Drakensberg's incredible hikes and sights

Published Oct 21, 2008

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It's a misconception that you have to be a skilled mountaineer to enjoy the Berg's splendour to the full.

Although its most mystical of treasures may be more accessible to those accustomed to living out of a backpack, there are a great many day hikes that will take you deep into the dragon's lair.

For the greatest variety of short walks, base yourself near (or in) the Royal Natal National Park in the Northern Berg.

The trails are well marked, well mapped and range from scenic hour-long strolls to the Cascades or McKinlay's Pool, to more strenuous treks to Gudu or Mahai Falls.

The showpiece, however, is the Thukela Gorge hike. It's a 14km round trip through mountain forest and protea grasslands that will take you from Tendele Camp, along the Thukela River and into the embrace of the famous Amphitheatre.

"Short of hiking to the top of the Amphitheatre, this is the most spectacular walk in the park and one of the finest of all Berg walking experiences," says David Bristow in Best Walks of the Drakensberg.

Entry to the national park is R25 an adult and R15 a child, plus R35 for your vehicle.

For more information, call the reserve directly on 036 438 6310, or book accommodation through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on 033 845 1000, or email [email protected], or see www.kznwildlife.com.

There are more than 550 recorded rock art sites in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, with tens of thousands of images. In terms of accessibility and quality, the top four sites are Battle Cave at Injesuthi, Didima Gorge near Cathedral Peak, Main Cave at Giant's Castle and Game Pass Shelter in the Kamberg.

Didima Gorge is 5km long and houses what is believed to be the greatest concentration of rock art on earth. Main Caves at Giant's Castle is the most commercial, complete with boardwalks, fences and a diorama of Bushman family life. Battle Cave in the Injesuthi valley is inspiring, but can be visited only on a guided walk.

It's at Game Pass Shelter in the Kamberg where you really feel a presence. From the eland herd "running" across the roof to the panel known as the "Rosetta Stone" - it's simply spectacular.

The guided three-hour walk starts with an audio-visual presentation at the impressive Kamberg Rock Art Centre and then takes in Waterfall Shelter on the way up. Call Kamberg on 033 263 7251, or email kamberg@kzn wildlife.com.

Being alien, there's a drive in many parts of South Africa to eradicate the noble trout. But in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the Drakensberg area, anglers still regard the trout as a worthy sporting adversary rather than a threat to river ecosystems.

Local fly-rodders favour nymphing as a technique and are spoilt for choice between spectacular still waters and river beats. If visitors have permits and adhere to the rules, they are welcome.

The Underberg-Himeville Trout Fishing Club controls about 100km of river access, mainly on the Mzimkhulu. River trout are wild-bred and wily, which is an attraction for anglers. River angling is closed between May 15 and September 1.

The club stocks 44 still waters in the Underberg. It's in these dams you might land the biggest rainbow in Africa. Email uhtfc@futurenet. co.za

Fishing is also popular in other Berg areas and many B&Bs and lodges offer exclusive rights to dams and river beats. Call the Drakensberg Tourism Association on 036 448 1557, or see

For the Basotho who inhabit the Maloti Mountains of neighbouring Lesotho, their treasured ponies are the only alternative to walking.

Based in the southern Berg, Khotso Horse Trails offers options from hour-long rides in the foothills to three-day expeditions into Lesotho. It's a spectacular way to see the mountains. Email info@khotsotrails. co.za

Sani Top is one of the highest and probably most scenic of the places you can reach with a vehicle in the Berg.

The drive to the top zig-zags along the famous Sani Pass, between the old Basutoland and Natal.

Today the pass is a tourist attraction and Sani Top includes a Basuto cultural village and chalets in Southern Africa.

Thaba Tours runs daily excursions up the pass in 4x4s.

After the two hour drive to the top, enjoy lunch at Sani Top. Don't forget your passport.

- Call Thaba Tours on 033 701 2888, or email [email protected]

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