Giants Castle
Hikes in Giant's Castle area. Historic Giant's Castle Game Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in the Central Drakensberg region of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site. Giant's Castle camp is situated on a gassy plateau among the deep valleys running down from the face of the High Drakensberg, offering glorious views for hikers and mountain climbers.
Bannerman Hut and Bannerman Pass Circular Route
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 ...
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Bannerman Hut Hike
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 ...
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Bannerman Hut via Langalibalele Ridge
The long way to get to Bannerman Hut, 14km's, 609m uphill most of which is in the 1st half of the hike, its pretty flat thereafter.
The views from Bannerman Hut and the relative luxury of the hut overnight will make the hike worth while.
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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 ...
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Bannerman Pass Hike
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 ...
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A hike to the main caves to see Bushman Paintings and then along the Bushman's river for a picnic. The circular route is 5.3km's and can be made shorter if required.
A great day out for all ages.
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Giant's Castle Pass
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.
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Giant's Hut via Oribi Ridge Hike
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)
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Grysbok Bush Hike
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.
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Langalibalele Pass Hike
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 ...
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Main Caves Hike
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 ...
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A relatively easy day hike for the family (probably 8 and above). A steep hill on the way to the hut but almost all downhill after. The views from the hut looking back towards Highmoor and into the valley below are worth while.
Sadly the hut burnt down and is not in use at the moment. The first image in the gallery sh ...
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World's View Hike
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)
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