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
Monks Cowl, taking its name from the peak sandwiched between the towering Champagne Castle and Cathkin mountains, is part of the 260 000 ha Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site and is the access point to the Mlambonja and Mdedelo Wilderness Area. The Monk's Cowl Nature Reserve with its breathtaking vistas of sw ... Read More...
From Injisuthi Camp follow the route towards Fergy's Cave, after 5km's turn right crossing over the river, only 3km's and 200m elevation to go. The path is on the left side of the valley and slowly climbs higher towards Marble Baths. Marble Baths Cave and Annex are 50m from Marble Baths should you choose to sleep over ... Read More...
A moderate walk from Monks Cowl of 2.4 km and elevation of 312 m to the Sphinx passing Crystal falls on the way. The views are lovely once reaching the Sphinx. Along the way you walk past Crystal Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall inside of one of the many forests that you will need to walk through. This is a good ... Read More...
Highmoor Nature Reserve is bordered by Kamberg and Lotheni to the South and Giants Castle to the North. Highmoor forms part of the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area and is approximately 14 749 hectares in extent and boasts a huge array of rare, endemic and endangered species. Visitors to Highmoor return again and again as ther ... Read More...
Aasvoelkrans Cave accommodates 8 people and is approximately 4.2km's from the Highmoor Reserve parking area. This is an easy hike. The cave itself is a "double story" cave and sleeping would generally be at the bottom cave. There is a steep drop from the top cave and a climb down from the bottom cave to the lovely poo ... Read More...
The Giants Castle Nature Reserve is located in the Central Drakensberg and is 34 638 ha in extent and ranges from 1 300 metres to 3 280 metres in altitude and is noted for its plentiful rock art. This area is home to the endangered majestic Bearded Vulture. The most popular activities are hiking, climbing, trout fishin ... Read More...
Gray's Pass can be described as great gain for little pain. The pass itself is quite short and is situated in the Monks Cowl area, its still however a difficult hike. Read More...
Kamberg Nature Reserve forms part of the Maloti- Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site and is situated centrally in the foothills of the mountains. The reserve was proclaimed in 1951 and is 6 300 ha in extent. This reserve is particularly scenic, with a number of walks throughout the area. The natural landscape ... Read More...
Injusuthi Summit Cave at 3289m is the highest cave in the Drakensberg. The cave offers good shelter and out of this world views. Read More...
This is a great 3 hour (6,6km circular route) moderate walk through an indigenous forest to a magnificent grotto with waterfall and pool. The water can be cold as not too much sun shines into the pool. After the pool head up the hill to Barry's Grave. Dick Barry was one of the early mountaineering pioneers of the area ... Read More...
Keith Bush Camp used to be just a hut but it was demolished in the 1973 when the valley was declared wilderness area, where no man-made structure were allowed. This is a good overnight stop for a hike to Champagne Castle Peak via Gray’s Pass. Read More...
Flat-topped Cathkin Peak named after Cathkin Braes the Scottish hometown of David Gray @ 3 149m is in the Monks Cowl Reserve. In Zulu Cathkin Peak is known as Mdedelelo which means “the one who shoves in" or "the bully” due to how it protrudes from the escarpment. Read More...
An easy walk to the falls starting at the Monks Cowl entrance. Take the well marked path down to the falls. 1 to 2 hours in total time returning back to Monks Cowl entrance. Read More...
A scenic 8km circular hike to Sterkspruit Falls and Nandi's Falls with a total elevation gain during the hike of 330m. Read More...
Main Caves is in the Giants Castle area. This painted shelter is easily accessed and is a short walk from the Giants Castle camp. The site is fenced and guided tours commence at the cave entrance hourly 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. They take a maximum of 13 people at a time, so get there early. This is an extensively painted ... Read More...
Injisuthi is cradled between the Delmhlwazini and Old Woman streams at the head of the Injisuthi Valley, surrounded by Cathkin Peak, Monks Cowl and Champagne Castle. Injisuthi is a central pivot to the variety of hiking trails that lead across the mountains, north to Cathedral Peak and south to Giant's Castle. The Mde ... Read More...
A lovely cave only 50m from Marble Baths, sleeps at least 8 people.Its an easy day hike to the cave and well worth staying a night over in the cave. Read More...
From Injisuthi Camp follow the route towards Fergy's Cave and then take the right fork along the Injisuthi River approximately 4kms from the start and about 1km before Fergy's Cave. Total distance to the cave is 5.7km and an climb of only 258m. The cave is fenced so cannot be accessed without a guide. Contact: 036&nb ... Read More...
Gatberg at 2329m also known as Intunja and eye of the needle. The hole through its base is estimated at about 9 metres in diameter. Read More...
A little gem of a hike, not too many people know about. An easy hike, 5.9km's from the trout dams, shorter if you drive further along until the no entry sign and walk from there. A moderate uphill on the way of 183m. Roman Baths is a great spot for a family outing, a swim and lunch on the side of the river. If you ven ... Read More...
Bannerman Hut is located inside the Giant's Castle Reserve in the Drakensburg Central area of KwaZulu Natal. This remotely located hut is often used for a night when traversing between the Giant's Castle and Injisuthi areas on a multiple day trek. The morning sunrise makes the hike up the hill well worth while. Read More...
Aasvoelkrans Cave accommodates 8 people and is approximately 3.9km's from the Highmoor Reserve parking area. This is a relatively easy hike. The cave itself is a "double story" cave and sleeping would generally be at the bottom cave. Their is a steep drop from the top cave and a climb down from the bottom cave to the ... Read More...
A 10 km hike, mostly uphill to the best overnight hut in the Drakensberg. The hike starts at the day picnic spot at Giants Castle. A short downhill and then a mostly gentle climb for about 4km's. The last 5km's are along the contours to the Hut, enjoy the views on the way. The sunrise that awaits you from the hut in t ... Read More...
Mafadi, at 3450m above sea level, is the highest peak in South Africa. A big dome several hundred of metres away from the edge escarpment, its ascent doesn’t require any technical skill but a high standard of physical fitness and gear. This is usually a 4-day/3-night hike with great caves and incredible views. A t ... Read More...
Zulu Cave is in the Monks Cowl area. The cave is large and can sleep up to 12 people. Cat Cave is near by and contains Bushamns Paintings. Read More...
There is a small cave next to the stream which has an interesting burial site in the right side of the cave. The burial chamber was upright to cater for a body in a seated position and the remains of a bushman type person were removed for research purposes in the middle of the last century, but the stones of the grave ... Read More...
Cayley Mountain Resort is located in the breathtaking Central Drakensberg, overlooking the imposing Cathkin Peak and Sterkhorn ranges. The Bell Park Dam lies stretched out below the resort offering breathtaking views; and is also the site of many leisure activities. Guests enjoy precious time with loved ones around a w ... Read More...
If you only ever do one overnight hiking trip in the Drakensberg then this is at the top of the list. The hike to Bannerman Hut on day one is 10km and a climb, most people will be fine. Sleep in relative luxury and in the morning hike up Bannerman Pass. You have plenty time to get to the top and back before sunset for ... Read More...
The Lower Injisuthi Cave sleeps 12 people and offers level floors and good protection from the elements. Read More...
One of the most identifiable passes of the Drakensberg Mountains, Giant's Castle Pass is a steep, rocky ascent to 3 102m offering stunning views. Some say it's an extreme 4 hr (6 km) hike from Giant's Hut below, others will say an easy 2hrs, we would say a 3 hr moderately difficult hike with a full backpack. Read More...
This cave is located in the Injasuthi (translated as valley of the well-fed dog) valley and is a 5-hour hike from the Injasuthi camp. The cave is fenced so cannot be accessed without a guide. Interpretation: The human figures appear to be arranged in a composition that suggests a fight. Some figures have arrows notche ... Read More...
From Injisuthi Camp head past Yellowwood forest for a steep 3.8 km's hike all uphill to Grindstone Caves, continue up past the caves, the views at the top of the Drakensberg are stunning. Follow the path South West across the ridge for 3km's of relatively flat walking, then downhill and towards Marble Baths. A good ma ... Read More...
Leslie's Pass is relatively easy to hike, it is just very long. Leslie's and Injisuthi pass are the only routes to the top in the Injisuthi area. Read More...
This valley lies between the Champagne Valley and Injasuti, and can be accessed after a long walk from the R 600 just below Champagne Castle Hotel. This is private property so access is only by permission of the owners. It can also be reached from Injasuthi camp. Travelling North from Injasuthi following the path aroun ... Read More...
A three day, two nights hike starting at Injisuthi Camp. Each day of this circular route has its own unique views and hiking challenges. Day one to Centenary is a testing 10.5km to Centenary Hut, wake up the next morning to a stunning sunrise. Day 2 is the day without paths, a steep downhill and then a small climb nea ... Read More...
This pass is accessed via Gibisella ridge or by coming up via Marble Baths. It is a potentially dangerous path. Read More...
This series of caves are a 2 hour walk from the Injisuthi camp. There are 5 caves in a row below the the sandstone cliffs stretching for about 1 kilometre. Only 2 of the caves are painted but other than one excellent painting of an eland the paintings are very worn and indistinct. The first 2 caves are not painted and ... Read More...
Caracal Cave easily accommodates 8 people and is approximately 5.2km's from the Highmoor Reserve parking area. This is a relatively easy hike to the Cave and a bit of a climb back to the parking area. This is a very comfortable cave. Water supply is seasonal, although water flowing over the top of the cave has been se ... Read More...
Sterkhorn (Mount Memory) is in the Monks Cowl area. At the top you will find the M.O.T.H memory cross. For very fit and experienced hikers / trail runners Sterkhorn can be reached on a day hike. Read More...
A difficult 10.5km hike starting at Injisuthi Camp to Centenary Hut but worth every aching muscle once you get to the top. The first 7.5 km's are easy and then the "little" hill to climb up to the hut. It seems never ending at times but is most definitely achievable by most people, take it easy up the hill and you will ... Read More...
An easy family hike starting at Drakensberg Sun of 4.3km in total distance. Read More...
Mafadi/Ntheledi peak is the highest peak in South Africa,The name Mafadi (meaning the Mother of Fadi). The original Sotho name Ntheledi (meaning "Makes me slip", refers to the nearby stream) it is considered by some to be a more relevant and the correct name. Read More...
Judge Pass is a steep pass which calls for some rock scrambling. The path is very clear. It is located in the Injisuthi region of the Berg. Read More...
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 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...
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...
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...
