Backpacking the Drakensberg - South Africa

Backpacking the Drakensberg - South Africa

Harmen Hoek
This is a backpacking guide for hiking and camping 2-10 days in the Drakensberg of South Africa. This guide includes 4 different routes of various difficulty and length, including the route as seen in my Youtube film. In addition, all practical information is included: how to get there, permits, weather, overnight options and practical tips. The Drakensberg mountains form part of the border between South Africa and the high plateau of Lesotho almost 1800 meters higher. These mountains are remote, and the terrain is challenging, but the landscape, views, caves for camping and people makes this my personal favorite hiking location in the world. What this guide includes: - 4 different itineraries with routes, distances, best overnight (camping) options and other useful waypoints; - custom Google Maps with all the important locations (campsites, grocery stores, parking lots, caves, water sources, trails and viewpoints); - gpx-tracks of all the routes. - all the practical information: how to get there, trail conditions, weather, geography and more. Get an impression on youtube/harmenhoek.
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What route to choose?

That really depends on your level of experience. Hiking in the Drakensberg is really challenging: there are no trails, you are at high elevation (3000m+) and the terrain is rough. On top of that you have to be fully self sufficient. There are no mountain huts or towns anywhere nearby. The easiest route is Tugela Loop in Royal Natal National Park, known for the Amphitheater and Tugela Falls. Since the highest access route in the area is where this hike starts, it is the easiest of the 4. The Cathedral Peak loop is a big step up, and requires 2-3 nights starting and ending at Cathedral Peak Hotel. The Mnweni loop is similar in distance, but the area is even more remote and the trails are steeper and rockier. A combination of these 3 options is the one-way Cathedral Peaks to Tugela Trek starting at Cathedral Peak Hotel and finishing in Tugela National Park, with a stop at Mnweni.

1) Easy | 1-2 nights | Tugela Loop

36km (22mi), 1200m (4000ft) gain*

2) Medium | 2-3 nights | Cathedral Peak Loop

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Harmen Hoek
Adventurous travel lover & film maker.
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
9 photos
Beautiful, hi-res photos from the creator
8 links
8 links from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Winterton, South Africa
South Africa
Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa
FOCUSES AND THEMES
Backpackers
Camping
Mountain
Nature
Adventure
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Format
Itinerary
Itineraries typically include day-by-day plans, with food, lodging and activity recommendations for each day.
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