HIKING - DRAKENSBERG HIGHLIGHTS
adventure
for the brave and not so brave...
more
info on adventure...
Drakensberg
Highlights
DRAKENSBERG HIGHLIGHTS
Drakensberg
~ The Dragon Mountains – the most widely known name for
this mountain range.
The Zulu’s have the most romantic name of Ukhahlamba –
the Barrier of Spears.
The Basotho people know them as the Dilomo tsa Natala –
the Cliffs of Natal.
This itinerary is flexible and should be seen as a guide only.
As with all travel in mountain areas, weather and local conditions
can lead to changes in our daily plans. B,L,D refers to meals
included in the trip cost, i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner. Other
meals and all drinks are for your own expense.
ITINERARY
Day 1: We pick you up in Durban, and drive up to the Northern
Drakensberg. The second day will give you an opportunity to experience
the plateau of the high Drakensberg. We will be staying at the
Witsieshoek Mountain Resort, in Qwa Qwa, to acclimatise. Accommodation
will be in the resort. Chalets (D)
Day 2: This is our first exciting encounter with the Drakensberg
where the Tugela river drops sheer off the escarpment, the world's
second highest waterfall. We follow the Sentinel Trail underneath
immense cliffs towards the summit plateau of the Amphitheatre,
the final section gained with the help of a 100ft steel ladder
pitch (very solid) - exciting though! Once reaching the plateau
we head off to Mont-aux-Sources – the source of four
main rivers in South Africa. A 3km walk from here will take us
to the Tugela falls, where the river tumbles dramatically into
the Tugela gorge & where we have lunch. We then make our way
back down to the car park and onto the resort for the night. Chalets
(B,L,D)
Day 3: This morning after an early breakfast we do an easy walk
from the resort down into the Royal Natal Nature Reserve where
we will be picked up by vehicle and then drive on to the central
Drakensberg and the Cathedral Peak Hotel. After enjoying lunch
on the terrace, we have the option to do the Rainbow Gorge walk.
This short walk is the most picturesque short hike in the area
and a photographer’s delight. Coloured fungi and lichens,
mosses and ferns in the forest, and the many pools, rapids and
falls along the Ndumeni river, will keep you enthralled for hours.
In the gorge itself, the path follows the river where filtered
light throws spectra of colour on the soft veils of spray. Hotel
(B,D)
Day 4: This morning after an early breakfast, we will hike to
the top of Cathedral Peak (3004m). It is a long day with high
walking up a series of open ridges. The final section (200m) is
exposed and involves some moderate scrambling and is not for the
fainthearted. There is also a small ladder pitch before reaching
the summit. It is well worth the effort, but you must make your
own decision and may choose to remain at the Col, which is a fine
vantage point in its own right. Cathedral Peak is one of the major
freestanding Drakensberg peaks and is visible from a great distance.
A big day, and a definite highlight of the trip. (9 – 11
hours). Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 5: This morning we have a relaxing morning at the hotel enjoying
the magnificent views. After tea we drive around to the Champagne
Valley and check-in at the Champagne Castle Hotel before enjoying
lunch in the dining room. The rest of the afternoon can be spent
around the pool at the Hotel or enjoying a short walk to view
some bushman paintings on the property. (B,L,D)
Day 6 & 7: This morning after an early breakfast, we will
hike to the Keith Bush camp. This is a 15km walk through to a
secluded valley and places us at a position that will make the
hike to the top of Champagne Castle more attainable. We will overnight
out in geodesic dome tents. Tents (B,L,D) After an early breakfast
we leave to hike to the top of Champagne Castle (3246m). Today’s
walk will include Greys Pass, which is a steep 2.5km hike and
then we reach the plateau and head off to the top of the peak.
Lunch will be enjoyed with the magnificent view spreading out
below us. After lunch we head off the escarpment and back to Keith
Bush camp for the night. Tents (B,L,D)
Day 8: This morning after breakfast we break camp, and then head
off to conquer either Sterkhorn (2973m) or Gatberg (2408m) on
our way back down to the hotel. After a good couple of days out
in the Drakensberg wilderness a hot shower, good food and celebratory
drink are most welcome. Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9: This morning after breakfast, we drive you back to Durban.
Accommodation
on overnight hike will be in Geodesic dome tents and all food
is provided. Backpacks of approximately 8kg will need to be carried
by each participant. Porters will carry the bulk of your gear,
but you will be required to carry your own clothes, snacks and
some of the food. Packs, sleeping bags and sleeping pads can be
hired. You will require a backpack of a minimum 65L size. This
is a strenuous trip and a good level of fitness is required.
Transport
Transport will be provided.
Fitness
A good level of fitness is required and you need to be able to
hike with a backpack sustained for 3 days. Your backpack weight
is likely to be about 8kgs and will need to be at least 65L. Porters
will carry the bulk of your equipment.
Medical
The guides leading the trip are medically trained to be able to
deal with any problems along the way.
Guides
Your guides have been registered with the Department of Environmental
Affairs & Tourism, so you can be sure of a great trip.
Cost structure – due to the need for a
vehicle transfer this trip is a fully guided trip with transport
provided.
The accommodation options at Cathedral Peak Hotel and Champagne
Castle Hotel give the options below. Witsieshoek Resort only has
one option for accommodation.
|
Standard |
Deluxe
|
Executive |
2
pax |
R
25 000 |
R
25 500 |
R
26 250 |
4
pax |
R
17 750 |
R
18 250 |
R 18 950 |
6
pax |
R
14 250 |
R
14 750 |
R
15 500 |
The Single Supplement is 50% on to the above costs.
The above costs are quoted in South African Rands and are per
person and are valid to 31st October 2007.
