Drakensberg Grand Traverse: A-10 Day Epic Adventure with Soul Adventures

Drakensberg Grand Traverse

10 Days. 230km. One Epic, Unforgettable Journey with Soul Adventures.

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is not just a hike — it’s the kind of adventure that makes your other hikes feel like leisurely strolls to the fridge. This legendary route stretches approximately 230km from Sentinel Peak in the north all the way to Bushman’s Nek in the south. Over 10 days, you’ll hike across South Africa’s most iconic mountain range — the mighty Drakensberg — experiencing one of the most remote and rewarding mountain adventures on the continent.

It’s challenging, yes. But it’s also a chance to completely unplug, test your limits, and find out what you’re really made of — with a seasoned crew behind you, hot meals waiting at camp, and a few questionable jokes around the fire each night.

What Is the Drakensberg Grand Traverse?

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is one of the premier multi-day hikes in Africa — and the world. It follows the dramatic escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains, climbing 12 of the range’s highest peaks, including Mafadi (SA’s tallest at 3,450m), Champagne Castle, Cleft Peak, and Thabana Ntlenyana (the highest point in Southern Africa).

This route isn’t a marked trail. It’s a wilderness experience. With no signposts or permanent shelters, it requires navigation, mountain knowledge, and grit. Which is exactly why people book it with us — we bring the maps, the gear, the food, and the know-how. You just bring your boots and a can-do attitude (and maybe a few plasters for your heels).

Why Do the Drakensberg Grand Traverse with Soul Adventures?

At Soul Adventures, we don’t just guide the Drakensberg Grand Traverse — we live and breathe it. Our guides have done this route more times than they can count (even though they pretend to keep track), and we’ve built our trip to be the perfect balance of adventure, safety, comfort, and camaraderie.

Here’s what’s included in your Grand Traverse package:

Transfers From Johannesburg

We’ll pick you up from Joburg and take you straight to Sentinel Peak, where your Drakensberg Grand Traverse begins. At the finish line in Bushman’s Nek, we’ll scoop up your tired legs and shuttle you back to civilisation — no hitchhiking or questionable taxi rides required.

All Meals Included

Fuel is everything on a trip like this. We provide three nutritious meals per day — breakfasts that warm your soul, trail lunches to keep you going, and hearty dinners to end each day right. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or a devoted coffee addict, we’ve got your back. We’ll even bring the marshmallows.

Two Nights in a Hotel

To make the experience a little more luxurious (and let’s face it, help you ease into 10 nights in a tent), we include one night in a comfy hotel before the hike and another after. Think hot showers, soft beds, and a final chance to mentally prepare — or celebrate.

Porters to Lighten the Load

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse isn’t a walk in the park, so we provide porters to carry the heavy stuff — tents and food. Does this mean you carry nothing? No, no it does not. You will still be responsible for carrying your personal gear which includes your sleeping gear and clothing.

All Equipment Provided

Don’t have all the gear? No problem. We’ve got you covered with top-quality equipment:

• Weatherproof hiking tents
• Warm sleeping bags and mats
• Backpacks (if needed)
• Cooking gear and utensils

Everything is selected for comfort, durability, and the weird, wet weather moods of the Berg.

Permits, Logistics and Safety? Sorted.

We handle all the red tape — hiking permits, park fees, rescue cover. We also carry satellite communication for emergencies. All you need to do is show up, start walking, and occasionally remember which foot goes in front of the other.

How Difficult Is the Drakensberg Grand Traverse?

Here’s the honest truth: the Drakensberg Grand Traverse is not easy — but it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset and support.

You’ll be hiking between 18–25km a day across rugged, uneven terrain, carrying a light pack at altitudes above 3,000m. There’s some scrambling, a few river crossings, and plenty of good-natured complaining. But with our support team, regular meal stops, and strategic pacing, even moderately fit hikers can take it on.

You don’t need to be an ultra-marathoner — but a bit of prep helps. We recommend doing some multi-day hikes beforehand (we run a few in the Drakensberg if you want to train with us), plus strength and endurance training in the lead-up.

What Makes the Drakensberg Grand Traverse Special?

• It’s remote. You won’t see roads, fences, or towns for days.
• It’s challenging — but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
• It’s wild, raw, and beautiful in ways no Instagram filter can do justice.
• It’s not just a hike — it’s a story you’ll tell forever.

Most people hike to get away from their phones. The Drakensberg Grand Traverse forces you to — and replaces it with campfire conversations, early morning sunrises, mountain goats (real ones), and a deeper connection to nature and yourself.

Sound Like Your Kind of Thing?

If you’re looking for a true wilderness experience — with just the right balance of Type 2 fun, hot meals, good company, and expert support — the Drakensberg Grand Traverse is it.

We take care of the hard stuff so you can focus on the good stuff: the hike, the scenery, and the satisfaction of doing something that most people only ever dream about.

Ready to earn your mountain stripes?

Join us on the Drakensberg Grand Traverse. Your legs might hate you, but your soul will thank you.