

Day 5: The morning is at leisure to enjoy at your hotel. After check out you will drive to the nearby Thokoziza centre where you can browse the various craft shops. Further down the road you can stop in at the candle and carpet craft shops and enjoy some delicious pancakes for lunch. After lunch transfer to the airport for your flight home.