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
This 5-day hike features some of the most dramatic scenery in the whole of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. The route passes through the Amphitheatre, Mbundini, Mnweni, The Rockeries, The Saddle and The Cathedral range. The first day’s hike takes hikers up the chain-ladder to the top of the Amphitheatre. From here, th ... Read More...
A 4.4km hike with a 436m uphill near the end. The Gladstone's Nose Trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful trails in the Drakensberg. Different species of antelope occur in the area . The trail passes through grassland and indigenous forests. Read More...
An extreme 6 to 7 hrs hike - 10km. A long arduous hike requiring a high level of fitness. Starts from Cathedral Peak Hotel, up the path to the Cathedral Ridge. Rock scrambling is often necessary due to rock slides on the gully below the peak. Read More...
Champagne Castle is the second highest mountain in South Africa at 3377m and is located in the central drakensberg. This hike is perfect for fit hikers who are looking for a unique multi day hiking experience. Read More...
A fair 2 hrs hike (5.5 kms) This is probably one of the most picturesque hikes in the area. From the hotel skirt the base of Tryme Hill westwards, then eastwards on the path into the gorge. Once in the gorge itself the path follows the river. Read More...
A easy 2 hrs or 5.5 kms hike. A short hike in the Cathedral Peak area, starting from the hotel and following the Nyosi River southwards. Read More...
This hike begins at Injasuti camp and follows a circular route via Grindstone Caves, the waterfalls and Cataract Valley. The path follows the Mhlwazini River back to the camp. A moderate 4 hrs hike (13km) Read More...
A three to four hour hike from Lotheni Camp Site to Ash Cave. Starting from the Lotheni campsite, follow the main path up the left-hand bank of the Lotheni River past the eMpophomeni Falls to a fork 4,5km from the start. You then take the right-hand path and continue up the Lotheni River for another 3 km, crossing a t ... Read More...
A moderate 9kms - 3hrs hike This hike begins at the Garden Castle main office, via Swiman Hut and along Hidden Valley, returning the same route. Read More...
The caves are situated in the uMhhomazi area about 5.8 km from the parking area. The hike is steep with a total climb of 688m but not long thus rated as moderate. McKenzie’s caves can sleep 12 people. Read More...
A hike of 2km which follows the Lotheni River and leads to the spectacular Jacobs Ladder Waterfall. Read More...
A fair 2 hrs hike (4.5 kms) This short walk has two variations; both lead to pools and the extra distance is more than worth the small effort. It starts at the rangers station and heads eastwards Read More...
A moderate to severe hike of 3 hours or 3.5 kms A long hard hike. Starts at Cathedral Peak Hotel, up to contour path below Cathedral range and follow it southwards. Hike passes underneath the main escarpment and back down the Ndedema Gorge. Read More...
An extreme hike of 4 days (48 kms) An extremely long and difficult hike which begins at the Isandlwana Police Post in the Mnweni area. The first day would take you to the base of the Rockeries Pass, the second to the top and Mponjwane or Ledgers Cave, the third down the base of Mnweni Pass and the fourth back to the po ... Read More...
A severe 6 hr hike(15kms) The hike starts on the Cathedral Peak route and then branches off to the right, going down into the Nxwaye valley, up the Ganabu Ridge and down Baboon Rock. Read More...
A hike of 6 hours. The trail starts from the rest camp in the Lotheni Nature Reserve and is a circular route. Read More...
An easy one hour walk of 3 kilometres starting at the visitor's centre which takes you along the Tugela River and continues towards the park gate. The path leads up the Sigubudu Valley to some fine examples of San rock paintings. Read More...
A severe 6-8 hrs hike (11 kms) From Cathedral Peak Hotel the path follows the river past the trout hatchery and up to the top of the little berg above the mlambonja river. The pass (also known as Umlambonya pass) is consistently very steep and long. Read More...
13 kms about 4 hours. The hike is good for bird watching and game viewing. It follows the Emerald Stream, past indigenous forest to a spectacular waterfall with pools suitable for swimming. It begins on the Sani Pass Road and has good views of Giants Cup. It leads to Gxalingenwa Cave. Read More...
A moderate 4 hrs hike (13 kms) This hike begins at injasuti camp and follows a circular route via Grindstone Caves, the waterfalls and Cataract Valley. The path follows the Mhlwazini River back to the camp. Read More...
An extreme round trip of a minimum of 3 days. The hike starts at the Isanlwana Police Post in the Mweni Valley and follows the Icidi River to the escarpment. It requires serious, potentially dangerous rock scrambling, and should only be attempted by experienced, competent mountaineers. In the Icidi Valley which is in u ... Read More...
From the picnic area take the concrete path down to and across Bannerman Bridge. Follow the path to below Sugarloaf Kop and on up to World's View. A moderate 3 hrs hike (7km) Read More...
An extreme 3 days hike (40 kms) The route starts at the top of Mike's Pass near Cathedral Peak Hotel, up the long ridge and the very steep Organ Pipes Pass. Traverse the escarpment and descend via Mlambonja Pass. This hike is classified extreme and for good reason. Not to be undertaken by the unfit or inexperienced. Mi ... Read More...
An extreme hike of 2 days (27 kms) Two steep passes in the Mnweni area leading to the top of the escarpment and enclosing Mbundini Abbey Peak. These passes are steep and dangerous and should not be attempted by the inexperienced. Read More...
An easy 2 hrs hike (5.5 kms) This route is ideal for hikers who prefer secluded outings. It starts from the Cathedral Peak Hotel, past the trout hatchery and along the Oqalweni River to a waterfall and pool. Read More...
This hike, starting at Giant's Castle main camp, takes you up the Bushman's River to the largest forest in the Giant's Castle area. Read More...
An alternative route to Giant's Hut just south of the two Dassies stream route. It starts at the main Giant's Castle Camp, climbing steadily to the hut, which must be booked. A severe 4 hrs hike (10.5km) Read More...
This is a short walk in the vicinity of the camp. From the office at Injasuti take the Cowl Stream fork. At the top of the incline turn left to the walls of the old kraal. And shortly after that left again to the old woman stream. After crossing the river turn left and follow the path back to camp. An easy 1 hr hike (2 ... Read More...
A fair 3.5 hrs hike (9 kms) A variety of walks start from the Cobham Hutted Camp and follow the Polela River, Emerald Stream and Trout Beck. Trout fishing is possible - with a licence. Read More...
Ifidi Valley, Mnweni. An extreme round trip of a minimum of 3 days. From the Isandlwana Police Post follow the Mnweni River to its junction with the Ifidi River. The route then follows the Ifidi River and up Ifidi Pass. This hike should be led only by competent mountaineers with able parties, as it requires rock climbi ... Read More...
This trail leaves from below the campsite, where one crosses the swing bridge. It follows the Pholela River upstream for about a kilometre, passing a number of pools suitable for swimming, before it crosses the river again. It then heads back towards the campsite, passing through sections of indigenous Ntshishi (Ouhout ... Read More...
A hike of 2.5 hours. This is a short trail offering magnificent views. Read More...
A severe 2 - 3 days hike (19 kms) The hike starts at Cobham Camp and follows the main Polela River towards the escarpment, the path becomes less clear and the Masubasuba Pass is long and difficult. Read More...
A moderate 8 hrs - 2 days hike. There are many caves in the in the area. A network of parts connects the caves and places of interest and allows hikers to amble around the section of the Little Berg. Hikes begin from the Cobham Camp. Cobham State Forest area, which is situated close to Himeville. Read More...
From the Loteni camp follow the Loteni River then left along the Masinhlonga fork. The cave is south-facing. The route continues up to the contour path, then eastwards back towards the camp. Read More...
This hike leads from the camp, along the river near the edge of a forest, up to the large caves, which are crucial archaeological sites and have been turned into a museum showing the Bushman's way of life. Tours are conducted throughout the year at set times in the company of a field ranger. An easy 40min hike. Tours ... Read More...
Injasuti. Proceed up Bannerman Pass from Bannerman Hut. The cave is near the top of the escarpment on the left hand side. A severe 2 hrs hike (3kms) Read More...
A moderate 30 mins - 2 hrs hike (1,5 - 5,2 kms) There are three hikes, the lower valley 1,5 km, neptunes pool 4,2 km and marble baths 5,2 km. The Mlambonja Pass Route bypasses most of the lower river valley. All hikes begin at the Cathedral Peak Hotel. Read More...
An extreme round trip of a minimum of 2 days. A long route to the top of the escarpment from the Isandlwana Police Post, following the Ntonjelana River. Read More...
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The gradient is average to steep for most of the route and can be rated as difficult. Water is not always available in the area surrounding the cave. This hike can be split up into two days with Cyprus Cave being used as an overnight stop. Read More...
