Drakensberg Hiking Overnight Hiking Overnight Hiking
Taylor-made Overnight Hikes
To truly experience the magic of the Drakensberg you have to spend at least one night in these mountains. Whether you want to do an easy hike to sleep in a cave and enjoy a swim in a mountain pool or you are seasoned hiker who wants to do a 7-day high traverse on top of the remote escarpment, there are many options to choose from.
For overnight hikes you need to carry a backpack with your own gear and your share of the group equipment, including food. For longer hikes in remote areas porters can be arranged on request.
Tell us what your requirements are and we will help you plan your hike.
Click here to have a look at our last overnight hikes.
The Drakensberg is a step-like mountain that is divided in 2 areas that are separated by the escarpment (the "step"): Little Berg and High Berg.
Little Berg Hikes
The Little Berg (certainly more little than the High Berg but not little by any means!) offers hiking for everybody, from beginners to the most experienced. One of the highlights is to spend a night in one of the many “caves”, which are really just deep overhangs in the sandstone layer of the Drakensberg. The more common hikes involve a circular route of 3 days/2 nights.
Click here to have a look at our last hikes in the Little Berg.
Or check out our most popular hikes in the Little Berg:
High Berg Hikes
For the fit and the experienced the High Berg offers world-class hiking. At an average height of 3000m the views are some of the best in the whole of Africa. Your need at least 3 days and nights are usually spent in tents although caves are also available in some instances. The weather can be unpredictable, so your gear must be of the highest standard.
Click here to have a look at our last hikes in the High Berg.
Or check out our most popular hikes in the High Berg:
The Giants Cup Trail (5/4/3 days) - Overview
The Giants Cup trail is the only established trail in the Drakensberg. It is 60km in length and is normally completed in 5 days, staying in 4 different mountain huts. They are rustic but 3 are equipped with the luxury of hot showers! This is an ideal hike for beginners.
Click here to have a look at our last guided Giants Cup Trail
The Giants Cup Trail runs southwards along the foothills of the southern Drakensberg from Sani Pass to Bushman's Nek through 3 different areas: Cobham, Garden Castle and Bushman’s Nek.
The path is clearly marked except for some points where extra attention is required. A hiking map of the area is indispensable. It can be self-guided but the company of knowledgeable professional mountain guide is invaluable.Route Overview
Area: Cobham, Garden Castle and Bushman’s Nek
Distance: 60km
Days: 5 days / 4 nights
Grade: 3/5
Mafadi - SA's Highest Peak (4 days) - Overview
Mafadi, at 3450m above sea level, is the highest peak in South Africa. A big dome several hundred of metres away from the edge escarpment, its ascent doesn’t require any technical skill but a high standard of physical fitness and gear. This 4-day/3-night hike with great caves and incredible views is a thrilling adventure into one of the most remote areas of the high berg.
Click here to have a look at our last hike to Mafadi.
This hike can only be attempted by those with extended hiking experience, with high level of fitness and high standard of gear. Be prepared to carry a 15 - 25kg backpack. Alternatively, porters can be arranged on request.
Route Overview
Area: Injisuthi
Distance: 48 km
Days: 4 days / 3 nights
Grade: 4.5/5 (self-sufficient) - 3.5/5 (portered)
The Mini Traverse (5 days) - Overview
The high traverse of the northern Drakensberg is one of the most popular hikes on the High Berg as this is arguably, the most spectacular section of the whole range. From the beginning to the end this hike is full of memorable views. The descent to the Cathedral Peak Hotel via the Bell Traverse is without a doubt the most remarkable day you can have in these mountains.
Click here to have a look at our last Mini Traverse.
This hike can only be attempted by those with extended hiking experience, with high level of fitness and high standard of gear. Be prepared to carry a 15 - 25kg backpack. Alternatively, porters can be arranged on request.
Route Overview
Area: Amphitheatre, Mnweni and Cathedral Peak
Distance: 72 km
Days: 5 days / 4 nights
Grade: 4.5/5 (self-sufficient) - 3.5/5 (portered)
The Bell Traverse (3 days) - Overview
The Bell Traverse is the ultimate hiking experience in the Drakensberg. This 3-day hike must rank high among the best hikes in the world. Dramatic views, spear-like peaks, precarious rock traverses, fascinating caves...This is not for the faint-hearted but for the very experienced hiker with a head for heights.
Click here to have a look at our last Bell Traverse.
This hike can only be attempted by those with extended hiking experience, high level of fitness and standard of gear. Be prepared to carry a 15-20kg backpack. Alternatively, porters can be arranged on request.
Route Overview
Area: Cathedral Peak
Distance: 42 km
Days: 3 days / 2 nights
Grade: 4.5/5 (self-sufficient) - 3.5/5 (portered)
Champagne Castle Peak (3 days) - Overview
Champagne Castle Peak at 3377m is the third highest point in South Africa. Without technical difficulties all you need for this hike is a good physical condition, a head for heights and an appeal for adventure. It is an exhilarating hiking experience with great views!
This hike can only be attempted by those with extended hiking experience, a high level of fitness and standard of gear. Be prepared to carry a 15-20kg backpack. Alternatively, porters can be arranged on request.
Route Overview
Area: Monk’s Cowl
Distance: 45 km
Days: 3 days / 2 nights
Grade: 4.5/5 (self-sufficient) - 3.5/5 (portered)
The Giants Cup trail is the only established trail in the Drakensberg. It is 60km in length and is normally completed in 5 days, staying in 4 different mountain huts. They are rustic but 3 are equipped with the luxury of hot showers! This is an ideal hike for beginners.
Click here to have a look at our last Giants Cup Trail
The high traverse of the northern Drakensberg is one of the most popular hikes on the High Berg as this is arguably, the most spectacular section of the whole range. From the beginning to the end this hike is full of memorable views. The descent to the Cathedral Peak Hotel via the Bell Traverse is without a doubt the most remarkable day you can have in these mountains.
Click here to have a look at our last Mini Traverse.
The Giants Cup Trail (5/4/3 days) - Route Description
Route Description
For each day we give the following information: (Distance, walking time*)
*Walking time includes rests.
Day 1: Pholela Hut (13.3km, 6h)
The starting point is at the bottom of the famous Sani Pass, the highest mountain pass in South Africa. The Ngenwa pool is a great spot for lunch and a refreshing swim. If the weather is miserable there is a rock shelter a little further along the way. After this the trail ascends around Ndlovini Hill and down to the Pholela valley, crossing a suspension bridge to the Pholela Hut. The Pholela Hut is one of the original farmhouses. Hot showers are available.
Day 2: Mzimkhulwana Hut (9km, 4h)
This is the shortest day and a good day to explore the surroundings or laze around the natural pool close to the hut.
It’s a long climb past Tortoise Rocks before dropping into the Mzimkhulwana valley. Bathplug cave is a lovely lunch spot, named after a hole in the cave where the water disappears.
The Mzimkhulwana Hut is the most remote of all, a quaint cottage with hot showers.
Day 3: Winterhoek Hut (12.2km, 5h 30’)
After crossing the suspension bridge below the hut the trail climbs quite steeply towards Little Bamboo Mountain. The gradient finally eases below the mountain where blue cranes frequent the area around Crane Tarn on the grassy plateau. On the way down to the Mzimkhulu Valley, time is made for a swim and lunch at the beautiful Boulder Pool.
The path follows the Garden Castle sealed road for 1 km before going over a farm fence. Winterhoek Camp is a group of thatched bungalows shaded by oak trees below the Garden Castle, the mountain after which the area is named. Cold showers only.
Day 4: Swiman Hut (12.8km, 6h)
The climb up the slopes of Garden Castle to Black Eagle Pass is the most challenging section of the hike. There are few streams flowing along the way, especially in the dry season, so sufficient water needs to be carried from the top of the pass the trail levels off. Below lies the valleys of Mzimkhulu and Mlabonja, the serpentine meanders to the left past the ox-box lakes of the Mzimude. The massive wall of the escarpment with the ever-present Rhino Peak provides an incredible backdrop to this overnight spot.
The Swiman hut is situated here. Hot showers are available.
Day 5: Bushman’s Nek Camp (12km, 5h)
After crossing the Mzimude River via a suspension bridge, the trail climbs steeply to Langalibalele cave where faint Bushmen paintings can be seen. The cave is located on a low rock band and is partially blocked by a collapsed chunk of rock. It is a good lunch spot and is the last water point.
From the cave is a short climb to a level valley before the final long and steep descent to the Bushman’s Nek Camp.You don’t have 5 days?
The hike can be both shortened. For example, day 5 can be skipped to make it a 4-day or if you skipped day 1 too it is then a 3-day hike.
If you are very fit, there is the option of doing the whole route in fewer days. For example, day 2 and 3 can be done in 1 day.
Either way we can advise you what is best for your time available.Mafadi - SA's Highest Peak (4 days) - Route Description
Route Description
Note: The following itinerary should be seen only as a guide, as when hiking in any mountain area, weather and other circumstances can change our daily plans.
For each day we give the following information: (Distance, accumulated ascent, walking time*)
*Walking time includes rests.
Day 1: Injisuthi Camp – Centenary Hut (10.5km, 820m, 6-7h)
Through the beautiful lush wooden gorges of the Injisuthi valley we head into the mountains. Upon entering an overgrown valley the going gets harder with a little bundu-bashing before the final climb to the hut. As we progress up the ridge and gain altitude we leave behind the thick vegetation and reach the typical afro-montane grasslands of the Little Berg. The overnight hut is situated beneath the massive basalt walls of the escarpment. Unfortunately, it is been vandalised and it’s of little use these days, however it is a great spot to pitch your tent though.
Day 2: Centenary Hut – Injisuthi Summit Cave (13km, 1030m,7-8h)
This is a long day up one of the steep passes of the Drakensberg to the top of the escarpment. But hard work is rewarded with a bird’s-eye views from one of the biggest “balconies” in the world. From the top of the pass we have a long climb to Injisuthi Summit Cave, at 3300m the highest cave in the Drakensberg. A deep fine shelter in a hanging valley, it overlooks 3 standalone basalt spears known as Injisuthi Triplets. The sunrise from here is one the major highlights of this hike.
Day 3: Injisuthi Cave – Mafadi – Bottom of Leslie’s Pass (14.5km, 150m, 6-7h)
Mafadi is right behind the cave, an hour walk away. After pictures are taken on the roof of South Africa we start the long descent to the bottom of Leslie’s Pass. We follow the edge of the escarpment all the way to head of the pass with unforgettable views of the Triplets, the Lesser and the Greater Injisuthi Buttresses, and all the way to Cathkin Peak. The pass is steep and rocky, and maximum care is needed. Our campsite is a cosy spot by the river.
Day 4: Bottom Leslies Pass – Injisuthi Camp (10km, 200m, 6-7h)
A 3km pathless and overgrown section tests our patience but we will be rewarded as we arrive at the beautiful Marble Baths where an invigorating plunge into the icy pools is an option! The final 7km back to Injisuthi camp are an easy riverside meander back dropped by fabulous views of Injisuthi peak.
