When to Go
Hikes can be organised for any time of the year subject to demand and availability of accommodation and tour guides. Best though to avoid peak holiday season (Easter, Christmas and long weekends) when accommodation is at a premium. The autumn and spring months are generally an excellent time for hiking in the Drakensberg.
Planning Your Itinerary
Which hike you decide to do and the detailed itinerary for each day will be fully discussed and planned with you beforehand so that you will know exactly what to expect and what is covered in the hike package. This will depend on such factors as the size and hiking ability of your group, your individual preferences (eg accomodation and catering needs), whether porters are used and what guiding is provided. Each hike is unique and planned according to your needs, abilities and conditions at the time.
What to Bring
A check list of suggested items and clothes to pack for a mult-day hike in the Drakensberg will be provided on booking.
Remember that although winter months are more stable, weather conditions can be extremely unpredictable in the berg at any time of the year. Sudden changes can occur bringing thunderstorms, cold, rain and mist which makes for unsafe hiking conditions. Hikers should therefore be prepared for any eventuality and should always carry protective rain gear and warm clothing.
Porters and Guides
Most trails in the Drakensberg are unmarked and require the full time services of a professional (for high altitude hikes) or local community guide familiar with the route, terrain and possible escape routes. Route and hiking decisions will at all times be determined by the responsible guide as safety is non-negotiable.
On a 'point to point' slackpacking trail your luggage will be moved from lodge to lodge by car or porters depending on circumstances. Porters may take a more direct route to your destination and must not be expected to act as guides. Ensure that you carry all valuables (eg cellphone, camera etc with you in your day bag and ensure they are wrapped in rain-proof material.
What does it Cost ?
This will depend on group size, when you want to go and what accommodation and catering is provided and whether a registered guide is used or not (some route can be followed using trail markers and a map)
A full quotation will be given on enquiry and hikes can be customised to your needs (eg more or less days).
"We had a great hike. Really enjoyed everything about it. Food good everywhere – better than expected. Witsies – new managers have a fantastic attitude and staff were all great. Our guides were great."
"We had a wonderful time on the trail, in spite of the wind and rain, and the accommodation was superb. The Drakensberg is very special and I'm sure that we'll be back. Nan at The Plumtree Lodge served us the most delicious breakfasts, with steaming hot bread. We found the food on the whole to be of an excellent standard. It was also great to wake up at the Castleburn to see snow on the mountains. Castleburn is a lovely place to stay, very peaceful, yet plenty to keep one busy."
"Thanks so much for helping us organise the trip. What an amazing area! Everything was fantastic. Especially the food and cleanliness of the chalets! The staff where just as amazing."