Drakensberg in August: is it the right time? (page 1 of 4)

Hi there, We’re heading to South Africa in August 2025 and planning a classic loop that I’d love to finish with the Drakensberg (I’m a big hiking fan) before returning to Johannesburg to catch our flight. I’ve got 3 nights for this part of our trip. But I’m wondering if it’s actually a good idea to hike in the Drakensberg in August, since it’s the Southern Hemisphere winter (I’m from Réunion and we hike year-round there, but I don’t know what the climate’s like in South Africa, especially the Drakensberg). I’m particularly worried about getting stuck because of snow and missing our flight... ;) I’ve read so many different things that I’m totally confused! If it’s okay to hike at this time of year, what would you recommend? I’m torn between Champagne Valley and Royal Natal National Park. Thanks in advance for your firsthand tips! Malijp

Hello,

The closer we get to spring, the less likely snow becomes.

In August, you should be fine. That said, it won’t be warm either.

Well, normally. I’ve had nearly 40°C in August in Kruger before, which is definitely not the usual range! !

Thanks for your reply, that reassures me a bit! What spots would you recommend in the Drakensberg, given we have three nights and thus two full days there before heading back to Johannesburg? Thanks in advance for your tips! Malijp

The Drakensberg hiking pro is Michel85200. 😉

If you're heading back to Joburg afterward, the central-north/northern part might be more suitable: Didima, Cathedral Peak, Royal Natal, Golden Gate...

Watch out for Golden Gate—the mountain lodge is at high altitude. The view is absolutely stunning, but it’s probably pretty cold there at this time of year.

At the end of this travel journal (steps 17 and beyond), you’ll find some ideas for Golden Gate, and in this one, more about Royal Natal and Didima (steps 16 and beyond).

Thanks Attila for your reply, I’ll check out your travel journal! Have a good evening. Malijp

Hi there, Ms. Atila knows more than I do about the Drakensberg, but she’s modest. The weather: Usually, it’s cold but sunny. Cold at night but mild during the day. Watch out for sunburn!!!! That said, this year there was a lot of snow in September, so who knows! Personally, I’d aim for the northern Drakensberg. As mentioned, Golden Gate—the accommodation at the top is just stunning, but it can get *really* freeeezing.

And for hikes, the Royal Natal National Park (RNNP) is more rewarding. So, yeah… I vote RNNP, Upper Camp! I’ve got notes in my travel journals: An old one about GG, And the latest about RNNP. Ndlelanhle !

Hi there, Playful as I am, I’d say the hiking pro Especially in SA Is Djalma !

Thanks Attila for link #1! I finally found the link to the second travel journal too after digging through all the travel journals you’ve written (took me a while 😛). I’m going to look into doing a mix of Didima and Royal Natal NP like you did! Golden Gate looks great, but it’d add too many extra kilometers to my already packed route! At Royal Natal, did you stay at Thendele Upper Camp? Everyone’s recommending it, but I’m worried about snow blocking the way back to the airport since we’re ending our trip there... Have a great evening, and thanks for the tips and travel journals! Malijp

Thanks Michel for the tips, As I mentioned in my reply to Atila, staying at Thendele Upper Camp in Royal Natal makes me worry I might get stuck there if it snows. So I’m looking (maybe wrongly—let me know!) at places a bit farther away (Hlalanathi Berg Resort, Tower of Pizza, or even Border Post BB).

I’ve already read your travel journals with great pleasure, just like Atila’s *South Africa: Return to My Roots* (and since there are so many others, I’ll go gather some extra info from them!)

Thanks for sharing your experiences and travel stories! Malijp

It won’t make much of a difference. The upper camp isn’t at a summit— it’s just a tad higher.

Ok. Got it. Thanks Michel!

Did you stay at Thendele upper camp at Royal Natal?

Yes. As Michel mentioned, it’s pretty much at the same altitude as the lower camp.

Nothing that’ll make a big difference. 😉

You could maybe sleep closer to the highway just the last night and stay at Thendele the night before.

I'm actually torn between staying at Thendele Camp or outside the park at Hlalanati Berg Resort or even further away. But your suggestion makes total sense! Thanks!! Malijp

Hi Marie,

I agree with the previous opinions and the choice of Royal Natal (closer to JNB, slightly lower average altitude). The chance of being stuck in the region due to heavy snowfall is very low. What time does your flight depart? However, there are two weather-related risks to keep an eye on. The first is the presence of Attila, aka La Niña 😉, and the second is when Michel starts singing a Zulu song in the Amphitheatre 😉. P.S. The days will be short, so it’s worth booking comfortable accommodation.

Personally, I don’t hesitate. The view from Thendele…

Hi Voyajou! What do you think of when you talk about comfortable accommodation... Do you have an address in Royal Natal? We take off at 11:45 PM! We’ll have plenty of time! 😏 But I want to get to the airport before nightfall (following the advice I’ve read everywhere about safety concerns) and stop somewhere to wash the car (where can you do that, by the way?). So, in my mind (which might not be the best plan—I’m open to your tips), I’d like to be in Johannesburg by early afternoon, mid-afternoon at the latest. For the weather to watch: Are Atila and Michel planning to travel around South Africa this August? 😉 A Zulu song at the foot of the Amphitheatre must be worth the detour! Malijp

Hi there, It’s certain— If I sing in Zulu or another language, You’ll need to plan ahead: Rain, Snow, Fog. See you! !

No, no trip to South Africa this summer! 😉

If you're heading there at this time of year, You’ve got plenty of time! Voyajou probably has some addresses, but Thendele is a really beautiful chalet. Waking up to the amphitheater with or without singing, Enjoying the sunset With or without a song… It’s really lovely

Thendele then... But do they have good fireplaces? Did you try it in August, Michel? We're from Réunion, so the really cold weather isn't something we're used to! At 8°C in the evening in Mafate, I'm wrapped up like the Michelin Man! Another question: my partner isn't too keen (and to be honest, neither am I) on hiking on our own in Africa (snakes and other unfriendly critters). He's okay with it, but only with a guide. So, are there guides in the Drakensberg? I'd like to hike in Blyde Canyon (Leopard Trail or something else), with a guide or without—what do you think? Malijp