South Africa — Durban
South Africa's Drakensberg Traverse is a formidable 65km high-altitude route through the UNESCO World Heritage uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. This very challenging 4-6 day trek traverses rugged basalt ramparts, offering immense panoramas and a true wilderness immersion. Expect exposed ridges, steep ascents, and a profound sense of isolation on this iconic South African mountain path.
Distance: 65.0 km
Elevation Gain: 3000 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 4-6 days
The Drakensberg Traverse, specifically the northern section from the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak, is South Africa's most formidable mountain experience. Spanning approximately 65.0 kilometres across the high-altitude basalt ramparts of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, this trek is a journey through a UNESCO World Heritage site of staggering proportions. Known to the Zulu people as uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) and to the early Dutch settlers as the Drakensberg (the Dragon Mountains), this landscape is defined by sheer vertical drop-offs of over 1,000 metres, vast alpine plateaus, and the world's second-highest waterfall. This is not a trail in the traditional sense; there are no waymarks, few established paths, and no permanent shelters on the escarpment. It is a pure wilderness experience that demands exceptional navigation skills, physical resilience, and a deep respect for the volatile mountain weather that can transform a sunny morning into a life-threatening blizzard within minutes.
The Drakensberg Traverse is often cited as one of the world's greatest multi-day treks, yet it remains remarkably wild and uncommercialised. Unlike the Great Walks of New Zealand or the established routes of the European Alps, the "Berg" offers a raw, unmediated connection to the landscape. The 65-kilometre route from the Sentinel Car Park to the Cathedral Peak Hotel traverses the "Northern Berg," a section famous for its dramatic "Cutbacks"—deep, horseshoe-shaped valleys carved into the basalt cliffs that force the hiker to weave along the very edge of the abyss.
The journey begins with the iconic Chain Ladders, a series of vertical steel rungs bolted into the rock face that provide the only viable access to the Amphitheatre plateau. Once atop the plateau, the world opens into a vast, undulating grassland that sits at an average elevation of 3,000 metres. To the east, the land simply vanishes, dropping vertically into the valleys of KwaZulu-Natal. To the west, the rolling hills of the Lesotho Highlands stretch toward the horizon. This duality—the terrifying verticality of the edge and the serene isolation of the interior—defines the character of the traverse.
Walking the Drakensberg is a lesson in geology and scale. The mountains are composed of a massive layer of basalt, up to 1,400 metres thick, which sits atop a base of softer Clarens sandstone. This structure creates the characteristic "Little Berg" (the sandstone foothills) and the "Main Berg" (the basalt peaks). On the traverse, you are walking on the roof of Southern Africa. You will encounter the Tugela Falls, which plunges 948 metres in five clear leaps, and pass beneath peaks with evocative names like the Madonna and Her Helpers, the Mnweni Needles, and the Column and the Pyramid. This is a landscape of extremes, where the silence is broken only by the wind, the cry of a Jackal Buzzard, or the distant thunder of a summer storm.
The human history of the Drakensberg is as layered as its geology. For thousands of years, the mountains were the sanctuary of the San (Bushmen) people. These hunter-gatherers found shelter in the sandstone caves of the lower valleys, leaving behind a legacy of rock art that is considered among the finest in the world. There are over 600 known rock art sites in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, containing upwards of 35,000 individual images. These paintings depict not only the wildlife of the region—particularly the Eland, which held deep spiritual significance—but also the complex rituals and daily lives of the San. While the traverse stays primarily on the high basalt escarpment where caves are fewer and art is rare, the presence of the San is felt in the very names of the peaks and the ancient spirit of the wilderness.
In the 19th century, the mountains became a site of conflict and migration. The Zulu Kingdom, under King Shaka, expanded its influence across the plains below, while the Voortrekkers (Dutch settlers) attempted to cross the formidable barrier with their wagons in search of new lands. The name "uKhahlamba" reflects the Zulu perception of the range as a defensive wall of spears, a barrier that protected the heartland of KwaZulu. Later, the mountains served as a refuge for various groups during the turbulent years of the Mfecane and the Anglo-Boer Wars.
Today, the escarpment marks the international border between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Hikers on the traverse will frequently encounter Basotho shepherds, who live in small stone huts (motebos) and graze their flocks of sheep and goats on the high-altitude pastures. These encounters offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations, though hikers are advised to maintain a respectful distance and be aware of the cultural nuances of the border region. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, recognising both its exceptional natural beauty and its irreplaceable cultural heritage.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The Drakensberg is a mountain range of fierce meteorological extremes. Understanding the seasonal cycles is critical for safety and enjoyment. Unlike many mountain ranges where summer is the default hiking season, the Drakensberg summer (December to February) is arguably the most dangerous time to be on the escarpment.
Autumn (April to May): This is widely considered the "Golden Window" for the traverse. The fierce summer thunderstorms have subsided, the air is crisp and clear, and the landscape is still lush and green. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for walking (15°C to 20°C), though night-time temperatures on the escarpment will frequently drop below freezing. This season offers the best stability and the most reliable visibility for navigation.
Winter (June to August): Winter in the Berg is dry, brown, and bitterly cold. While the skies are often a brilliant, cloudless blue, the wind can be relentless. Snowfalls are common and can be heavy, burying the few existing paths and making navigation extremely difficult. Temperatures on the escarpment can plummet to -15°C at night. Only experienced winter mountaineers with appropriate four-season gear should attempt the traverse during these months.
Spring (September to October): Another excellent window, though more volatile than autumn. The first rains begin to turn the brown slopes green, and the wildflowers start to bloom. However, this is also the season of the "Berg Winds"—hot, dry winds from the interior that can reach gale force and are often followed by sudden, violent cold fronts and snow.
Summer (November to March): Summer is the season of the Great African Thunderstorm. Almost every afternoon, massive cumulonimbus clouds build up over the escarpment, resulting in violent electrical storms, torrential rain, and hail. Lightning is a very real and lethal threat on the exposed plateau. Furthermore, thick mist (the "Berg Mist") can descend in minutes, reducing visibility to less than five metres and making navigation impossible without a GPS. While the waterfalls are at their most spectacular, the risks are significantly higher.
Day 1: Sentinel Car Park to Tugela Falls
Day 2: Tugela Falls to Ifidi Stope
Day 3: Ifidi Stope to Mnweni Area (Upper Mnweni Cave)
Day 4: Mnweni Area to Rockeries / Orange Peel Gap
Day 5: Rockeries to Cathedral Peak Hotel (Descent)
Important Notes:
The Drakensberg Traverse is a serious undertaking that requires significant physical and logistical preparation. Hikers must be in excellent physical condition, as carrying a 15–20 kg pack at 3,000 metres elevation is taxing. Cardiovascular fitness and leg strength are paramount for the steep ascents and descents.
Logistically, the traverse is a point-to-point hike, meaning you will need to arrange a shuttle between the Sentinel Car Park (start) and Cathedral Peak (finish). This is a 4–5 hour drive on mountain roads. Several local operators in the Northern Berg area provide shuttle services. Durban is the closest major city and international airport (DUR), located approximately 4 hours from the trailheads. It is highly recommended to spend a night at a lower altitude (e.g., Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge or Cathedral Peak Hotel) before starting to help with acclimatisation.
There are no huts, lodges, or formal campsites on the Drakensberg escarpment. This is a pure wild-camping experience.
Camping: You may pitch your tent anywhere on the escarpment, provided you follow Leave No Trace principles. It is best to find flat, grassy areas near water sources. Avoid camping on the very edge of the escarpment due to high winds and lightning risk.
Caves: The Drakensberg is famous for its "sleeping caves." These are natural rock overhangs that provide shelter from the wind and rain. Some, like the Upper Mnweni Cave or Ifidi Cave, are iconic stops on the traverse. However, caves cannot be booked; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Always have a tent as a backup, as caves may be occupied or damp.
Base Accommodation: At the start, Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers comfortable rooms and hikers' cabins. At the finish, Cathedral Peak Hotel provides luxury accommodation, while the nearby Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Didima Camp offers self-catering chalets and campsites.
Permits for the Drakensberg Traverse are relatively straightforward but mandatory for safety and conservation management. Unlike many international trails, there is no "quota" or lottery system, but you must register your presence.
Permit Process:
Costs:
Important: Always keep your permit and receipt on you, as rangers may ask to see them. If you are entering from the Mnweni area (which is tribal trust land), you should pay a small fee at the Mnweni Cultural Centre to support the local community and mountain guides.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Drakensberg Traverse (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Drakensberg Traverse, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Drakensberg region offers a wealth of activities for those with extra time or for non-hiking companions:
Navigation and Visibility: The greatest danger on the traverse is losing your way in the "Berg Mist." This thick cloud can descend in minutes, reducing visibility to zero. Without a GPS and the skill to use it, it is incredibly easy to walk off a cliff or become hopelessly lost in the Lesotho interior. If the mist descends and you are unsure of your position, the safest course of action is to pitch your tent and wait for it to clear.
Lightning: During summer, lightning is a lethal threat. If a storm approaches, move away from the escarpment edge, avoid high points or isolated trees, and descend into a valley if possible. Squat on your haunches with your feet together to minimise your contact with the ground.
Security: While the Drakensberg is generally safe, there have been isolated incidents of theft by Basotho shepherds, particularly in the Northern Berg. To minimise risk:
Hypothermia: Even in summer, a combination of rain, wind, and high altitude can lead to hypothermia. Always have your waterproof shell and a warm layer easily accessible. Never allow yourself to get "wet to the bone."
Emergency Contacts: The Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) operates a highly professional voluntary Mountain Search and Rescue (MSAR) service. Ensure you have the local rescue numbers saved in your phone, but remember that helicopters cannot fly in mist or at night.
Tugela Falls: Do not just walk past the top. Take the time to explore the various viewpoints where the river launches itself over the edge. In summer, the thunder of the water is palpable. In winter, the falls can freeze into a massive pillar of ice.
Mount-Aux-Sources: A short detour from the main traverse route takes you to the summit of this peak (3,282 m). It is named "Mountain of Sources" because it is the watershed for several major rivers, including the Tugela (flowing to the Indian Ocean) and the Orange/Senqu (flowing to the Atlantic).
The Mnweni Needles: These are perhaps the most photographed rock formations in the Berg. The view from the escarpment edge looking down onto the Needles and the Mponjwane peak is the quintessential Drakensberg vista.
The Chain Ladders: Even if you are not afraid of heights, the ladders are a point of interest in themselves. Bolted into the rock in the 1950s, they are a testament to early mountain engineering. For those who prefer not to use them, the Beacon Buttress gully offers a steep but ladder-free alternative.
Valley of the Virgin: A secluded and beautiful valley near the Cathedral Peak area, often filled with wildflowers in spring and offering a peaceful alternative to the more rugged escarpment edge.
The Drakensberg is a fragile alpine ecosystem. With increasing numbers of hikers, the impact on the wilderness is becoming visible. It is the responsibility of every hiker to preserve this landscape.
Key Principles for the Berg:
