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Drakensberg Mountains Hiking Tours
Guided hiking tours through South Africa's most spectacular mountain wilderness
Drakensberg Mountains Hiking Tours
Few places on earth stop you in your tracks quite like the Drakensberg.
Drakensberg Mountains hiking tours are the finest way to explore Southern Africa’s most magnificent mountain wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Venture here to discover rare endemic species and dramatic basalt peaks towering above sweeping green valleys.
Highlights include Tugela Gorge and the towering amphitheatre in Royal Natal National Park, Sentinel Peak nearby, the scenic Giant’s Castle Reserve, and the hidden rock art trails of the Kamberg Region.
Our hiking tours give you the flexibility to combine your trek with a safari, Garden Route tour or any other South African adventure.
As a South Africa-based operator, we handle every detail, from transfers in our own vehicles to accommodation and everything in between – so you can concentrate on the hike of a lifetime.
Best Drakensberg Mountains Hiking Tours
Private Guided Hiking Tour
Hiking South Africa: Mountains and Wildlife
Places uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Royal Natal National Park, Witsieshoek, Giant’s Castle Reserve, Kamberg Region, St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
11 Days
from getting current exchange rate... (based on 7 persons)
Do you want to go on a Drakensberg Mountains hiking tour in South Africa?
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Accommodations
REST AND RECHARGE IN STYLE AFTER EVERY DAY ON THE TRAIL
Throughout your Drakensberg Mountains hiking tour, you will stay in a series of carefully selected lodges and resorts, perfectly positioned along the route.
After a rewarding day on the trail, you can unwind in comfort, enjoy delicious food, and savour a well-earned glass of South African wine.
Our lodge-based Drakensberg hiking packages offer the perfect balance between adventure and comfort.
Our itineraries ensure each night provides an opportunity to rest and recharge, so you are prepared for the next day’s trek.
One of South Africa's most impressive mountain ranges, the Drakensberg is a hiker's dream. Sleep at Witsieshoek in a charming private cabin right in the heart of it all.
Thendele Camp sits inside the Royal Natal National Park, with self-catering chalets looking directly out at the iconic Amphitheatre and the rumbling Tugela River below.
Built directly on the beach in Umdloti, Greenfire Dolphin Coast Lodge offers sea-facing rooms and ocean views — a perfect stopover on your way to or from the mountains.
Set in a tropical forest in St Lucia, Forest Lodge offers comfortable en-suite rooms and warm hospitality — a restful stop before or after your time in the mountains.
What can you expect on Drakensberg Mountains hiking tours?
Far from the crowds, the Drakensberg Mountains offer unspoiled mountain wilderness, dramatic scenery, and some of the finest hiking trails in Africa.
All our guided hikes in the Drakensberg typically begin in Johannesburg and end in Durban on the Indian Ocean, but this can vary depending on the tour you are booked on.
Having departed, your guide will drive you through the beautiful Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces to the Drakensberg Mountains.
Depending on the hike, you will be led by either one of our expert guides or accompanied by a local guide.
Either way, they will share knowledge of the landscape, wildlife, and local communities, giving you a deep insight, far beyond any guidebook.
To choose a Drakensberg Mountains hiking tour, you can browse our tours above or contact a Travel Expert to help you choose the best tour to suit you.
Which routes can I take on a Drakensberg Mountains hiking tour?
The Drakensberg is a place where every trail tells a story.
In the Royal Natal National Park, hike to the base of a towering natural amphitheatre wall rising 1,000m and follow the Tugela Gorge before summiting Sentinel Peak at 3,165m, where the entire range unfolds before you.
Giant’s Castle Reserve offers dramatic high-altitude scenery and rare encounters with eland, and the bearded vulture, one of Africa’s most elusive birds.
In the Kamberg Region, peaceful river trails lead to ancient San rock art etched into the cliffside.
Our Hiking South Africa: Mountains And Wildlife is an 11-day private guided hiking tour that weaves all these extraordinary areas into one unforgettable South African adventure. It also ends with Big Five game drives in two stunning parks.
If you are interested in other Drakensberg trekking tours, such as the Mafadi Hike, the Cathedral Peak Hike, or the Drakensberg Grand Traverse, please get in touch.
What does a typical day on a Drakensberg Mountains hiking tour look like?
After a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, your guide will brief you on the day’s trail before you set off into the mountains.
Hikes range from 5 km to 18 km and last between two and eight hours, always undertaken at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
Your luggage travels ahead in the support vehicle, so you carry only a light daypack.
As the day draws to a close, a comfortable lodge, a well-earned sundowner, and a delicious dinner await.
When is the best time to hike in the Drakensberg Mountains?
The Drakensberg Mountains are a rewarding destination year-round, with each season offering its own distinct character.
The best time to hike in the Drakensberg Mountains is widely considered to be autumn and spring — March to May and September to October — with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
During summer, the mountain slopes are lush and green, though afternoon thunderstorms are common, so early morning starts are recommended.
Winter brings clear skies and the magical possibility of frozen waterfalls, including the spectacular Tugela Falls encased in ice — a sight few hikers ever forget.
Speak with one of our experts to find the best time for you.
How fit do I need to be for a Drakensberg Mountains Hiking Tour?
A good level of fitness is required to hike in the Drakensberg Mountains.
That said, every trail is undertaken at a relaxed pace, so you don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy the experience.
Regular walking in the months leading up to your tour will stand you in good stead.
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, speak with one of our experts.
Other things to know before you go
Extend your adventure
Many guests choose to combine their Drakensberg hiking tour with a safari in Kruger National Park, a Garden Route tour, or both.
Having come so far, you can continue your adventure into Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya with our sister companies.
You can experience a hike in the Namib Desert, a bushwalk in the Okavango Delta, a trek up Mt Kilimanjaro, and a summit of Mt Kenya.
Planning guides
Planning your first guided hiking tour can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, once you book, we will email you a comprehensive packing list and everything else you need to prepare with confidence.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers hiking activities, emergency evacuation, and repatriation before your departure.
“The Drakensberg is unlike anywhere else on earth. With our expert guides, private vehicles, and carefully selected lodges, you are in the best hands to hike through this stunning landscape.”Dirk | South Africa Travel Expert
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