Drakensberg Hiking Trails
If the names Dragon’s Peak, Champagne Castle and Giant’s Castle
and Cathedral’s Peak urge you to reach for your hiking boots, you’re
probably aware of the dozens of unbelievable hiking trails that are found
among the valleys, peaks and foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range
in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The major attraction of the trails in the Drakensberg is that they offer
something for everyone, so whether you have just discovered the pleasures
of hiking, or whether you are a seasoned hiker, you will find the perfect
trail to suit your level of skill and your needs. The day hikes are very
pleasurable and just about all the trails lead to fascinating landmarks,
and most can be reached with very little climbing and walking at a comfortable
pace. Considering
the natural terrain
of the area, skilled hikers will have little trouble in finding a challenging
mountain hike and hikes which span over a period of days.
Drakensberg Hiking Trails - Weather
Most of the holiday resorts, campsites, as well as the hotels in the Drakensberg,
will be happy to suggest the best trails in that area of the Drakensberg,
and as long as hikers follow basic guidelines, they can look forward to a
hike which is safe and very secure.
During the winter months, the temperatures
in the Drakensberg are pleasant, even though the mountain peaks are capped
with snow. Adventurous hikers are immediately drawn to the snow-capped peaks
but in the Dtakensberg, even the clearest and sunniest of winter days will
quickly succumb to the heavy mist and even light snowfalls. In summer, the
glorious hot weather turns the Drakensberg into a haven for birds and wildflowers,
but within minutes, the sky can blacken and a flash thundershower occurs
and this transforms the pleasant hot weather into unseasonal cold.
Due to
the unexpected changes in the weather, hikers are urged to sign the hiking
register, which is found at the start of most trails and to ensure that they
have suitable clothing, like a rain jacket, jersey, etc. and that they carry
a torch (even on a day hike).
Hiking trails in the Drakensberg
Som of the most popular hiking trails include:
- Worlds View - Giants Castle
- Sterkspruit Falls - Monks Cowl
- Game Pass Shelter - Kamberg
- Mont-Aux-Sources and Tugela Falls - Sentinel Peak car park
- Gorge Walk - Royal Natal
Hiking trails can be done over a day or over several days and before setting
out on a hike, it is recommended that as much information is obtained about
the level of skill that is required, and if any specialised hiking or mountain
climbing equipment is needed.
Great accommodation options for these local hiking trails
 Antbear
Guest House - Indeed a special find. One of those places
you wished you would have stayed longer where the accommodation, view,
location, service and food are just perfect. This is the nearest private
accommodation option near to Giants Castle and also offers one of the
best deals available.
 Giants
Castle Camp - The upside is that you are inside Giants Castle
Nature Reserve. The downside is that you are inside Giants Castle Nature
Reserve. You are as close as you can be to starting the hiking trails
but far from any of the other attractions available. And the gate opening
and closing times make early starts and doing anything after sunset an
impossibility. If you do decide to stay here opt for the self catering
option and make sure you bring your own food with you. Giants Castle
camp offers self catering and has a restaurant.
 Drakensberg
Luxury cave lodge Experience something different and stay
in the only fully catered luxury cave in the Drakensberg
Mountains. And
the luxury cave comes with a few special romantic options like a jacuzzi
spa bath and fireplace both in the bedroom. Whats more it opens onto
a deck with hammock chairs and a panoramic view not often experienced.
 Ardmore
Guest Farm - While this guest house is a little further away
in the Champagne Valley it still a great option to stay when you visit
Giants Castle. Also centrally situated this guest house makes for a special
few days in the Drakensberg. Ardmore is especially suited to families
with units that can accommodate 6 persons.
 Wild
Berry Guest Farm - A simple B&B situated on the Mooi River
/ Giants Castle road They only provide breakfast and there are not to
many good options where dinner is easily available. So cook your own
dinner when you stay at Wild Berry Guest Farm
 Glengarry -
Lovely self catering accommodation in the Kamberg Valley. Situated right
on the Little Mooi River this self catering resort offers trout fishing and
a nine hole golf course. The self catering accommodation is in thatched units.
 Cleopatra
Mountain Farm House - Prepare for some of the most fantastic
food you will ever eat. This farm house offers high class fine dining
near to Highmoor Nature Reserve. The rates are a pit on the pricy end
of the scale but hey you only ever live once. Especially if you are one
of those foodie types
 Kamberg
Nature Reserve - Simple self catering challets in the Kamberg
Valley. Make sure you bring your own food as there is little available
nearby. Kamberg suffers the same issues as Giants Casle Camp with gate
opening times that make staying here sometimes inconvient. But if all
you want to do is stay in one place I cant imagine many better accommodation
options.
 Injasuti
Nature Reserve- This is one of the best camp site gems thats
available in the Drakensberg. There are also a few self catering challets
which are in need of repair and a chronic revamp.
|
