Consistently one of our more popular African tours, this South African walkers’ paradise makes clear why the world is so beautiful on foot.
The Drakensberg Mountains stretch for over 120 miles separating the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa and the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. From the northern basalt cliffs to the southern sandstone buttresses, the ‘uKahlamba’ or Barrier of Spears, offers some of Africa’s most spectacular walking. Recently awarded World Heritage Site status, its dramatic vistas are complemented by the sheer volume of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birdlife.
Rising high above the veld, the Drakensberg, which translates as ‘Dragon Mountain,’ forms an imposing, dramatic and quintessentially South African scene which we explore on foot. We are based in the Central Drakensberg region and Royal Natal National Park on this twin centre trip, offering you the best of the very best.
Our first week is spent in Cathedral Peak Hotel in the Central Drakensberg region. Cathedral Peak nestles into the hillside and is one of our favourite hotels. It is a small ‘oasis’ surrounded by stunning scenery and walks can begin directly from the hotel, before heading into the surrounding peaks and hills to the Doreen Falls, Neptune Pools and Rainbow Gorge. At least 121 bird species reside here.
Our second week is spent in Cavern Berg Resort and the Royal Natal National Park region, here we walk amongst indigenous forests and incredibly dramatic scenery. Walks have evocative names such as ‘Camel’s Hump via Cannibal Cavern’ and ‘The Silent Woman via Jackal Ridge’. We spend time in Royal Natal National Park where the San Bushmen have lived for over 5000 years, we will observe their ancient rock paintings on our walks. This tour sets the bar very high!
On a couple of the days, the walks may be nearer a grade 7. However, there are alternative walks for those who do not wish to participate at this level.
THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS & ZULULAND SAFARI EXTENSION*
From 2021; for those looking to extend your stay, you can now enjoy The Drakensberg Mountains tour with a Zululand wildlife safari extension. After you have explored the best of Africa’s walking trails, you can also enjoy the wildlife that makes the continent so appealing and diverse. A perfect way to round off an incredible walking experience with the chance to see the Big Five animals – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard.