Established for slack packers to enjoy the 6500ha Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve, hiking from one founding establishment to the next, with the comfort of meals and beds, and the convenience of bag drops along the way.
The Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve
The establishment of the NDNR is a truly collaborative effort, representing the sweat and toil of various actors, ranging from small private landowners all the way to the World Wildlife Fund. It also represents a giant leap ahead in the consolidation of various tracts of the Drakensberg into a single conservation corridor, linking Sterkfontein Nature Reserve in the Free State with the uKhahlamba/Maloti Drakensberg Park in KwaZulu-Natal, the latter also being a World Heritage Site.
Broadly speaking, the purposes of the NDNR are to (i) conserve animal species and habitats, (ii) enhance regional water security, (iii) preserve the area’s rich cultural heritage, and (iv) further socio-economic upliftment in the local community.
More About The Northern Drakensberg Nature Way
This new route follows an undulating trail for 55kms, 1800m in elevation, over 4 days. Relative fitness is required but the paths have been selected to remain below the cliff line, making this route manageable for most. The longest day is 18kms, the shortest 9kms and the first day has the hardest terrain. A local walking guide will join each departure to ensure the group remains on track and to help with any problems. Establishments closest to clients will help should there be any small falls or issues.
What to expect:
Day 1 – Cavern to Greenfire
12km – 767m
Through the Fern Forest, a steep incline through Rustler’s Gap and then onto the Bishop’s Inkaba contour that meanders below the cliffs of Sungubala. Past the top of Charlies Bush and the path then contours towards Greenfire, crossing several streams. Single file, with sections of grass, and then a grassy ascent to the Stoney Pass path. A gentle meander down to Greenfire for your first night. Greenfire is beautiful and remote, with comfy sleeps in log-cabins.
Greenfire Drakensberg – Full Board
Beverages available for purchase, meals served in the main area
Enquire about your packed lunch for day 2
Day 2 – Greenfire to Berghouse
18km – 337m
The route begins on the mountain bike path from Greenfire along the mini-escarpment towards the old jeep track. Easy walking along the undulating trail to the Nook Road. Behind Montusi Mountain, down the horse trail to Wanhoop Stream. An easy walk along the stream before crossing towards Berghouse. The last section is a pull uphill to the Cottages set overlooking the valley and the Amphitheatre Mountain. Lovely appointed units with a selection of options.
Berghouse Cottages – DBB
Wine, beer & cold drinks available for purchase
Meals served to your cottage
Day 3 – Berghouse to Montusi
9km – 204m
A quick descent to the Wanhoop River and then an easy meandering wide track which winds its way up the valley. A left takes you past the lone gum tree and towards the runway, the path then bends toward the stable entrance to Montusi where a lovely open lawn, with gorgeous vistas welcomes you for an afternoon of leisure. A snack menu lunch is available from 12h30 to 14h00. Montusi’s units are all freestanding with uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains.
Montusi Lodge – DBB
Lounge, bar and dining room
Order a packed lunch for day 4
Day 4 – Montusi to Cavern
16km – 492m
A brisk walk past the stables, the top of the waterfall and then follow a narrow path to the quad biking track in the Montusi Gorge below. Follow the river for a small distance before heading along the quad track to All Out Adventures. A quick coffee and then be ready for the zig-zagging route up “down-time”. The single-track heads up Trilby Hill and then follows a long contour along the top of the ridge towards the Cavern. Below Camels Hump the path heads down for a short distance then left along Mpumlanga Ridge, First Ridge, across the top of the Grotto, up to Cowslip Falls Dam for a gentle descent into the Cavern.
The Cavern – Full Board
Resort with lounge, dining and bar area
What to Pack
- Day Pack – to carry on the route
- Lunch pack for each day
- Water
- Sunblock
- Hat or Cap
- Buff
- Jacket – wet weather
- Body warmer for cold
Optional – plasters, panado, tissues, extra snack like dry-wors or nuts
Overnight Bag – will be dropped from one stayover to the next
- Hiking kit for 4 days
- Something comfortable for the evening
- And, be elegantly casual for dining at The Cavern & Montusi
When to book
The Drakensberg is beautiful no matter the season but it is best to be prepared for the changes.
Summer is a high rainfall season and we have wet weather between October and March. Wet-weather gear is important and if hikes cannot be complete because of downpours, hikers can be transferred with bags to the next stay-over (max 4, extra vehicles would incur an extra fee). Water is important for hot days and river crossings might require “shoes-off” and away we go!
Winter is generally more stable with less wet weather but hikers should always carry rain gear and clothing for warmth. March to September can be spectacular for walking with more temperate weather, cooler mornings and evenings, and streams less full.
How to book
Bookings will all be subject to availability. We recommend groups of between 4 & 12. Departure days can be any day of the week, and hikes can begin at any establishment, but there might be less availability over weekends. A section of the hike could be a horse ride and arrangements would need to be made through the Northern Horse and bikes could be hired through All Out Adventures for certain parts of the trail too.
For ease and convenience, a package bookings can be made through All Out Adventures, The Northern Horse or Active Escapes.