Drakensberg Hiking Directory

Drakensberg hiking Directory

Golden Gate hikes

• Rhebok Hiking Trail - a popular but difficult 2-day, 30 km hike through the mountains of the Golden Gate National Park, near Clarens. Beautiful sandstone formations, cliffs, caves, game and mountain birds are among the attractions. Good overnight facilities. For reservations, Golden Gate National Park, tel 058/2550012

Sentinel Peak hikes

• Sentinel Peak car park to the top of the amphitheatre via the chain ladder.

Royal Natal hikes

• Cascades and McKinlay's Pool: Take the campsite road to the casual car park. Walk along the road past the campsite. Fifteen minutes' walk brings you to the Queen's Causeway and the Cascades. From there a good path leads to McKinlay's Pool at which point the Gudu stream meets the Mahai. (Round trip 5 km : 1 hour). To make a round trip, though the going is very steep, a footpath leads up towards Dooley from the boulders near McKinlay's pool, joining the Tiger Falls/Gudu Bush path. Return via Tiger Falls or Gudu Bush. (Whole trip 8 km : 1 hour 45 minutes).
• Fairy Glen: Start down the main road and cross the bridge opposite the Visitor Centre. Then take the path to the left leading through the bush to the Broome Hill stream. Cross and re-cross this, then follow up through the bush to the waterfall. This glen is well named and is a delightful picnic spot on a hot day. (1,6 km : 20 minutes). To make a round trip from Fairy Glen: continue along the bridle path, turning left back to the hotel at the fIrst crossroads, or left just beyond these crossroads, along a path which leads to the main campground. (Whole trip 4 km : 45 minutes).
• Otto's Walk: This walk starts at the far side of the Visitor Centre car park. It is a self-guided trail of some three kilometres and takes about 45 minutes to complete. A booklet providing information on the walk is obtainable from the Visitor Centre. Many trees are identified and the walk is signposted all the way.
• Tendele Camp: The hutted camp established at the back of Dooley, high up on the side of the mountain, commands a wonderful view of the Amphitheatre with the Policeman's Helmet and Vemvaan Valley in the foreground. There is a road to the camp but only residents may take their cars beyond the signposted Gorge parking area. This makes a nice morning's walk from the hotel area, travelling along the motor road. (5 km : 1 hour 30 minutes). Proceed back to the hotel or camping area along the path which starts on the Thendele road below the Lodge and passes below the camp extension to the eastern end of the natural forest and on to meet the hotel/Tiger Falls path. (Whole trip 10 kIn : 2 hours 30 minutes).
• Gudu Falls: From Thendele take the path past Tiger Falls to the Gudu Bush. Soon after the stream is crossed a path to the left will be seen which leads to these magnificent falls. From the hotel, cross the Mahai below the casual car park and proceed up the hill to the four-way junction, turning left. Here the path for those starting from the main campground will be met. Continue on past the turn to the Mudslide and into the forest. Turn right at the signpost and follow the steep path above and out of sight of the stream for about I 600 metres, when the Gudu Falls will be reached. (4 km : 2 hours). (Whole trip 9 km : 3 hours 30 minutes).
• Doolev Waters and the Mahai Valley: Proceed to the upper end of the Gudu Bush (see Walks Nos 8 and 11). Continue up the valley on the main bridle path overlooking the Mahai stream for about 2,5 km. Cross the Mahai stream, a very attractive picnic spot, and continue up the north-facing slope until a path junction is reached. Turn left up the Dooley Waters path, or alternatively right to continue further up the Mahai valley to Basuto Gate. Campsite via Cascades path junction 7 km : 2 hours, 30 minutes). NOTE: The Nek and the path from the Nek to the Basuto Gate path are closed. The Dooley Waters path is therefore a cul-de-sac.
• Mahai Falls and Basuto Gate: At the Dooley Waters/Basuto Gate path junction (see Walk No 12) turn right to continue further up the Mahai Valley to the Mahai Falls. This is a popular picnic spot with an inspiring view down the valley. From this point the path up to Basuto GateI Witsieshoek Mountain Resort is obvious. On reaching Basuto Gate/Witsieshoek Mountain Resort it is a short walk over the ridge (the boundary of Qwa Qwa) where one gets magnificent views of the Malutis, often snowclad in the winter months. The word 'Mahai' is Sesuto for 'rocky krantz'. (11 km : 3 hours 45 minutes). To make the round trip, from Basuto Gate continue along the path on the near side of the fence for about three kilometres, crossing the source of the Gudu Stream on the way. Then continue to the Crack (Walk No 14) or to the top of Gudu Falls, and then back via the Mudslide. (Whole trip 24 km : 6 hours 30 minutes).
• The Crack and the Mudlslide: From Gudu Bush (Walks Nos 8 and 11) continue up the valley for another 1 200 metres where a path will be seen leading towards the Crack. The climb is very steep but a short chain ladder helps one over the only difficult section. On reaching the top, bear right onto the high ground overlooking the Mahai valley and make straight for the top of the Gudu Falls, where an easy crossing of the Gudu stream can be made about 50 metres up. This is a favourite place for a swim, and a good picnic spot. Directions are hardly needed for scaling Plowman's Kop, from which point a magnificent view is obtained. Return down the Mudslide. This starts beyond the far corner of Plowman's Kop. The decent is very steep and loose and, after rain, slippery .The short chain ladder at the start is helpful. At the foot of the cleft, follow the main path round to the right until it joins up with the hotel path and turn left for home. (Whole trip 11 km : 4 hours 40 minutes). NOTE: The Mudslide is not suitable for young children or those suffering from fear of heights.
• The Grotto: The route from Thendele is described above. From Rugged Glen proceed past the Camel, Surprise Ridge (Walks Nos 7 and 15) and on to the Grotto.
  From the hotel/main campground area proceed as for Sunday Falls (Walk No 4), but soon after passing the four-way junction and just short of the Fairy Glen Stream, turn left up the Broome Hill valley.
  Continue climbing steadily until the Grotto forest is reached.
  Eventually, the path comes to a dead end, but some ten metres before this a faint path can be seen leading upwards to the left, and a ten minute walk brings you to the Grotto.
  The Grotto is in two parts, consisting of two huge gorges cut through the sandstone, and both are worthy of exploration. (5 km : 2 hours). (Whole trip 10 km : 3 hours 30 minutes).
• The Gorge Walk: From Thendele, proceed down to the Tugela river, where the main Gorge path will be reached. From here the route is obvious. From the hotel/campground area it is possible to save a three-kilometre walk by driving to the foot of the Thendele hill, where parking will be found and the Gorge path proper starts. If walking, a more interesting route, enabling one to avoid the road, is to go via Thendele camp. There is no more popular nor picturesque walk than the Gorge walk; it should not be missed, and to enable you to make the most of the trip, take a full day over it. For the first 6,5 kilometres beyond the foot of Thendele hill there is a very good path and no steep climb. No special directions are really needed. The path winds along, above and parallel with the Tugela river . Not long after crossing the intersection stream from Devil's Hoek, look out for the Policeman's Helmet on the high ground to the right overlooking Vemvaan Valley. The last 1 600 metres through the Gorge entails three crossings of the river (simple enough unless in flood). Many visitors to the Gorge turn back at the first crossing. This is a pity, as the most picturesque scenery at Royal Natal lies at the far end, and walking the additional 600 metres is rewarding. Cross the stream and re-cross, keeping to the path which is on the right-hand side of the Gorge, and keep on until you reach the chain ladder on the cliff on the right-hand side. The chain ladder is at the mouth of the tunnel. This tunnel is approximately 55 -65 metres long. Use the chain ladder to skirt the tunnel or scramble through the tunnel, though a ducking is likely, and so get into the Amphitheatre. Boulder-hop up the Tugela for about 800 metres, where each few metres gives you a complete change of scenery. A steep path up the left-hand bank of the Eastern Buttress Gully leads to the Tunnel Cave. If you stand with your back to the chain ladder, this path will be directly in front of you. From the cave there is a wonderful view of the Amphitheatre wall, with the Sentinel on your right, and you will be able to look over the Tunnel. If you proceed around the cave you will obtain an excellent view down the valley towards the hotel. Warning: keep a lookout for thunderstorms, as a heavy storm may bring down the river and delay your return trip by a few hours. The best spot to picnic is at the end of the path, (11 km : 3 hours). (Whole trip 22,5 km : 5 hours 30 minutes).
• Devil's Hoek Valley: Start as for the Tugela Gorge Walk. Shortly after leaving the forest (10 minutes) a signpost points the way up the valley. Some ten minutes' walk from here, on the right, you will notice a large rock on which there are some Bushman paintings. Continue through a large patch of forest, uphill across an open section and into a second area of forest. At this point the path ends, and any further progress is hard going. (Whole trip from the Gorge car park 6 km : 2 hours). From Thendele camp Devil's Hoek Valley is within a thirty-minute walk.

Mweni hikes

Cathedral Peak hikes

• Blue Pool and Nyosi Grotto: 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.
• Cathedral Peak Hike: 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.
• Contour Path - Cathedral Peak to Ndedema: 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.
• Contour Path- Ndedema to Monk's Cowl: A moderate 2 day hike(27.5 kms) A severe hike which starts at the contour path at the upper end of the Ndedema Valley. This is reached via the solar cliffs path in the Cathedral area, or via the Hikes' Pass route up to the contour path. The hike follows the contour path southwards traversing the Mdedela Wilderness area.
• Ganabu Ridge and Baboon Rock 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.
• Mlambonja Pass to Twins Cave 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 is consistently very steep and long.
• Mlambonja Valley (3) 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.
• Mushroom Rock A fair 1 hr hike (2 kms) This is a fairly steep hike, which leads up behind the hotel to a large mushroom-shaped rock.
• Old Furrow Trail: There are displays along the route which makes the trail is convenient for school groups. The trail gives views of the Bushman's River and wild animals especially buck may be seen in the open grassland. Picnic sites are available.
• Oqalweni Forest Walk: 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.
• Oqalweni Valley A moderate 5 hrs hike (16.5 kms) This hike gives you a grand tour of the valley. The path passes through a number of habitats. It starts at the Cathedral Peak path past Shermans Cave, but takes the left fork of the contour path around the top of the Oqalweni Valley and back down one tree hill.
• Rainbow Gorge: 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.
• Tarn and Tryme Hills: A hike of 4 hrs (10 kms) This half-day outing affords grand views of the escarpment and close up encounters with some high spires and butresses, as well as the possibility of exploring the forests around the available falls, all on the same stream, a tributory of the Mhlonhlo River.
• Tseketseke Camp Site: A moderate -severe 4 hrs hike (9.5 kms) This hike takes one into the mountains directly below Cleft Peak which dominates the area betweeen Cathedral Peak and Champagne Castle.
• Two Passes and Cleft Peak Escarpment Hike 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. Mike's Pass to Cathedral Peak Hotel via Organ Pipes.

Monks Cowl hikes

• Champagne Castle Via Gray's Pass An extreme 19 hrs hike (19 kms) The trail goes up the Mhlwazini Valley, between Champagne Castle and Dragon's Back on the right and Monk's Cowl on the left, with views so dramatic that if the path doesn't take your breath away, the secenery surely will.
• Contour Path- Monk's Cowl to Injasuti A moderate 9 hrs hike (21 kms) This hike is the longest, hardest and least used of three possible routes between Monk's Cowl and Injasuti Camp. The most commonly used path is the Van Heynigen's Pass & Shada Ridge.
• Crystal Falls and Sphinx A fair 1 hr 20 mins hike (3 kms) The path leads south then west across to the Sphinx and further to Breakfast Stream. This hike is the beginning section of all hikes radiating from the Monk's Cowl KZN Wildlife office.
• Fern Forest An easy 30 minutes (1 kms) This is a short walk along a forested stream to a waterfall and a picnic spot.
• Mhlwazini Valley Trail A severe 9 hrs hike (24 kms) From the Monks Cowl Camp Site the route ascends the sphinx, and contours around the top of the Hlatikulu Forest. From there is heads down into the Mhlwazini Valley and along the river.
• Stable Cave Trail A moderate 4 hrs hike (9.5 kms) The route ascends the Steilberg to the top of the little berg. The cave looks north from a narrow ridge of the Little Berg Plateau towards the Valley of Pools.
• Sterkspruit Falls and Gorge A moderate - severe 6 hrs hike (15 kms) This is a pleasant outing involving some boulder hopping and river crossings. Start at Monks Cowl Campsite following the Serkspruit River into the gorge. The return route is further south, running eastwards across the little berg, down to the Sphinx and Loops down to the campsite. Long and severe.

Injasuti hikes

• Battle Cave to Injasuti Cave A moderate 4 hrs hike (8.5 kms) This is a guided tour of the battle cave where a pictorial display of bushman life In this valley complete with a taped guide to the paintings are seen. One can stay for a night at the Lower Injasuti Cave, but bookings must be made in advance for both this and the battle cave tour. Trout fishing, hiki, swimming, curios, charcoal, maps.
• Centenary Hut A severe 5 hrs hike (10 km) Injasuti. Follow the path Pastfergy's Cave for 4kms to centenary of the contourpath
• Grindstone Caves and Cataract Valley 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.
• Marble Baths A moderate hike. (8.5kms - 6hrs) From Injisuthi Camp follow the route to Fergy's Cave but take the right fork along the Injisuthi River approximately 4kms from the start. You can overnight at the Marble Baths Cave.
• Spare Rib Cave A severe 2 hrs hike (3kms) Injasuti. Proceed up Bannerman Pass from Bannerman Hut. The cave is near the top of the escarpment on the left hand side.

Giants Castle hikes

• Bannerman Hut  A severe 4.5 hrs hike (11 kms)  A long hike from the Giant's Camp northwest along a clear path, with an early start it is easy to make the hut by mid-morning. The hut must be booked through KZN Nature Conservation Service.
• Berg view  A fair 2 hrs hike (5 kms) A short hike from the Giant's Castle Camp to a popular view point, offering one of the best views of the escarpment, ranging from Giant's Castle to Cathkin Peak
• Champagne Pools An easy hike (4kms - 1.5 hrs) A circular walk starting 1km from Giant's Castle main gate. Secluded pools for swimming and fishing.
• Giant's Castle Pass An extreme 4 hrs or 6 kms hike (from Giants Hut) The hike begins at Giant's Castle Camp and continues up to the top of the little Berg, up the very steep Giant's Pass. Not for the inexperienced.
• Giant's Hut via Oribi Ridge A severe 4 hrs hike (10.5 kms) 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.
• Grysbok Bush A fair 2 hrs 30 mins hike (4 kms) 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 .
• Langalibalele Pass A severe 3 hrs 30 mins hike (6.5 kms) Follow the path from the main Giant's Castle Camp past the main caves. The path is consistently steep although the pass itself is one of the easiest and shortest in the berg. Follow the path from the main Giant's Castle camp past the main caves.
• Main Caves An easy 40 mins 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.
• Meander Hut A fair hike. (5.5kms - 2hrs) There are two ways to get to this hut, which overlooks the Meander Stream from its perch on top of the cliffs of the Little Berg. The hut accommodates four people and it must be booked.
• River Walk An easy 1.5kms - 30mins hike this pleasant stroll has no specific destination and can join the forest walk for a most enjoyable ramble.
• World's view A moderate 3 hrs hike (7 kms) 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.

Highmoor hikes

• Aasvoelkrantz which is a double story cave that has a permanent supply of water throughout the year. Aasvoelkrantz is approximately and hour and a half walk from the car park.
• Caracal cave overlooks the Ncibidwane river and Giants Castle. This cave unfortunately only has readily available water in the Summer months. Caracal is approximately 2 hours walk from the car park.

Kamberg hikes

• Game Pass Shelter is a two-and-a-half, to three 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 08h00, 11h00 and 13h00 and are guided

Loteni hikes

• Ash Cave Trail A 4 hours hike (7.5 kms) A hike in the Loteni area leading to ash cave in a sandstone band. Follow the right hand fork in the path along the Loteni River. Cave must be booked - sleeps 6.
• Cypress Cave A hike of 2 hours (4.5 kms) This is one of the few short hikes in the area a small party can use the cave, which has running water nearby and sleeps six to eight people, depending on the weather.
• Black Eagle Trail A hike of 6 hrs The trail starts from the rest camp in the Loteni Nature Reserve. It is a circular route, taking some 6 hours. No facilities are provided on the trail therfore a lunch pack should be taken and warm clothing is recommended.
• Gelib Tree Trail A hike of 2,5 hrs A short trail offering magnificent views. A descriptive leaflet is available from the camp manager.
• Hlathimbe Pass and Cave A hike of 6 - 7 hrs (16 kms) The hike begins at Loteni Camp, follows the Ngodwini River path and ascends up to the contour path. It continues up the very steep Hlathimbe Pass and towards Redi then southwards several kms to the cave. Not for the inexperienced. The cave is situated very near to the top of the pass. Sleeps 4.
• Jacobs Ladder A hike of 2km Follows the Lotheni River and leads to the spectacular Jacobs Ladder Waterfall.
• Yellowwood Cave Tarn and Waterfall A hike of 2 days (23 kms) From the Loteni Camp follow the Loteni River then left along the Masinhlonga Fork. The cave is south-facing and very cold in winter. The route continues up to the contour path, then eastwards back towards the camp.

Sani hikes

• Sani Pass 7 hours Follow the road. Passports required

Vergelegen hikes

Cobham hikes

• The Giants Cup Hiking trail starts near the Sani Pass in the north of Cobham and follows the line of the escarpment through the little Berg into Garden Castle ending in Bushmans's Nek. The full route takes five days but it is possible to do shorter sections if visitors have limited time. In the secluded valleys hikers are likely to see Cape Clawless otter and herds of eland well as a large variety of other animals and birds. Cobham has some of the best rock art sites south of the Didima valley and it is possible to hire a guide to visit a selection of them.
• Hodgson's Peaks 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.
• Lake District 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 aroud the section of the Little Berg. Hikes begin from the Cobham Camp. Cobham State Forest area, which is situated close to Himeville.
• Pholela River Walk 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.
• Thaba Ntlenyana  It is the closest hiking route to the highest peak in the Drakensberg Thaba Ntlenyana (the beautiful little mountain) which is in Lesotho, at 3482m the highest peak south of Kilamanjaro.

Garden Castle hikes

• Overnight hiking in Garden Castle: Overnight hikers have the choice of numerous caves or may use a tent to camp but must carry all other requirements for their hike.
• Rhino Peak There are 5 hiking trails with the Rhino covering about 18 km and graded severe to extreme, as the most difficult.
• Hidden Valley A moderate 9kms - 3hrs hike This hike begins at the Garden Castle main office, via Swim Hut and along Hidden Valley, returning the same route. For those with an interest in geology, the Hidden Valley hike up the Mzimude Valley offers interesting formations as well as unusual erosion features.

Bushmans Nek hikes

Natal Midlands Hikes

Karkloof hikes

Umgeni Nature Reserve hikes

Pleasent Places hikes