Hiking in the Drakensberg (page 1 of 2)

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

Hi,

Hiking—is that a day hike or a multi-day trek?

What time of year are you traveling?

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.

Departure in mid-November.

I’m still not entirely decided.

See you soon. Elisabeth

Hi,

Yeah, I think it's amazing!

The simple hike in this area already is, but it's even cooler. Also worth noting there are horseback rides +++.

Hi, Michel85200, sorry for not replying sooner—I wasn’t home.

No worries! 😉

Hi there,

We're looking for advice about the Drakensberg region and Lesotho.

Just to let you know, we'll be leaving St Lucia on the morning of Day 1 to head toward Drakensberg.

We'd like to do one or more hikes of up to 8 hours max on Day 1 and Day 2, but we're wondering if it's worth going to Lesotho.

What are your tips? Thanks

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!

Hi Pierre,

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.

Thanks in advance for any fresh info.

Have a good evening

Hi,

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.

Hi there,

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.

Thanks Michel.

I’ll take a look at the travel journal for an idea 😉 And I’m crossing my fingers for a little rain before we arrive

Have a good evening

Thanks Pierre.

What surprises me is that no one mentions scorched landscapes at this time of year (September).

I’m wondering if February/March might’ve been a better time for scenery!

Have a good evening

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... -

Hi

I just did two great day-loop hikes while camping at Castle Garden

Just FYI Is this the right place? (Garden Castle?): www.kznwildlife.com/Garden%20Castle.html

Yes, sorry, my mistake—Garden Castle, not Castle Garden. There’s a daily minibus taxi from Underberg at 1 p.m.

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 the country for road-tripping

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.