Hi everyone,
I’m new to the forum. I’d love to know if any of you have hiked in the Drakensberg, as I’m thinking of signing up for a trekking trip there.
I’ve heard about the "Sentinel Ladders" to reach the top plateau of the Amphitheatre.
Has anyone here done it? Is it as impressive as it sounds (I sometimes get vertigo)?
Otherwise, what are your impressions of this part of South Africa and Lesotho?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Elisabeth
The Drakensberg is stunning, and so is Lesotho. The Drakensberg is more organized and easier to plan for.
For day hikes, there are two gorgeous ones in Kamberg, around Cathedral Peak and Champagne Castle too. Same in Royal Natal. And in Lesotho...
Basically, there are tons of spots with trails for all kinds of hikers. But watch out for the time of year—during the southern hemisphere summer, it can get devilishly hot, and in winter, the mountain conditions can be tough.
Just dropping a quick note. Not to add more for now, but so this post reappears in today’s list... surely there are some VFers with suggestions, come on!
Hi Michel85200, sorry for not replying sooner—I wasn’t home.
It’s a three-day self-sufficient hike with a guide (it’s an organized trip). Departure near Royal Natal, crossing the Amphitheatre via the ladders, hiking on the 3,000m plateau near the Tugela Falls, optional ascent of Mont-aux-Sources, and a hike along the Orange River. I was wondering if anyone has done this route before, especially the ladder crossing, which seems a bit dizzying, and could describe how it felt.
We want to do one or several hikes of max 8H on day 1 and 2
Hi there,
I recommend spending a night or two at Thendele (booking: www.kznwildlife.com/Tendele.html).
At reception, they’ll give you a list of possible hikes with walking times and a basic map.
List of hikes at Thendele: www.royalnatal.info/...-natal-national-park
From Thendele, two hikes are (in my opinion) worth checking out:
The Tugela Gorge is relatively easy (14 km and about 500 m elevation gain), and the end of the hike—especially the ladder and "tunnel"—is pretty fun. You’ll reach the base of the waterfall (Tugela Falls) #21.
A bit more challenging and more "impressive" (if you’re not afraid of heights and have sure footing): "The Crack and the Mudslides" (#14).
There are also plenty of short walks of an hour or two...
Another great hike—and the most beautiful—is the "Chain Ladder Hike" or "Sentinel Peak" starting from the "Sentinel Car Park," but it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Thendele! It’s better to stay at the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (that’s what we did) or at Phutaditjhaba (backpacker accommodation).
Unless you leave early from Thendele by car, like this couple did:
chouchou-chouchou.over-blog.com/...sberg-112860...
www.tripadvisor.fr/...haba_Free_State.html
For Lesotho, ask Attila, michel85200, or voyajou (among others) for advice.
From Sani Pass, there are easy hikes to the north and south, taking 2 to 4 hours, for incredible views from the top. Sani Top Backpackers is really great.
Otherwise, huge areas have burned, like everywhere in South Africa. So it’s not easy to choose hikes because the burned zones—or areas where it’s not ideal to trek—aren’t marked on maps or in descriptions. Only the rangers at the park entrances can give you advice.
I’m in the Drakensberg right now!
We’re heading to South Africa on 03/09, and I only recently found out that the country has been badly affected by wildfires.
I don’t know the exact extent of the fires, but I’m a bit disappointed I chose this time of year because it seems like this is a recurring issue, and strangely, almost no one on the forum is talking about it. I’ve even read several times that September is a recommended month to visit the eastern part of the country, especially for wildlife viewing.
What’s the situation in the Drakensberg? Have the landscapes been badly impacted by the fires?
We’ll be spending 2 nights in Didima and 2 nights in Thendele.
In South Africa, fires are generally set deliberately to prevent them from growing out of control—in parks, along roadsides, and in the countryside.
It’s an old practice, also known as slash-and-burn farming, now called *écobuage* (controlled burning).
These fires also affect the Drakensberg.
Not all fires are started at the same time or in the same places.
A few photos in my travel journal 1.
It’s never really bothered me.
Yes, September is often considered a great month for wildlife spotting because, with the first rains not yet arrived, the vegetation is dry, so visibility is better. Also, water sources are fewer, so animals gather in larger numbers.
For me, Lesotho is a destination in its own right. Just a "detour" through this country is extremely time-consuming.
Your hikes are too long for me... But you’ll find what you’re looking for in pretty much all the "reserves" in the Drakensberg.
How about checking out the KZN Wildlife website?
It's just grass, so wildfires aren't too serious here. Clearly, people here don't seem to care much.
But it's not very nice to look at, nor pleasant to walk through.
In Eswatini, there's just as much. In Lesotho, less.
It seems to me that a lot of people who write trip reports or reply on VF about South Africa are overly positive, and not just by 'forgetting' the scorched landscapes.
I just did two great day-loop hikes while camping at Castle Garden:
- Hidden Valley, ridge to the north and descent via Sleeping Beauty, quite long but easy
- Magnificent Valley, with a descent toward Pillar Caves, shorter and more adventurous
The advantage of hiking in the Drakensberg and elsewhere in Southern Africa this season is that there’s really NOBODY around. South Africa is the land of car tourism...
-
I wonder if February/March wouldn't have been a better time in terms of landscapes!
It’s definitely much more pleasant to travel at that time of year.
Not really an issue in South Africa for wildlife, which is always around, and the landscapes and temperatures are noticeably better.
Plus, it’s the ideal time for Cape Town.
July and August are only when you can’t do it any other time.
The only downside is the extreme heat in the Northern Cape.
Rain can ruin some days year-round.
the fact that no one mentions scorched landscapes during this period (September)
Simply because very few travelers have been there that month.
South Africa is like any other country—it’s all about the kind of travel you choose to do.
Some people don’t visit any wildlife reserves, others go mountain biking, and some even hike, though most prefer the classic routes.
A car is pretty much essential for exploring the country due to its limited public transport infrastructure and the fact that vast natural areas are often uninhabited and remote.
It’s even worse in Namibia or Botswana.
And France isn’t exactly well-equipped either...
You can’t be in a hurry if you want to explore the countryside without a car.
After Seoul, I’m back on the forum again 😏, to talk about Inwol in Jirisan. I’ve planned to stay there for 3 nights to hike the Jirisan Dulle-gil trail—two sections, partly... I’m really struggling to find accommodations in Inwol that are close to the trail. I know it’s early and not all options are listed yet, but even when I set dates closer together, it’s still not obvious... If you know the area, I’d love any tips! My whole itinerary depends on finding a place to stay...
I know there are plenty of discussions on VF about the Poon Hill trek, but most seem outdated and/or don’t provide info specific to February. That’s why I’m bringing this topic back up.
Here’s my plan:
- Spending about two weeks in Nepal in the first half of February.
- Maybe extending by a few days to a week if needed.
- Heading to Pokhara—first time for my partner, second for me (I was there in September/October 1982!).
- Doing a relatively easy 4- to 5-day trek. We’re not exactly spring chickens anymore (though we’re in pretty good shape for our age).
- We don’t want to go above 3,000–3,500 meters, deal with difficult sections if there’s too much snow, or face daytime temperatures below 10°C. No problem if it drops to 0–5°C at night since we’ll be sheltered somewhere.
So, I’m wondering if the Mardi Himal trek might be too demanding for us, and if we’d be better off sticking with Poon Hill.
What do the experts think?
I’m thinking of doing the O Circuit or the full W in Torres del Paine—I already did the W about ten years ago.
I’ve got a few questions:
- Do I really need to book everything well in advance?
- What’s the budget for overnight stays if I’ll have a tent and be on my own?
- What temperature rating should my sleeping bag have for comfort?
- Do I need any special gear for the hike? I’ve got low-cut shoes.
And finally, is there a place where I can leave my bike during the hike?
My partner, our daughter, and I are planning a walking trip to Madagascar in July-August 2027.
We’d love any tips or info you can share about this plan.
Which regions should we prioritize?
Is a local guide better than a well-established agency?
Where’s the best place to buy our flight tickets from Réunion?
Thanks for your input!
Following your recommendations, I’m starting this thread because I’m planning to do the Central Circuit in 5 days in the Rwenzori Mountains, aiming to reach Margherita Peak.
I’ve been in touch with Rwenzori Mountaineering Services, who’ve offered me a deal for $1300 with 2 guides, 1 cook, and 3 porters.
A bank transfer is required upfront.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this trek or others in these mountains.
Hi everyone, we’re traveling by bike, but the same question comes up for hiking: what simple products can we find in towns or villages to eat/cook and get enough nutrition for physical effort, all while keeping costs affordable? Otherwise, where can we find inexpensive dietary supplements? Since I’m on cortisone, I have to be careful about what I eat. Thanks in advance, Aichatou
We're planning to go at the end of November/beginning of December to visit (with a rental car) and hike on La Palma and El Hierro for 15 full days, including 1 day for inter-island ferry transfers. What’s the best split between the two islands—8 days on La Palma and 6 on El Hierro, or even more time for La Palma? Should we have one or two home bases on La Palma? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
Hi there,
We’re planning an 8-day backpacking trip on the island of São Nicolau. We’re torn between taking the boat from São Vicente or an inter-island flight. I’ve heard the boats don’t always run?
We’d like to make three homestay stops to travel in a star pattern from each of the three points.
First stop around Juncalinho, second stop near Cachaco, and finally a third leg near Tarrafal. We’re looking for simple but authentic guesthouses (no hotels). Any suggestions?
Thanks
Hello,
In mid-November, we’ll be in Mindelo and Santo Antão.
We’ve booked transportation with Kapverden Tours.
One trip is from Porto Novo to Ponta do Sol, including the hike from Corda to Coculi.
What’s the trail like?
Then we’ll be staying in Ponta do Sol,
Here’s what we’re planning:
A hike to Fontainhas—what’s the best direction, considering we’re not great with climbs? No problem with flat terrain or descents.
Take an aluguer to Ribeira Grande and continue along the coastal road.
With the agency:
An excursion to Cruzinha with a short walk.
Return to Porto Novo via the path from Cova to… I’m not sure where yet, to pick up the car for Porto Novo, since we’ll be taking the ferry that evening.
We’ll have a guide for this hike.
We’d love to spend a day in Tarrafal, but getting back requires a boat or taxi, and it’s really expensive!
We’re a couple, 78 and 76 years old.
What do you think of this itinerary?
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
Can anyone give me some info on this?
Thanks!
hi how can I get internet when I arrive at Haneda? I mean in areas without free wifi. Is it more interesting to buy a SIM card? If so, at the airport? thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning to cross the Gourgs Blancs Pass at the end of the month, from La Soula Refuge to Portillon Refuge. On this section near the pass, I don’t have any trail marked on my IGN map. Is the path well signposted, or should I use a compass?
Also, beyond the physical effort, are there any technical, exposed, or vertigo-inducing sections on this part?
Since I’m finding very little info, I’m being thorough with my questions.
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Not very well known: Hokkaido Island has national parks that rival those in North America. Hiking there is free (even many mountain huts) and requires no formalities. These treks are described in the LP *Hiking in Japan* guide—you can just buy the Hokkaido PDF. It’s way better than Mount Fuji. Of course, everything depends on the weather, which is very unstable in the Japanese mountains (frequent strong winds). The trails are often obstacle courses.
The Daisetsu Zan traverse is a stunning hike through volcanic terrain with a remote section in the middle that requires at least one night of camping (there are basic huts for the rest, which is popular with Japanese hikers): 4 to 6 days.
The Shiretoko traverse takes 2 days with views including an island in Russia, but the ridge is brown bear territory—there are even more here than in Denali National Park in Alaska (brown bears and grizzlies are the same). I ran into 7 in just 6 hours of hiking!
Hi everyone,
I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo.
I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):
Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them!
Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing?
General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge.
I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
