7-day Drakensberg Grand Traverse

A breath-taking traverse of the Drakensberg mountains from the north to south.

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Immerse yourself in a true mountain wilderness experience, on this multi day hike. Roughly 220km, this hike makes its way through the impressive and ancient Drakensberg mountains in South Africa and the neighbouring country of Lesotho. Encounters with Basotho herdsmen, their sheep and goats and the chance to catch a glimpse of the endangered Bearded Vulture nesting on the cliffs of the escarpment make this hike something truly special.

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Summit  6 Peaks

1. Mont Aux Sources, 3282m (the source of Kwazulu-Natal’s Tugela river)

2. Cleft peak, 3277m (“Thaba Chitja”)

3. Champagne Castle, 3377m

4. Mafadi, 3450m (The highest point in South Africa)

5. Giants Castle, 3314m

6. Thabana Ntlenyana, 3482m  (In Lesotho, the highest point in Southern Africa)

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This hike usually requires 14 days in the mountains including a food resupply - but can be done in 7 days for those of a slightly above average level of fitness, with no resupply required. This hike is for those who wish to experience nature in all its raw and wild beauty. Immerse yourself in the big mountains, sleeping in tents and caves (when we can!) and dodging thunder storms.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at King Shaka airport and travel to Witsieshoek (4 hour drive)

Day 2: Depart Sentinel Car Park, ascend via Chain Ladders to the escarpment. and summit Mont-aux-Sources. Night 1: In tents near Fangs / Mweni Area.

Day 3: Pass Cathedral Peak promontory. Summit Cleft Peak and descend to Organ Pipes neck. Night 2: In Rolands / Ndumeni Cave.

Day 4: Summit Champagne Castle and Mafadi. Night 3: In Upper Injisuthi Cave on the flanks of Mafadi.

Day 5: Traverse from Mafadi to near Giant’s Castle. Night 4: In tents near Giant’s Castle.

Day 6: Summit Giant’s Castle (sunrise) and Thabana Ntlenyana. Night 5: Between Thabana Ntlenyana and Sani Pass Road.

Day 7: Cross over Sani Pass Road, numerous ascents including the famous Wilsons Wall. Night 6: In Mzimudi Cave.

Day 8: Descend via Thomathu / Isicatula Passes to Bushman’s Nek Border Post.

Day 9: Recovery day at Bushmen's Nek resort.

Day 10: Travel to King Shaka airport and depart.