A Complete Guide to Hiking in the Drakensberg
Written by Zeldi Smulders
Welcome to the Drakensberg, where rugged mountains rule! If you are searching for tips and tricks that will allow you to have a safe and enjoyable hike, this blog will help guide you on your journey and show you the best routes in the Drakensberg Mountain Range. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, the Drakensberg has something to offer everyone. Read on to find all the information you need to plan an unforgettable hiking experience in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. Let's explore the mountains together!
Location
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is found in South Africa and Lesotho, and covers 250.000 ha of KZN’s landscape. The name, which is of Dutch origin, translates to ‘mountain of the dragon’. Considered an eco-tourism destination, the mountains are set in the protected area uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, formally designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. The range extends from the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and is divided into the Northern Drakensberg, Central Drakensberg and Southern Drakensberg sections. The Drakensberg, rich in historical significance, is known for its fantastic hiking routes winding through breathtaking scenes of expansive grasslands, riverine forests, beautiful waterfalls, endemic flora, and so much more.
How to get to the Drakensberg
The start of your trip can take you to KwaZulu-Natal’s King Shaka International Airport in Durban. If you begin your South African adventure in Cape Town, a quick 2-hour flight will take you to Durban. From Durban, a 2.5 to 3-hour drive will lead you to the Drakensberg, depending on which section you want to explore. The approximately 4-hour road from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport can also take you through the scenic Midlands Meander, depending on your final Drakensberg destination.
When to go
The best time to hike the Drakensberg is during autumn and spring — March, April, beginning of May, September and October — when the days are clear and the temperatures are mild. When summer arrives, the landscapes are green and the wildflowers start blooming in the grasslands and savannahs, especially visible in Southern Drakensberg. This season can get sweltering hot and has regular thunderstorms to look out for.
The winter months are very cold and it can be wet and windy, which makes it unpleasant for hiking activities. During this time, running from May to August, snow can appear on the high tops. It’s important to make sure that you’re properly equipped if you are hiking in the high mountains.
What to do
Main attractions
There’s nothing quite like hiking the Drakensberg mountains. Reach the summits and explore the valleys with these top hiking trails and reserves:
The Giant's Castle Reserve — In the central part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, this reserve boasts incredible San rock art and has various mapped trails along the Bushman’s River, the foothills of the Little Berg and Little Berg itself.
Monks Cowl Nature Reserve — Sitting between the Champagne Castle and Cathkin mountains, part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, this is an ideal place for hiking towering cliffs with majestic waterfalls.
Northern Drakensberg Hikes:
Tugela Falls — The highest waterfall in Africa, Tugela Falls can be reached via the Amphitheatre hike, a 2-day hike that is considered to be moderate to difficult but gives you the option to do a guided hike and rewards you with breathtaking views.
Chain Ladders Hike — This hike is only suitable for experienced walkers, starting off at the Sentinel car park and leading up to the 1.200 metre-high Amphitheatre cliff face set in Royal Natal National Park, only after scaling several ladders secured to the rock.
Rainbow Gorge Hike — This 2-hour, 5.5 km hike is not only famous for being the most scenic day hike in the Cathedral Peak section, but it’s also family-friendly with the bonus of passing through woodland to see a rainbow waterfall and prolific birdlife.
Activities
Apart from a plethora of activities like photography, fishing, swimming, rock climbing, horse riding, boating, and hot air ballooning, travellers can also enjoy some other favourites:
Hiking (a must)
There are plenty of Drakensberg hike trails to choose from — trails that take hikers up towards the peaks range from shorter walks to 3-day hikes and other multi-day hikes or guided hikes — even overnight hikes.
Mountain biking
With scenic routes of varying distances in the Underberg area, the strenuous rides of the Sani Pass, and even some lodges offering this activity, mountain bikers have a lot to choose from.
Rock art viewing
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting the largest collection of San paintings south of the Sahara. Visit the Bushman Cave Museum at Giant’s Castle to see some of the age-old art.
Ziplining
Zoom above the Drakensberg’s central indigenous forest with an exciting canopy tour as you move between platforms perched in trees and on cliff faces.
Did you know?
Rising more than 1.000 km, Drakensberg’s highest peak —Thabana Ntlenyana — is 3.482 m above sea level, which crowns it Southern Africa’s tallest mountain.
Wildlife & Safari
While the Drakensberg may not seem like a typical safari destination, it is full of amazing wildlife. Its rich biological diversity includes endemic and rare plant and animal species. The wildlife in Drakensberg visitors can look forward to include eland, reedbuck, oribi, grey rhebok, and wildebeest. Then, there are a few predators found in small numbers like — leopards, black-backed jackals, caracals, servals, clawless otters, mongoose and genets — as well as various species of reptiles and amphibians.
One of the highlights is the over 340 bird species, including raptors like the endangered Bearded Vulture, Cape Vulture, and Jackal Buzzard. Birders can take the Sani Pass drive to the top for sightings of numerous species that are usually found at a great height.
Where to stay
From lodges to self-catering units, the Drakensberg area offers a variety of sustainable stays for different budget ranges. Have a look at a stay that suits your needs:
Close to the hike action
Montusi Mountain Lodge
A splendid family-run stopover and hiker’s dream getaway, Montusi is situated between Johannesburg and Durban. The lodge is only 20 km from the Royal Natal National Park and overlooks the incredible Amphitheatre escarpment.
Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge
Witsieshoek is a warm, welcoming mountain getaway at the foot of Drakensberg’s Sentinel Peak. Situated in the Northern Drakensberg Mountain, guests can appreciate highlights like spotting endangered Bearded Vultures soaring up above or admiring the nearby Tugela Falls.
A short drive away from the mountain
Ama Casa Self Catering Cottages
Ama Casa is set in the Champagne Valley area, offering striking panoramic views of the Champagne and Cathkin Peaks. The Central Drakensberg area can be explored with horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, and hot air ballooning.
Close to Spioenkop Dam — a good stopover
Three Tree Hill Lodge
Nestled at the base of the mighty Drakensberg, the bespoke Three Tree Hill Lodge embodies the charm and relaxed atmosphere of its verdant surroundings, a fantastic base from which to explore the natural wonder of the area.
How to include the Drakensberg in your sustainable South African adventure
It’s recommended to choose one or two areas to spend time in, rather than trying to explore the entire mountain range. If you are visiting South Africa, the Drakensberg will ensure fantastic outdoor fun for all ages, whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or a family getaway.
Take a look at these KZN trips for inspiration and start planning:
2 Weeks of Exploring the Drakensberg Mountains, the East Coast & Protected Wilderness
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and majestic mountains that is the Drakensberg, combining it with top wildlife spots and pristine beaches.
KwaZulu-Natal in 12 Days: Best-for-Budget Mountains, Wetlands & Wildlife
Travel to the Drakensberg and discover the best of dazzling nature and diverse wildlife in between ocean adventures, bush safaris, and countryside charm.
City to Sea Luxury: KZN Mountain, Safari and Marine Splendour
First, explore the dramatic Drakensberg mountains, after which you can indulge in an unforgettable safari escape and explore coastlines with your fill of brilliant beach days.
To learn more about KZN and the other exciting, wild places it has to offer that will certainly cure your wanderlust, check out our Complete Guide to KZN.
Insider tips
Temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains, so make sure you’re prepared for the cold by packing a scarf, gloves, a hat, and a waterproof jacket.
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are recommended for crossing rocky trails and rivers.
Carefully stow away any food items to avoid luring baboons and vervet monkeys.
Download the AllTrails app to find more trail maps for hiking adventures.
Don’t forget to take a break from time to time to enjoy the scenery.
Seize the opportunity to explore the majestic mountains of the Drakensberg today. Are you ready for a mountainous adventure? Viatu can help you start your journey and plan the ultimate hike in the Drakensberg.
