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Johannesburg

HIKING THE DRAKENSBERG GRAND TRAVERSE TREK - SOUTH AFRICA

Hiking

Categoria

12 giorni

Durata

Avanzato

Esperienza

Intenso

Fitness

Da 1 a 8

Partecipanti

Cosa farai

This 12-day adventure traverses the rugged Drakensberg range from Sentinel to Bushman’s Nek. Hike past waterfalls, summits, and remote valleys, camp in breathtaking wilderness, and experience Lesotho’s highlands. A true expedition through Southern Africa’s most iconic mountain landscapes.

Itinerario

Today is a preparation day. We’ll use this time to finalize packing, set expectations for the trek, and go over essential information about weather, safety, and the trail ahead.
Begin your trek from Sentinel Car Park with a challenging ascent up the Chain Ladders to reach the escarpment. A brief detour to Tugela Falls— the world’s second-highest waterfall— is highly recommended. From there, continue the climb to Mont-aux-Sources (3,282 m), gaining about 750 m in elevation over the first 8 km. Descend to the Kubedu River and cross a series of ridges towards the valley below Fangs Pass. Given the strenuous start, it's acceptable to camp around the 18 km mark and make up the distance on the following, easier day. Time: ~7–8 hrs | Length: 22.8 km / 14.2 mi | Elevation gain: 1,291 m up / 4,236 ft
Cross a high ridge from Fangs and descend into the Hanging Valleys. Climb again to a ridge overlooking the Mnweni Cutback and the Senqu plains. A 5.5 km detour rewards you with dramatic views of the Mnweni Pinnacles, Mnweni Needles, and Mponjwane Tower. Take a break at the confluence of the Senqu and Koakoatsan Rivers before heading up the Koakoatsan Valley. Aim to progress as far as possible to ease the next day’s climb. Time: ~6–7 hrs | Length: 22.2 km / 13.8 mi | Elevation gain: 767 m up / 2,516 ft
Start by crossing into the Cathedral Peak area via the Bell Traverse. Optional detours offer stunning views from Elephant’s Head. Ascend to Cleft Peak (3,277 m) for panoramic views of the Column and Pyramid before descending past Thuthumi Pass to Windsor Castle. Use this easier day to cover more ground in preparation for the next challenging stretch. Time: ~8–9 hrs | Length: 27.1 km / 16.8 mi | Elevation gain: 1,305 m up / 4,281 ft
Climb steadily through the valley beyond Yodler’s Cascades, crossing higher terrain toward Champagne Castle (3,377 m). Continue past Ship’s Prow Pass and descend to scenic riverside campsites. This day involves a major ascent but offers spectacular vistas and a peaceful campsite. Time: ~7–8 hrs | Length: 22.2 km / 13.8 mi | Elevation gain: 1,460 m up / 4,790 ft
Enjoy a relatively relaxed day with less climbing. Summit Mafadi (3,450 m), the highest peak in South Africa, before descending into the Jarateng River Valley, now entering Lesotho. Explore the traditional stone kraals and interact with Basotho shepherds before setting up camp. Time: ~6–7 hrs | Length: 22.2 km / 13.8 mi | Elevation gain: 681 m up / 2,234 ft
Begin with a gentle climb to Giant’s Castle Pass. An optional side trip to summit Giant’s Castle (3,315 m) is highly rewarding. Descend via Lotheni Pass to campsites with beautiful views and ample space. Time: ~7–8 hrs | Length: 23.8 km / 14.8 mi | Elevation gain: 1,018 m up / 3,340 ft
Climb toward Ka-Masihlenga Pass and summit Redi Peak (3,309 m). Descend past Hlatimba Caves and around Lamunram Peak to reach campsites near Mkhomazi Pass. If energy allows, consider summiting Thaba Ntlenyana— an 8 km detour with 650 m ascent. Time: ~6–7 hrs | Length: 21.3 km / 13.2 mi | Elevation gain: 794 m up / 2,605 ft
Ascend the Mohlesi River Valley to summit Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest point in Southern Africa. Descend to the Sehonghong River and climb to a ridge above the Sani Pass road. Make your final descent to the Pitsaneng River, with optional extension to Sandleni Pinnacle for scenic camping. Time: ~8–9 hrs | Length: 26.4 km / 16.4 mi | Elevation gain: 1,211 m up / 3,973 ft
Traverse the area around Sandleni Pinnacle to reach No Man’s Peak. Descend past Mzimkhulu Pass and cross a final ridge to Mashai Pass. End the day near the Leqooa River, with Mzimude Caves nearby for optional exploration. Time: ~6–7 hrs | Length: 21.3 km / 13.2 mi | Elevation gain: 1,025 m up / 3,363 ft
Celebrate your final day with a short climb to Isicatula Pass, followed by a gentle descent via Thamathu Pass. Cross the last river and arrive at Bushman’s Nek Border Post, where your journey concludes with well-earned rest and a celebratory meal. Time: ~5–6 hrs | Length: 20.7 km / 12.9 mi | Elevation gain: 468 m up / 1,535 ft
Return journey begins. Time to rest and reflect on the unforgettable Drakensberg Traverse you’ve completed.

Cose importanti

Dalle vette più alte ai sentieri più nascosti, vi copriamo le spalle

Una volta prenotato, il viaggio è garantito, consentendovi di prenotare i vostri voli in tutta tranquillità.

Volete cambiare la data di partenza o il viaggio? Nessun problema: godete della massima flessibilità per apportare modifiche fino a 60 giorni prima della partenza.

Viaggiare in tutta tranquillità. Il nostro pacchetto assicurativo copre gli infortuni e i soccorsi durante le attività all'aperto, le spese mediche e la protezione del bagaglio, oltre all'annullamento del viaggio e all'assistenza medica 24/7 da parte del nostro partner assicurativo.

per saperne di più su Come funziona

Cosa è incluso

Assicurazione infortuni
Assicurazione medica e bagagli
Assicurazione contro l'annullamento del viaggio
Qualified mountain guide and wilderness first responder plus assistants
Return transfers from Johannesburg
3 meals a day on the mountain
2 nights hotel accommodation ( breakfast and dinner included )
10 days/9 nights trekking in the mountains
Porters to carry food and tents
All hiking permits, park fees and local taxes
Certificate of Completion for the Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Dad Jokes to keep you highly motivated throughout the Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Volo
Visto (se applicabile)
Tutto ciò che non è menzionato nella sezione "Cosa è incluso".
Mance
Expenditure of personal nature

Alloggio

Family owned hotel in Johannesburg

To help you start and finish the journey strong, we also include two nights in comfortable hotel accommodation— One night before the hike, where you can relax, get a good night’s rest, and mentally prepare One night after the hike, where you can recover, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy a warm shower and soft bed

Wild camping

You’ll be camping in the wilderness for most of the trek, immersing yourself fully in the remote beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains. Each night on the trail, you’ll sleep in a high-quality tent provided by us, surrounded by stunning views and the sounds of nature.

Punto di incontro

-26.20564728.0337185
Johannesburg

Domande frequenti

Partenze

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2190 €

(722 € deposit)