In the true spirit of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this 4 Day Trilogy Of The Rings Drakensberg Hiking Tour was created out of the ashes of our Gandalf looking mountain guides subconscious mind over a camp fire with the help of something amber in colour with intoxicating properties to aid in the creation process.
This kick ass hiking tour incorporates 3 of the most awe inspiring areas the mystical Drakensberg Mountains has to offer. Our clients absolutely love this tour as it is a combination of hiking, camping and some of the best views of the Northern Drakensberg. It is no wonder Tolkien was inspired by these Dragon Mountains in the creation of the Misty Mountains in his book.
The areas we cover on this 4 Day Trilogy Of The Rings Drakensberg Hiking Tour ?
The tour starts in the Royal Natal National Park where we hike to the base of the mighty Amphitheatre to the bottom of the Tugela Falls. The 14km hike into what is known as the Gorge is just amazing to say the least. Although the hike covers 14km, the terrain is pretty flat and winds its way through forests and mountain footpaths and eventually into a narrow Gorge. We have spent many an hour just mesmerized by the views as we peer 1000m up onto the looming towers and spires of rock that make up the Amphitheatre. And of course a picnic and swim in the river is well deserved. Te end of the day sees us setting up camp in the Royal Natal National Park with a roaring fire, traditional South African food and of course a few beers to help with the hiking fatigue-Carbo loading is an important thing in the mountains we say.
The second day sees us travelling about 80km round to the base of the Amphitheatre. We start the hike from the Massive Mountain Soldier who guards the valley below from dragons and wizards-the Sentinel. We kit up and take the 6km hike to the summit of the Amphitheatre via the Gully. Our camp site is at the top of the Tugela Falls-the second highest waterfall in the world. And get this!!! We sit on the edge of the escarpment peering down nearly 1000m into the valley we hiked in the day before.
On the third day we take the 4 hour hike back down to carpark situated at the Sentinel. Then we take a 2 hour drive through the Golden Gate National Park to our campsite situated under a massive, looming bulk of sandstone rock. The Golden Gate is just so incredible-a gem of a spot that we would love you to see. We spend the afternoon exploring the sandstone formations on a 4 hour hike returning to the campsite briefly for a quick shower. Then we hit the town of Clarens for dinner and a few rowdy beers.
The fourth day involves the nursing of a hangover and and a 3 hour hike before making our way back to Johannesburg
What to expect on this Drakensberg hiking tour?
Well a little bit of everything. Your accommodation is in tents. There is about 40km of hiking over some relatively easy terrain. Although a moderate level of fitness is still required to maximise the experience.
The second hike involves you carrying a backpack to the summit of the Amphitheatre as we are overnighting on the escarpment in the mountains. The rest of the days just require day packs and we set up camp in the various Park Board Camp sites.
