South Africa & Lesotho - High Berg Traverse
The Drakensberg was formed 180 million years ago by volcanic action to form a massive rock wall hundreds of kilometres long; it has been gradually eroded ever since to make a mountain-scape crossed by dramatic gorges and dotted with secret caves. Our hike will take us from “the Amphitheatre” in the north to Cathedral Peak in the south. For most of the hike you will be walking at between 2,800m and 3,200m above sea level. The climate at these altitudes can be harsh, with weather changing very rapidly and temperatures diving well below 0º. It is unusual to meet any other people during the hike because this is a remote area.
This is a five day hike specifically designed to traverse the most spectacular part of southern Africa's great escarpment, the KwaZulu-Natal ukhahlamba-Drakensberg.
Day 1
Upon arrival in Durban you will be met and driven (2 hours) straight up into the Drakensburg Mountains to the mountain resort of Witsieshoek. There’s time to freshen up before dinner. At the same time as pudding arrives, you’ll be briefed on the trek.
Day 2 Sentinel Cave, Tugela Falls and the Lesotho Kingdom 12 km; 8-10 hours hiking
Early rise for breakfast and a final check on the equipment. 4x4 from Witsieshoek up to the Sentinel car park. From the car park start the steep climb up to the base of the chain ladder from where a series of zigzags take us up past Sentinel Cave and on to the Western Buttress. Lunch is spent at the top of Tugela Falls (the second highest waterfall in the world) From here it's on past Mont-aux-sources and into the Kingdom of Lesotho. In the afternoon we pitch ours tents next to a little stream in a valley surrounded by huge hills.
Day 3 Ifidi Pinnacles, Icidi Buttress and Fangs Cave 11km; 8-10 hours hiking
We awake to the gentle sound of the Kubedu River and the promise of an exciting day. We set off following the river before turning back towards the escarpment and the Ifidi pass. We enjoy breathtaking views of the Ifidi Pinnacles and of Icidi Buttress. Lunch will be next to one of the many streams racing down into the valley. After lunch we journey to just below Fangs cave, to the confluence of two streams. Our evening camp is established in this area to ensure a reliable source of water. The evening is spent enjoying the stillness of the mountains and the thousands of stars.
Day 4 Mnweni cutback and Orange River Source 15 km; 10-12 hours hiking
We start the day with a climb up to the top of the Mnweni cutback, a deep gouge in the rock wall. There are fantastic views in this area and we’ll enjoy lunch in the cutback with spectacular views over KwaZulu-Natal. After lunch we descend to the source of the Orange River, the largest river in South Africa and head down the valley to the campsite. After pitching camp there’s time to visit the nearby waterfall to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Day 5 Twins Cave 15 km; 10-12 hours hiking
We start the day with a stiff short climb up and into the next valley. From here we start making our way closer to the edge of the escarpment. Up the other side of the valley and to the top of the ridge where you have some of the best views in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg. After lunch it's onto Twins Cave for our final evening of the hike. This is one of the most spectacular caves in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg; it's a large overhang that provides fantastic shelter and the most magnificent views. From the cave you will be able to see Devils Tooth where we started the hike 3 days ago.
Day 6 Mlambonja Pass and Little Berg 11 km, 8-10 hours hiking
After breakfast we set off down Mlambonja Pass descending rapidly of the most exciting passes in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains. Once we reach the 'Little Berg' we head down to Cathedral Peak Hotel and all the luxuries that you have been missing for the last few days. Dinner, a chance to chat with your guide and swap stories at the bar.
Price: £949 (based on a minimum of 2 persons)