Incredible 8 day Drakensberg hiking tour that covers 4 of the best areas of the mountain
The Drakensberg mountains situated in the province of Kwa-Zulu natal is fast becoming one the most sought after hiking destinations in the world. Many hikers are looking to experience this magical mountain wonderland but are not keen on “entirely roughing it“…. We reckon there has to be a few days set aside for a little bit of the ‘old fashioned’ camping style hiking experience. The Drakensberg is stunning. And we believe spending a few nights right up in the remote part of the escarpment adds massive value to our Drakensberg hiking tour. On the other days, tents are substituted for comfortable board and lodging. And so the concept of slackpacking was invented.
An overview of the Drakensberg hiking tour
This tour is not a 100% slackpacking type hike. Although 5 of the 7 nights are in various lodges along the way, we do spend 2 nights camping deep in the Drakensberg mountains. If you are up for it, this added option just makes for a really stunning experience. And don’t worry-No heavy backpacks to carry for these 3 days. Our crew will handle all aspects of this part of the hike. All you need to do is put on foot in front of the other. As for the other days? Our guide will take you on day hikes into some of the best parts of the Northern and Central Drakensberg region. All the logistics are taken care of which includes luggage transfers from lodge to lodge while you hike.
What areas do we visit on the hiking tour?
We created this Drakensberg hiking tour to encompass some of the most scenic parts of the area. The journey will take you from the quaint town of Clarens in the North to Cathedral Peak in the South. The tour will include the following stunning hiking routes:
- 1 day Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls hike
- 1 day Gorge hike in the lower Amphitheatre region of the Royal Natal National Park.
- 1 day hike to the summit of Sterkhorn Peak in the Champagne Valley
- 3 day hike on the Bell Traverse route that includes the summit of Cathedral Peak and Organ Pipes Pass.Â
What is the average hiking distance per day?
We hike between 10 and 14km on average per day.
What are the hiking conditions like?
The terrain is usually on single track type paths. On some of the sections there may be a few rocky parts to negotiate. And of course, there is the altitude to take into consideration. The highest point we will reach is 3,100m on day 5. This will most likely be the most challenging part of the hiking tour. The last 200m to the summit of Cathedral peak on Day 4 involves some steep and exposed sections. We will set up safety ropes and harness’s as an extra precaution. If you are scared of heights, maybe best to wait for us on the ridge below. There are also a few ‘uneasy’ sections on the Bell Traverse.
Is this tour for me?
If you have a good level of hiking fitness are up for a challenge then this tour is for you. The great thing about the trip, is that we have included 3 days in the remote part of the mountains. This means you will have to be prepared for 2 nights of sleeping in tents. This also means hikers will need proper clothing to survive for those days. The other 5 days involve day hikes with overnight accommodation in 3 star mountain lodges.
Where do we stay on the non camping days?
Day 1: Millpond Guest House in Clarens
Day 2: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Day 3: Tendele chalets in the Royal Natal National Park
Day 4: Monks Cowl Golf Club
Day 7: Amphitheatre Lodge
The best time to go?
Hiking in the Drakensberg can be done throughout the year. Although you would need to be aware of the seasons and choose your preferable conditions.
Winter season is from April to the end of August. This means freezing temperatures at night, usually dry and windy conditions in the day. The Drakensberg is also very brown as rain usually falls in the summer months. Snow is possible.
Summer season is from September to April. We usually experience warm to hot temperatures in the day but cool by night. This is the rainfall season. So expect to get caught in thunderstorm. The advantage is that the Drakensberg is super green and stunningly beautiful during this time.
