HIKING SOUTH AFRICA: MOUNTAINS AND WILDLIFE

Itinerary

Day 1 | Johannesburg – uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Royal Natal National Park

Driving distance approx. 360 km; pure driving time approx. 4-5 hours
Hiking distance approx. 5 km; hiking time approx. 2 hours and altitude approx. 200 m↑↓

You will meet your guide in the morning at the Safari Club near Johannesburg Airport. We recommend that overseas visitors stay overnight here, which we can arrange for you. After meeting your guide, your South African hiking adventure begins. Your destination is the Drakensberg Mountains. You drive through the beautiful Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces before arriving at Thendele Resort in the Royal Natal National Park, part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After settling in, you can enjoy the mountainous panorama dominated by a natural amphitheatre. An optional lunch, followed by your first hike to the Mahai River and Lookout Rock, can be enjoyed. During your afternoon walk, you may spot eland and other wildlife species along the trail. It is a stunning way to start your adventure. Upon your return, your guide will prepare a traditional South African “Braai” (BBQ) for dinner. You spend the night at Thendele Resort.
Dinner

Day 2 | uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Royal Natal National Park

Hiking distance approx. 13 km; hiking time approx. 6-7 hours and altitude approx. 450 m↑↓

After breakfast, you set off on the second of many stunning hikes. Today, your target is to walk to the base of the natural amphitheatre that dominates the scenery. To get there, you follow a winding mountainous path until you reach the Tugela River, where you walk along the dry riverbed until you reach the amphitheatre. Several kilometres long, the rock wall of the amphitheatre rises 1000m above you. On either side of the rock face are Sentinel (3165 m) and Eastern Buttress (3047 m) peaks. From this point, you can also see Tugela Waterfall, which can disappear during the dry season. When you return to Thendele Resort, enjoy your favourite beverage (a sundowner) as the sun sets, and your guide prepares “Potjiekos,” a traditional South African stew for dinner. You spend another night at Thendele Resort.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3 | uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Royal Natal National Park – Witsieshoek

Hiking distance approx. 12 km; hiking time approx. 6-7 hours and elevation approx. 600 m↑

On day three, you hike through the park to your next accommodation, the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, at the foot of Sentinel Peak (3165 m). Before the walk, enjoy a delicious breakfast, load your luggage in the vehicle, and pack a lunch in your day bag. On the trail, you pass Tiger Falls and continue uphill, surrounded by views that capture your attention. You arrive at a mountainous wall, which you cross by walking through a narrow gap called the “Crack”. At the top, stunning views of the amphitheatre and mountains can be enjoyed. Over the next ridge, the lodge is a short distance away, where another sundowner, your luggage, and a delicious dinner await. You overnight at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner  

Day 4 | uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Sentinel Peak – Witsieshoek

Hiking distance approx. 12 km; hiking time approx. 6-7 hours and altitude approx. 770 m↑↓

Day four is a challenging hike to the summit of Sentinel Peak (3165 m), an unmistakable landmark on the amphitheatre and a constant waypoint throughout the hike. A highlight is witnessing the Tugela Waterfall, which originates at the foot of the peak and can freeze during cold weather, creating a breathtaking sight. At the final stage, you can scale an almost vertical rock face by climbing up a series of iron ladder rungs or take an alternative path through a gorge if you prefer to avoid climbing the ladder. At the summit, the views of the Drakensberg Mountain range are a magnificent and well-deserved reward. Later in the day, you can savour a delicious dinner upon returning to the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge.
Breakfast |Lunch | Dinner

Day 5 | uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Giant’s Castle Reserve

Driving distance approx. 250 km; pure driving time approx. 4 hours

After the previous day’s challenge, day five allows you to take it easier. For nature lovers, there is an exciting activity to enjoy before breakfast. The Drakensberg Mountains are home to one of the last remaining populations of lammergeiers (known as bearded vultures). These birds have a 3 m wingspan, and they are extremely rare. Seeing these huge birds is an exciting opportunity if you are passionate about birdwatching and nature. Later, the drive to the Giant’s Castle Reserve in the centre of the Drakensberg Mountains takes you past the Sterkfontein Dam before arriving at the Giant’s Castle Resort. Since the last two days were quite strenuous, you can relax with a clear conscience while enjoying the mountain panorama. Alternatively, you can enjoy an optional hike from the resort before enjoying dinner and falling asleep in one of the bungalows at Giant’s Castle Resort.
Breakfast | Dinner

Day 6 | uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Giant’s Castle Reserve

Hiking distance approx. 8 km; hiking time approx. 3-4 hours and altitude approx. 320 m↑↓

On day six, another day in the magnificent mountain world of the Drakensberg lies ahead of you. After a hearty breakfast, you set off. The trail follows a small stream, which leads you to a viewpoint. Here, you can take in a magnificent view of the 3000 m high mountain massif rising before you. Breathe in the fresh, invigorating mountain air and enjoy the impressive panorama. Africa’s largest antelope, elands, can sometimes be spotted along the trail, a highlight of the day’s walk. In the afternoon, you return to Giant’s Castle Resort, where you can rest after the day’s exertion and enjoy another delicious dinner.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7 | Giant‘s Castle Reserve – uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Kamberg Region – Umdloti

Driving distance approx. 250 km; pure driving time approx. 4 hours
Hiking distance approx. 7 km; hiking time approx. 3 hours and altitude approx. 280 m↑↓

Today’s hike occurs in the Kamberg region of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, where you hike along the Mooi River to an area where rock paintings created by the San people exist. Fascinatingly, your guide will explain the history of the San people, their spiritual foundations, and their traditional nomadic way of life. Later, and with some luck, you spot baboons, Bearded, and Cape vultures circling in the sky. After the hike, you drive to the Indian Ocean. You can end the magical day with a walk on the beach before enjoying an optional dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants in Umdloti. You stay at the Greenfire Dolphin Coast Lodge.
Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8 | Umdloti – St. Lucia

Driving distance approx. 220 km; pure driving time approx. 3 hours

Today, you’ll enjoy breakfast with a stunning view of the Indian Ocean, a perfect way to start the day. Afterwards, you’ll board the tour vehicle and head north along the coast to St. Lucia. Upon arrival at the guesthouse, settle into your room before embarking on an afternoon boat tour of the St. Lucia Estuary. From the boat, you’ll have the chance to observe hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds. For dinner, you’ll dine at a local restaurant (This expense is not included in the tour cost). Overnight at the Forest Lodge.
Breakfast

Day 9 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Hiking distance approx. 18 km, hiking time approx. 6-8 hours and hardly any altitude meters

Today’s agenda includes visiting the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, formerly the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park before 2007. You’ll explore this park’s diverse animal and plant life on a game drive. It’s not unusual to see rhinos, buffalo, waterbucks, nyalas, and large herds of kudu. If you’re fortunate, you might even witness a hunting leopard. Several viewpoints offer breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean, and during whale season, you might even catch a glimpse of southern right whales. After an exciting day of wildlife sightings, you can take a refreshing swim in the Indian Ocean at Cape Vidal. It’s a truly unique way to end a day on safari! Upon your return to St. Lucia, you’ll have time to stroll through the charming town or walk along the nearby beach. Another delicious dinner awaits at a local restaurant (This expense is not included in the tour cost), and you’ll spend a second night at the Forest Lodge.
Breakfast

Day 10 | St. Lucia – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park – St. Lucia

Driving distance approx. 110 km; pure driving time approx. 2 hours + game drives

Today, you will start early and visit the nearby Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of southern Africa’s most scenic parks, renowned for its black and white rhino breeding programs. During an early morning game drive, you may encounter all members of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), numerous antelopes, birds, and so much more. After lunch at Hilltop Camp (This expense is not included in the tour cost), you’ll enjoy another exhilarating game drive before leaving the park late afternoon and returning to the Forest Lodge in St. Lucia for a third overnight stay.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11 | St. Lucia – Durban Airport

Driving distance approx. 220 km; pure driving time approx. 3 hours

The final day of your South Africa experience has arrived. After enjoying one last delicious breakfast at the guesthouse, it’s time to begin the journey back to Durban. As you travel to the airport, you can reflect with deep satisfaction on the memories of exploring stunning landscapes and browse through the fantastic photos on your camera that remind you of the truly unique experiences you’ve had. At the airport, you bid farewell to your guide and fellow travellers. Goodbye, thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Africa one day.
Breakfast

Please don’t book any flights from Durban before 4pm.

Includes

• transport in an airconditioned minibus
• professional guide
• 10 nights’ stay in lodges, resorts and guesthouses (depending on availability, accommodation of a similar standard will be booked)
• meals according to the itinerary
• activities as per itinerary
• All national park fees

Excludes

• flights (international and domestic)
• meals not indicated in the itinerary
• alcoholic and soft drinks
• optional activities
• tips
• personal expenses
• visa fees
• travel insurance

Map

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