Drakensberg Trek, South Africa
Explore one of South Africa’s most dramatic mountain ranges on this unforgettable guided trekking holiday. This small-group adventure over nine days, with a carefully paced journey through the Northern Drakensberg, combines comfortable lodge stays, mountain hiking, wild camping and incredible views across a UNESCO World Heritage, including the Amphitheatre, Tugela Falls and the Mnweni Valley .
If you are looking for a real mountain experience with expert local guides, spectacular scenery and the right balance of challenge and support, this is it .
The Drakensberg is one of the great hiking destinations in Africa, known for its dramatic cliffs, high escarpment, river valleys and rich natural heritage. This trek has been designed to give you the best possible mix of comfort, challenge and scenery, starting with relaxing lodge stays before building towards the more dramatic high-mountain section.
You’ll begin with two days of preparation and acclimatisation in the foothills before moving onto the escarpment, where you’ll camp above Tugela Falls and follow one of the most iconic trekking routes in South Africa.
The route is also well balanced for fitness and enjoyment, giving you time to acclimatise before the higher, steeper days. For walkers who want a memorable South Africa hiking holiday rather than just another holiday trek, this is a compelling option.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Johannesburg
Fly to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and get ready for the start of your Drakensberg adventure.
Day 2: Transfer to Montusi Mountain Lodge
Meet your driver at the airport and travel by luxury minibus to Montusi Mountain Lodge, where you’ll settle into comfortable accommodation with spectacular mountain views. The evening is a chance to relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for the days ahead.
Included: Transfer from the airport to Montusi Mountain Lodge
Conservation fee for the Drakensberg Nature Reserve & Witsieshoek
Accommodation: Montusi Mountain Lodge (twin room / double room) single supplements available on request.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Hike through the foothills
After breakfast, begin with a scenic 16km hike through the river valley and Drakensberg foothills to The Cavern Drakensberg Resort. This is a great warm-up day, with moderate terrain, 492m of ascent and superb views of the Amphitheatre and surrounding cliffs.
You’ll only carry a daypack, while the rest of your luggage is transferred ahead.
Included: Luggage transfer from Montusi to The Cavern
Accommodation: The Cavern (twin room / double room) single supplements available on request.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Hike to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Today’s route takes you deeper into the mountains, with a 12km hike and 1,043m of ascent through the sandstone cliffs behind The Cavern. Some scrambling is required, but the route follows established paths and is supported by experienced guides.
You’ll stay at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, which sits at 2,285m and offers superb views of Sentinel Peak and the Amphitheatre.
Included: Luggage transfer from The Cavern to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Accommodation: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge (twin room / double room) single supplements available on request.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5 to 8: Escarpment trek and wild camping
From Witsieshoek, transfer to the Sentinel Car Park and begin your high-level trek across the Drakensberg escarpment. The route starts with the famous chain ladders, then continues via Tugela Falls and along the escarpment edge towards the Mnweni Valley.
For four days you’ll wild camp in dramatic mountain locations, with the main luggage, food and tents carried by porters. This section covers around 48km and delivers some of the most dramatic scenery on the entire route.
Day 9: Celebration dinner at The Cavern
After your return, enjoy a shower, a proper rest and a celebratory dinner at The Cavern with the rest of the group. It’s the perfect chance to reflect on the trek and share the highlights.
Accommodation: The Cavern (twin room / double room) single supplements available on request.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Relaxation day
Spend the day recovering at The Cavern, with the option to book a treatment at Forest Retreat Spa or simply relax by the pool and enjoy the setting.
Accommodation: The Cavern (twin room / double room) single supplements available on request.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Return to Johannesburg
After breakfast, transfer back to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your flight home
Cost and payment plan*:
Total cost: £2,275 excluding return flights to Johannesburg.
Deposit on booking - £900.00
Monthly payment plan available.
Final balance to be paid four weeks before departure.
* All payments are non refundable
Please let us know of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can arrange with the local team
Group size:
Minimum = 2
Maximum = 10
Who is this trek for?
Anyone who has a good level of fitness, who are comfortable with long days, steep ascents and descents, and want to trek at altitude. It is mostly non-technical, there is the option of some scrambling. If you can comfortably walk for 6 to 7 hours a day and cope with several consecutive mountain days, you should be well prepared. A good level of fitness, resilience and a positive attitude will help you get the most from the trip.
A good training plan prior to your departure will help you prepare for the demands of the trail, ensuring you can enjoy the experience. WildDog Events can advise you on this.
What's included:
Pre-trip:
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Personalised pre-trip support, including kit advice.
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Trek training guide if requested.
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Public liability insurance and financial protection for your booking.
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Monthly payment plan.
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Risk assessment and emergency management planning.
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Airport transfers at the start and end of the trip.
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Local English-speaking guide and assistant guides.
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Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary.
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Meals as listed in the itinerary.
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Conservation and entry permits.
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Porter support during the escarpment section.
What's not included:
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International flights
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Travel insurance (mandatory) that covers trekking at over 3,000m and helicopter evacuations
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Activities not listed in the itinerary
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Visa costs, if applicable
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Vaccinations
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Personal spending money and drinks
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Meals and beverages not listed in the itinerary
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Snacks, electrolytes, water purification tablets
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Kit and equipment on the kit list
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Any personal medication
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Tips for the guide, assistant guide(s), porters, expedition crew, drivers & hotel staff
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Single room supplement where available
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Spa treatments
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Any associated costs if you leave the trek early.
Weather:
Late April, which is Autumn in the Southern hemisphere, is an excellent time to trek in the Drakensberg with warm sunny days and cooler nights. Night-time temperatures at altitude can drop significantly requiring layers and warm jackets as temperatures begin to transition towards winter months. Clear skies with very little light pollution make it perfect for star-gazing.
Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity, it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
The tap water at the lodges is suitable for drinking. On the hike you can drink from the rivers and streams and we would recommend using a re-usable purification bottle or filtration system. Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.
Altitude and safety
This trek reaches over 3,200m, so altitude awareness is important. Most trekkers cope well with the gradual ascent but some people may experience mild altitude symptoms such as headache, fatigue or shortness of breath.
Our leaders and crew are trained to monitor the group and provide support if needed. Safety always comes first, and the leader may slow the pace or adjust the plan if necessary.
Your questions answered
Is the Drakensberg trek difficult?
The trek is challenging but achievable for fit walkers with little mountain experience. The route includes long days, steep ascents, some scrambling and trekking at altitude, but it is not technical.
What is the best time to hike the Drakensberg?
Late April and early May offer pleasant autumn weather, warm days, cooler nights and generally good hiking conditions with reduced thunderstorm risk.
Do I need to carry all my kit?
No. Throughout the trek you only carry your daypack, with your water, snacks and any clothing you may need on the hike.. Porters carry your main bag, foof and tents.
What altitude does the trek reach?
3200m above sea level.
Is a visa required for South Africa?
No. A visa is not required for this trip.
What happens in an emergency?
Our Leaders and crew will have mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with the any emergencies. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media.
Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to suitable accommodation or nearby medical facility as required.
