The Drakensberg offers the most beautiful scenery imaginable, a challenge for adventure seekers, quiet for nature lovers, accommodation of a world-class standard, hikes for family and mountaineer and picture perfect views.
Information about the Maloti-Drakensberg
From Injisuthi Camp head past Yellowwood forest for a steep 4.2km's hike all uphill with an elevation gain of 377m. It sometimes feels like even more. The cave sleeps 12 and the views down the valley from the cave are spectacular, definitely worth spending a night over in this cave. Read More...
The Mnweni Pass is steep but is one of the most rewarding ascents. The view just gets better! Read More...
The trail to Game Pass Shelter is a two-and-a-half, to three-and-a-half hour guided walk, via the spiritually moving Waterfall Shelter. It is nothing short of a world-class experience in Khoisan rock art and living Zulu and San culture. Walks normally leave at 09h00, 11h00 and between 12h30. The walk is preceded by a ... Read More...
Organ Pipes Pass - the Camel Route is marked as dangerous on official maps but this only really applies in icy conditions. There is beautiful scenery on both sides of the ridge. Read More...
Ship's Prow South Pass is the advised route option, the North Fork has had rockfalls in the past and is very dangerous. This is a long pass and tops out at 3292m, the highest pass in the Drakensberg. Read More...
What makes this Drakensberg accommodation option so special is that we are offering cozy & comfortable Eco experience in a luxury cave. Glass doors open onto a wooden deck with hammock chairs and sweeping views of the Drakensberg Mountains. We also offer accommodation in thatched cottages. This Drakensberg accommo ... Read More...
The hut is a ruin situated off the contour path which runs below Giant's Castle. Read More...
Icidi Pass is most likely the most difficult non-rock pass in the Drakensberg. It is very long, steep and boulder-choked. It should not be attempted by any inexperienced and unskilled hikers as it could become very dangerous. Read More...
Bannerman hut at the bottom of this pass makes this a very popular pass. It is short and fun to do especially if you are new to the Drakensberg. Bannerman cave can be found over the summit ridge to the south. The pass is 3 km long and 822 up from Bannerman Hut. On the way up the pass (1.8km) you will see Spare Rib Cav ... Read More...
The sunrise from Lakes Cave is brilliant and the colours of a sunrise on the berg mountains are brilliant. This 12km hike from Cobham will take 4 to 5 hours, the hikes starts off pretty flat and get steeper after 6km's, the last 2km's after Nutcracker Cave being the steepest. The total elevation gain is 49 ... Read More...
Stable Cave is in the Monks Cowl area near the top of Verkykerskop. This is a large cave that can sleep 12 people, has a level floor and offers good protection from the elements. Read More...
This old building was a farmhouse before the property was taken over by the state and put under the control of the old Department of Forestry, who then turned it into the first overnight hut on the Giant's Cup Trail. It has now been equipped with gas geysers, but the old wood stove can still be seen in the kitchen. The ... Read More...
One of Kamberg's highlights is the San Rock Art Interpretation Centre which runs spectacular DVD presentations on rock art. Trained guides are available to take visitors to Game pass Shelter (3 hours walk), to see rock art painting which have been described as the Rosetta Stone of ancient Rock Art. Contact: Hospitalit ... Read More...
An easy 2.2km in total hike from the day parking area in Royal Natal. The path is uphill and then through the bush to the waterfall. Read More...
This hut (corrugated structure) is situated in the Cathedral Peak Reserve area 500m upriver from the contour path, bookings are done through the Didima office. To book the hut for overnight camping phone: 072 397 7901 Read More...
This area is commonly referred to as Mnweni. The Amangwane Traditional Authority Area includes Abhulesini, Kohkwane and Manzano. The Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre, just past to the junction of the Tonyelane and Mnweni Rivers, is the gateway to all visits and hikes in the Mnweni area. The Centre is community-owned ... Read More...
Thaba Ntsu/Devil's Knuckles is in the Bushmans Nek area. The South Knuckle is the most topographically prominent 3000m peak in South Africa. Read More...
A fun family day outing to Cobham and a short easy walk along the Pholela river. The distance is your choosing, from 1km to 5km in total. As you wind your way along the river choose one of the many pools to have a swim in and have a picnic lunch. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the Drakensberg without it ... Read More...
Giants Castle peak is located in the Giants Castle nature reserve. It was named by its appearance of a giant lying on his back. Read More...
Bell Cave offers great views and a fairly level floor but not not offer much protection from the elements. Read More...
A circular 3 day hike in the Bushman's Nek area. Day 1 is a moderately severe 4-5 hrs hike (10 km's) This hike follows a well-defined path on the northern flank of the Thomathu Ridge. The cave faces north-east and sleeps up to 12 people. The cave is not very deep though and strong winds can be a problem. Day 2 hike to ... Read More...
The Didima Rock Art Centre has an audio-visual show presented on a daily basis. These offer a good insight into the life of the Bushmen and their Rock Art. The centre opens at 8.00am and closes at 4.00pm. Didima Camp contact deatails: 036 488 8000 Read More...
Cambalala is a self-catering cottage situated close to the top of Mike’s Pass in the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Cathedral Peak Reserve of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. It is accessible by vehicle, and offers a fantastic resource for family holidays, hiking, mountain-biking and bird watching. The cottage is open to all me ... Read More...
Sherman's Cave is in the Cathedral Peak area. The cave is just off the main path heading to Cathedral Peak. Its a large cave with a level floor that can accommodate 10 people. Read More...
The true Ifidi cave, not always found. This large cave can accommodate at least 6 people and offers reasonable shelter. There is enough space to put up a tent if needed. The views from the cave and morning sunrise make the effort to find this elusive cave well worth while. Read More...
Corner Pass is not technically difficult but does involve some scrambles around boulders. There is no specific path to follow, generally going along the narrow gully is best. Read More...
Lacated in Injasuti. The hike to this delapidated hut is past Fergy's Cave and then a severe uphill hike near the end. The views are outstanding and a hike to this hut should be on everyone's to do list. As their are no windows its best to take a tent and sleep near the hut. Read More...
The Drakensberg Boys Choir School is one of the few South African Schools whose fame extends around the world. This school offers a unique educational opportunity for boys; it stimulates their spirit of adventure and exploration in our beautiful surroundings, while nurturing the development of the mind and expression i ... Read More...
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse (DGT) has no set route and is largely off trail. Most people will cover in the vicinity of 210 kilometers and climb more than 9,000 meters. The DGT is seen as a backpacking destination for the very fit and experienced. The basic rules are that have to pass through eight checkpoints: C ... Read More...
A hike of 2 hours (4 km's) with an initial uphill of around 180m in elevation, the rest of the hike is flat. This is one of the few short hikes in the area a small party can use the cave, which has running water nearby and sleeps six to eight people, depending on the weather. Read More...
South Africa's Favourite Outdoor Store Cape Union Mart has been equipping South African adventurers since 1933, and is South Africa's favourite outdoor adventure store. Stocking everything one needs for outdoor pursuits - including hiking, camping, trail running, mountain biking, snow sports, travel and more - Cape Un ... Read More...
Holiday accommodation is offered at the Berghouse and Cottages. This destination is situated at the "Gateway" to the Northern Drakensberg, on a private estate. Amphitheatre and Mountain views are features from the windows of the cottages. Panoramic views of the Northern Drakensberg Mountain Peaks that surround this uni ... Read More...
This is a pleasant walk that is pretty level with a path that is easy to follow. Cape Vultures, Blesbok and Eland are often seen and the Giant's Castle view is stunning on a clear day. Read More...
Old maps may refer to this as "Bushman's River Pass", as it was known in the 19th century. The exact date of the name change to "Langalibalele Pass" is uncertain, but makes reference to the arrest of the amaHlubi Chief Langalibalele at the top of this pass in 1873. Seven people died during this capture, five from the E ... Read More...
This cave has dinosaur footprints and its exact location is thus not shown. Read More...
The two Sentinel Caves in the Royal Natal area are situated on the escarpment in a large crack at the back of the Sentinel. They provide excellent protection from bad weather, have level floors and each cave can sleep 4 people. Read More...
Organ Pipes Pass is probably one of the most commonly used passes in the KZN Drakensberg. The name is derived from the very impressive wall of rock pinnacles near the top of the pass. The ridge offers stunning views of the Cathedral and Cathkin ridges. This route is commonly used for smuggling activities and is best a ... Read More...
The hike up to Hodgson's Peak (South) is described as moderate. From the top you can see into the KZN midlands and Lesotho. Read More...
Bulwer Mountain Shelter #2 is outside the Maloti-Drakensberg Park and is located in Bulwer. Interpretation by Celeste Rossouw: An eland is depicted here apparently ‘entering’ a curtain of natural mineral deposits on the parent rock. San rock paintings sometimes used natural features in this way with people and animals ... Read More...
Bannerman Pass was named after former British Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. It is said that, when viewed from the right angle, the cliffs just south of the pass resemble the profile of his face. Personally I have never been able to see it, but nonetheless, that's the origin. Risks: the pass can get iced ... Read More...
This hut is in excellent condition and sleeps up to 30. The Hut is day 2 of the Giants cup trail. From the Cobham Reserve its an easy 8.6km hike to the hut. The hut is in a valley and can thus be quite chilly at night, take an extra jacket with. A lovely pool can be found below the hut to swim in, make sure you are a ... Read More...
Mponjwane is found near the top of the Mponjwane (Rockeries Tower) Pass in Mnweni, the views are excellent. Read More...
Game Pass Shelter is in the Kamberg area. Most of the paintings in the shelter are complex polychrome images and the first ones you’ll see as you enter are imposing therianthropic figures (mythological creatures that are part human, part animal) clad in long black karosses. The most frequently depicted animal is the e ... Read More...
Tarn Cave is in the Bushmans Nek area, this cave offers excellent views, a level sleeping area and good protection from the elements. Read More...
Bannerman cave is in Lesotho behind Bannerman Face and can be accessed either via Bannerman Pas, Hubi Pass or Langalibalele Pass. The cave is south facing and has a fairly narrow entrance. Read More...
Namahadi Peak is in the Free State. Read More...
Champagne Castle is located within the Monks Cowl. Greys Pass, Cathkin Mountain Pass and Ship's Prow Pass are the closest passes. Read More...
Winterhoek Hut is in the Garden Castle region and is surrounded by old oak trees. Their is accommodation for 30 and the hut forms part of the giants cup trail. Read More...
