William Langewiesche, an American author and journalist who was also a professional airplane pilot for many years, said, “So much of who we are is where we have been.”
Put on your hiking boots and explore the panoramic Drakensberg. Upon your return, William Langewiesche’s wise words will resonate with you too!
If you don’t have this e-book yet, it is well worth buying Walking in the Drakensberg, by Jeff Williams. When it comes to planning hikes, you want this e-book as your primary resource. Jeff trained as a safari guide in South Africa and currently teaches new guides and lectures in North Wales on safari guiding and walking.
This guidebook presents 75 different day walks of 1 to 26km in South Africa's Maloti-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in KwaZulu Natal and easily accessible from Johannesburg, Harrismith, Pietermaritzburg and Durban, the region boasts dramatic cliffs, gorges and waterfalls, abundant wildlife and 2000-year-old rock paintings.
Suggested Read: Escape to the beautiful Drakensberg
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” The Royal Natal National Park may not have a thousand miracles, but it is pretty close. Here you will find the world’s second-tallest waterfall and the tallest waterfall in Africa, measuring 948 m (3,110 ft). I’m talking about the magnificent Tugela Falls.
Spring or autumn are the best seasons for hiking in the Drakensberg because they offer sufficiently long days, mild weather, the vibrant greens of spring (or alternatively, the deep yet fading greens of autumn), and most importantly, a reduced risk of thunderstorms and heavy rain.
The Sentinel Peak Trail to Tugela Falls takes hikers around the Sentinel Peak to the top of the Mont-aux-Sources plateau. From there it’s an easy flat 1km walk to reach the Tugela Falls.
Also called the Amphitheater or the Tugela Falls trail, the 12 km roundtrip is one of the most scenic hikes in South Africa.
The 14 km roundtrip Tugela Gorge Trail also leads to the spectacular Tugela falls. Adventure lovers will enjoy a longer walk that includes conquering large boulders, precarious chain ladders, and steep gullies. In addition to the added adventure, the reward is a greater glimpse of the falls.
While the Sentinel Trail takes you to the top of the escarpment which is literally 1km higher, the Tugela Gorge gives you a different but beautiful perspective of the Tugela Falls from the valley below.
Also known in isiZulu as Thaba Ngcobo, the 21 km Rhino Peak trail is southern Drakenberg’s most iconic peak.
Suggested Read: Kanonkop Trail, with Willemien du Plessis
In April Cosmos flowers are in full bloom in the Drakensberg, making for a wonderful display of color.
The 17.7 km Cathedral Peak hike is a popular trail near Ngoba, KwaZulu Natal. The trail is not too well sign-posted near the end. Therefore, it will be wise to have the map downloaded ahead of time to stay on track.
The Ploughman’s Kop Mountain range runs along the left arm of the Amphitheatre, which forms part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains. Put on your hiking boots for about 7 km roundtrip hiking.
Suggested Read: 1 Day Hiking Trails – Around the World Epic Trails
In conclusion, may today’s most popular hiking trails, in the Drakensberg region, tempt you to put on your hiking boots! Together with the highly experienced Jeff Williams’ Walking in the Drakensberg in your pocket, you’re well-prepared to live the hiking life!
South Africans are known for making the most delicious pancakes.
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