Hikes

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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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.
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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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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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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 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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Barker's Chalet is a short easy hike form Cathedral Peak Hotel oof 2.6km and 212m elevation.
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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 ...
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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)
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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.
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This is a moderate hike of 9.6km to Bushmans Cave. You can either return the same day, overnight in the Cave or make this day 1 of a multi day hike in the Bushman's Nek area. The views in the valley along the way are stunning and once just above the Cave the southern escarpment views towards Rhino and Hodgson's peaks ...
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The Bushman's Nek Pass is suitable for hiking and horse riding. The hike from Bushamn's Nek camp to the top of the pass is 8km with a total elevation gain of 679m making this a moderatley difficult hike. The first half of the hike takes you past Cedric's Pool and is relatively flat, the next 3km are steep to the top o ...
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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 ...
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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.
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A popular pool only 4.5 km from Bushman's Nek camp. The pool is apparently named after Cedric Biggs, a leader of the Mountain Backpackers Club some years ago, who was known for plunging through the ice into the freezing pool. It's also referred to as "Three pools" on some of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife maps and literatu ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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.
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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 ...
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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 ...
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A stunning 3 day hike. If you want a moderately easy hike, enjoy seeing Bushman Paintings want the luxury of a Hut on night 1 and enjoy caves as your accommodation on night 2 this is the hike for you. The sunrise from Lakes Cave is brilliant and the colours of a sunrise on the berg mountains are brilliant. The Hut ca ...
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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.
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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.
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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 ...
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An easy family hike starting at Drakensberg Sun of 4.3km in total distance.
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A hike of 6 hours. The trail starts from the rest camp in the Lotheni Nature Reserve and is a circular route.
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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.
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From the Mnweni Cultural Centre this is a long hike of 14.5km and elevation gain of 546m. The views from near the cave of Fangs and Mbundini pass are stunning.
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Fulton's Rock has a bushman painting of an elephant, indicating that at one time elephants may have wandered around this part of the Drakensberg. Highmoor camp to Fulton's rock is an easy hike to the rock and a bit more dfficult coming back to the camp up the steep hill you walked down earlier. A slow and steady pace ...
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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 ...
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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.
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An difficult 10km hike which takes roughly 5 hours with a total uphill of 1 194m. An early start and the hike to the top and back can be done in a day, else take is easy and sleep in a cave or tent at the top overnight.
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An easy 2 hour hike over 3.7 km with a total uphill of 377m. The cave is huge and offers excellent protection from bad weather. The last section on the way to the cave is up some wooden steps.There is enough flat sections in the cave to sleep 10 people comfortably. The video by Patrik Kjellgren @patttrici shows how bi ...
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A hike of 2.5 hours. This is a short trail offering magnificent views.
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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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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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The Giants Cup trail is the only established trail in the Drakensberg. The hike is over 5 days (and 5 nights accommodation in the Drakensberg) and is 58.9km's in total. The first day is 12.8 km's and you stay in Pholela Hut. Day two is 8.8 km's and you stay in Mzimkhulwana Hut. Day 3 is 12 km's and you stay in Winterho ...
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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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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.
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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.
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Two routes are possible, one via Lammergeier Cave or via Thamathu Cave. The route via Thamathu cave is recommended as a path can be followed the whole way. The hike via Lammergeier cave has no path for about half the hike and unless you know the area well and have a good map this route should not be attempted.
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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.
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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.
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