Drakensberg

A breath-taking traverse of the Drakensberg mountains from the north to south.

10-day Drakensberg Grand Traverse

Immerse yourself in a true mountain wilderness experience, on this multi day hike. Roughly 220km, this hike makes its way through the impressive and ancient Drakensberg mountains in South Africa and the neighbouring country of Lesotho. Encounters with Basotho herdsmen, their sheep and goats and the chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered Bearded Vulture nesting on the cliffs of the escarpment make this hike something truly special. 

This hike usually requires 14 days in the mountains including a food resupply – but can be done in 7 days for those of a slightly above average level of fitness, with no resupply required. This hike is for those who wish to experience nature in all its raw and wild beauty. Immerse yourself in the big mountains, sleeping in tents and caves (when we can!) and dodging thunder storms.

Explore

Summit 6 Peaks

  • Mont Aux Sources, 3282m
The source of Kwazulu-Natal’s Tugela river.
  • Cleft Peak, 3277m
“Thaba Chitja”
  • Champagne Castle, 3377m
The second highest peak in South Africa.
  • Mafadi, 3450m
The highest point in South Africa.
  • Giants Castle, 3314m
One of the most recognisable peaks in the Drakensberg.
  • Thabana Ntlenyana, 3482m
In Lesotho, the highest point in Southern Africa.

Good to know

Details

6 -8 Hikers

220 km

10,000 m

10 days

Challenging

tbc

Day 1 is arrival and travel, days 2 to 8 are spent hiking, days 10 is spent decompressing at Bushmans Nek Resort and on day 11 we travel back to the King Shaka airport. 

This multi-day hike takes place in rugged mountain areas and can be strenuous and challenging. The hiking surface is almost all off-trail and quite rocky good hiking shoes are required. The majority of the trail is at 2000m above sea level and higher. With some summits topping out at over 3000m – the high altitude and head for heights needs to be considered. Hikers need to be healthy and hiking fit and be able to manoeuvre steep inclines/descents and rocky terrain.

10-day Cederberg Traverse

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at King Shaka airport and travel to Witsieshoek (4 hour drive)

Day 2

Depart Sentinel Car Park, ascend via Chain Ladders to the escarpment. and summit Mont-aux-Sources. Night 1: In tents near Fangs / Mweni Area.

Day 3

Pass Cathedral Peak promontory. Summit Cleft Peak and descend to Organ Pipes neck. Night 2: In Rolands / Ndumeni Cave.

Day 4

Summit Champagne Castle and Mafadi. Night 3: In Upper Injisuthi Cave on the flanks of Mafadi.

Day 5

Traverse from Mafadi to near Giant’s Castle. Night 4: In tents near Giant’s Castle.

Day 6

Summit Giant’s Castle (sunrise) and Thabana Ntlenyana. Night 5: Between Thabana Ntlenyana and Sani Pass Road.

Day 7

Cross over Sani Pass Road, numerous ascents including the famous Wilsons Wall. Night 6: In Mzimudi Cave.

Day 8

Descend via Thomathu / Isicatula Passes to Bushman’s Nek Border Post.

Day 9

Recovery day at Bushmen’s Nek resort.

Day 10

Travel to King Shaka airport and depart.

Let's start planning

Ready for your next Adventure?

Join us on an unforgettable hike and discover breathtaking landscapes, hidden trails, and moments you’ll remember long after the journey ends.

Get in touch to plan your next adventure with us.

Get in touch