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
The Chain Ladder is one of the easiest hikes as far as Berg passes go. This trail is also the most popular. The final 30m of the cliff face is ascended by means of a two-section chain ladder. The route is accessed via Sentinel Car Park which can be found on the road from Witzieshoek Mountain Resort. There are two sect ... Read More...
A circular day hike starting at Sentinal Car Park and up to the Chain Ladder which is one of the easiest passes. The final 30m of the cliff face is ascended by means of a two-section chain ladder. Once at top you make your way to the Amphitheatre / Tugela Falls for stunning views and the return is down the short and s ... Read More...
From Left to right: Eastern Buttress, Devil's Tooth, Inner Tower and the Escarpment. Read More...
Roland's Cave is in the Cathedral Peak area and is positioned on the side of the escarpment. The views are out of this world. The floor is level and provides excellent shelter. The cave is named after Roland, a member of the Mountain Club of South Africa. Read More...
Royal Natal National Park (Thendele & Mahai) was proclaimed in 1916 and contains some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Africa. The main feature is the world famous Amphitheatre, a rock wall approximately five km in length, and 500 m high. Above the amphitheatre is Mont-aux-Sources peak where, as its nam ... Read More...
From Cathedral Peak Hotel its only 2.6km but its a steep uphill with an elevation gain of 355m. The views from Mushroom are excellent. Read More...
This magnificent hike starts at the Gorge Car Park leading through stretches of protea veld and forest, and the scenery beyond the Gorge is spectacular. Read More...
The hike starts at Cathedral Peak Hotel. The hike is 4.1km's to Baboon rock, the last 2 km's on the way to Baboon Rock are fairly steep with a total elevation gain of 440m. Read More...
Rockeries Pass is a relatively easy way to reach the escarpment in the Mnweni area. Navigating your way along this pass is no problem at all because the path is clear. Read More...
An easy 2.1km hike with only 98m elevation gain from Cathedral Peak Hotel. A pool is at the base of the falls for swimming. Read More...
The Amphitheatre is one of the geographical features of the Northern Drakensberg, South Africa, and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth. The cliff face of the Amphitheatre is roughly three times the size of the total combined area of all the cliff faces in Yosemite's famous El Capitan, ... Read More...
Located in the Royal Natal National Park along the Mahai river, a short walk of about 800m from the Mahai campsite. This is the only rock art site accessible to people in wheel chairs. Cascades path rock contains mainly rhebuck but also people. The images are not clear because of mineral leaching present on the rock f ... Read More...
A 6.1km circular hike heading uphill to start and then through Gudu Bush where a small stream and pool will can be seen. An option is to turn right up the hill here which takes you to the top of Gudu Falls (this is a steep path about 700m long and 230m in elevation - Gudu falls is shown on the left), else continue stra ... 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. his route is commonly used for smuggling activities and is best av ... Read More...
Ledges Cave offers magnificent views over Mnweni from the cave only for the brave, there is a huge drop below the cave, don't go to the edge. The 10m walk down to the cave is not to bad and anyone looking to try something different will enjoy this adventure. The path down to the cave can be difficult to find from the ... Read More...
Mlambonja Pass (also known as Umlambonya pass) is a steep pass in the Cathedral range. It is still used often because it is a more direct route to the escarpment from the hotel and has a large, comfortable cave nearby. Read More...
Starting at the Gorge car park this 6km hike to Policeman's Helmet with an elevation gain 340m along the way offers great views. Read More...
Cannibal Cave is in the Royal Natal area of the Drakensberg. Cannibal Cave in the past was occupied by Bushmen and more recently by refugees of Shaka Zulu wars. Read More...
Against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, and overlooking the secluded Mfazimnyama Valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, lies Three Tree Hill Lodge. This Fair Trade certified lodge, places great emphasis on Sustainable Responsible Tourism and offers spectacular scenery, locally grow ... Read More...
Cathedral Peak (Didima) borders on the upper Thukela area in the north and east, Lesotho in the west and Monk's Cowl in the south and is 32 000 hectares in extent. The area contains the magnificent Didima Valley with its many examples of San Rock art, it is a hiker's paradise offering routes that range from a few hours ... Read More...
In most hikers' opinions Fangs Pass is definitely one of the most stunning passes in the Mnweni area and perhaps even in the entire Drakensberg. It is a difficult pass to undertake and should not be attempted by the inexperienced. It starts at a small waterfall where the Fangs tributary joins the Mbundini River. Read More...
Beacon Buttress Gully used to be the only path accessing the escarpment. This short and steep gully is a fun alternative to the Chain Ladder Route. After the steep climb beautiful view rewards you near the summit. Read More...
Twins Cave is in the Cathedral Peak area. The cave is big with a level floor. The views are stunning. The overhang is high and thus protection from rain is not great. Read More...
Cleft Peak is located within the Cathedral Peak area. Organs Pipe Pass and Tsekesteke Pass are the closest passes. Read More...
Nestled in the heart of the Drakensberg lies 4 star family-owned Cathedral Peak Hotel. For over 80 years they have been providing premier accommodation, sumptuous buffet meals and an exceptional outdoor leisure experience surrounded by the magnificent peaks of some of the World Heritage Site’s most iconic mountains. G ... 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...
Crows Nest Cave is found on Crows Nest Peak near Mont-Aux-Sources in the Drakensberg. 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...
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. Read More...
The Mnweni Pass is steep but is one of the most rewarding ascents. The view just gets better! 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
A long 9.5km hike with an elevation gain of 820m. The rewards along the way make this uphill climb well worth while. You pass Cascades, Lookout Rock, Cave Shelter, Mahai Cave and Mahai Falls on the way before reaching Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge at the top. Read More...
Mponjwane is found near the top of the Mponjwane (Rockeries Tower) Pass in Mnweni, the views are excellent. Read More...
Bell Cave offers great views and a fairly level floor but not not offer much protection from the elements. 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...
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...
A moderate hike of 3.5km from Cathedral Peak Hotel with an elevation gain of 358m. The cave sleeps 6 and the floor is level and offers good protection from storms. Read More...
Rat Hole Cave is in the Mnweni area, just above Madonna Pass. The cave is a narrow tunnel about 7m deep and can sleep up to 4 people. This cave is not for you if you have claustrophobia. Read More...
The steep ascent through The Crack Pass is aided by a chain ladder. It is potentially dangerous. Read More...
Set in picturesque Bonjaneni, this 4-star hotel complex offers contemporary accommodation with stunning views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Luxury amenities include an outdoor pool and an equestrian centre. Each guest unit at Alpine Heath Resort features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area with a s ... Read More...
Most mountaineers describe Ship's Prow Pass as the most difficult non-rock pass in the Berg - it is the highest in the Berg after all. The view from the top is legendary. Going up the North Fork is not not advised due to falling rock, rather go up the South Fork. Read More...
Cathedral Peak is located within the Cathedral Peak area and is near Bell Cave. Read More...
Chichi Bushcamp is located at the base of Pins Pass and offers a campsite area consisting of several isolated flat spots in the river bed gravel at the confluence of the Pins stream and Mnweni River. Read More...
Located above the chain ladders in Royal Natal Reserve. Read More...
