3 Day Mnweni Drakensberg Hike

From R6,600 pp

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Enjoy an incredible 3 Day Mnweni Drakensberg Hike with us!

The Mnweni Drakensberg hike is considered one of the most scenic hikes in the area. The tour covers about 42km of sheer awesomeness. The hike starts at the cultural center and follows the route up the Mnweni Pass and down the spectacular Rockeries Pass. Day one is a 14 km hike to Shepard’s Cave which is situated at the base of the Mnweni Pass.  Day two is a hike up to the escarpment. The hike only covers about 8km but with an elevation gain of about 1200m.

Mnweni Drakensberg hike

What makes this Mnweni Drakensberg Hike so special?

A definite highlight of this hike is sleeping in Ledgers cave on the second night. There is nothing to describe the mind blowing views from this cave. It is nestled about 30 metres under the edge of the escarpment. On the final day, hikers will descend over 1200m via Rockeries Pass which is home to incredible mountain scenery. The back end of Cathedral peak can be seen looming in the distance.

The Mnweni Drakensberg hiking routes are pretty unique in that it is the only area that does not fall under the restriction of the Natal Park Board and has therefore become one of the most remote hiking areas of the Drakensberg.  And we are super keen to support the community by bringing hikers to this incredible place.

Our tours begin and end in Johannesburg

(SELF DRIVE OPTIONS AVAILABLE)

Day 1

Travel day. Our scheduled Mnweni Drakensberg trekking tour starts at 05H00. You will be met by your guide, load up the vehicle and take the 5 hour drive down to the Mnweni Cultural Village. Upon arrival we will take a short break and prepare for the hike ahead.  The hike today covers about 14km over about 5 hours.

We have lunch at the Mnweni Pools.  Our campsite for the night is at the base of the Mnweni Pass. If Shepard’s Cave is available we may also decide to use that for the night. But this cannot be guaranteed as the local Shepard’s may be using it. Because this part of the Drakensberg is not controlled by the Natal Park Board but is considered ‘community’ land, we have zero control over the availability of the cave.

Day 2

After breakfast we start our ascent of the beautiful Mnweni Pass. The height gain today is just over 1000m and is basically straight up.  Yes today is going to be tough, but we promise you the reward will be well worth the effort.  Hiking distance is about 6km and takes about 5 hours to reach. This part of the Drakensberg is rated by local hikers as one the most secluded and beautiful areas of the Drakensberg.

Some of the main peaks to look out for include the Inner and Outer Mnweni Needles as well as Pinnacles. We will spnd the night in Ledgers Cave which us regarded as THE most scenic cave in the Drakensberg. As with most of our hiking tours, we follow the plan of leaving camp early and getting into camp early. That gives hikers the afternoon to recover for the following days hike.

Day 3

After breakfast, we begin our descent back into South Africa via the Rockeries Pass which is situated about 2km from our camp site. The route down is pretty steep. There is nothing technical about it and ropes are not needed, but it may still be slow going as we are going to drop nearly 1000m in altitude over about 3 km. We start the hike as early as possible as the hiking distance is about 16km over 6 hours. Hopefully we are down at the Cultural Centre by 13H00. And then we take the 5 hour drive back to Johannesburg.

INCLUDED

  • Return transfers Johannesburg to Mnweni Cultural Village Return (unless self-drive option selected)
  • Hotel Pick Up
  • 1 Nights’ accommodation in tented camps
  • 1 night on Ledgers Cave (depending on group size and availability)
  • All climbing permits
  • Tents, sleeping mats, cooking and eating utensils
  • Breakfasts and dinners on the mountain
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Guide for the duration of the tour
  • Dedicated Trip Planner
  • Local Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights and airport taxes
  • Hiking Equipment (can be hired)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visas for South Africa
  • Health requirements (if any)
  • Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
  • Snacks, personal medicine
  • Meals & drinks not specified
  • Incredible Drakensberg Scenery
  • The Drakensberg is a world heritage site
  • Isolated and remote hiking experience
  • Spend a mind blowing night in the best cave in the Drakensberg-Ledgers
  • Authentic South African hiking experience