Drakensberg Grand Traverse: A-10 Day Epic Adventure with Soul Adventures
Drakensberg Grand Traverse: A 10-Day Epic Adventure with Soul Adventures
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is not just a hike; it’s an unparalleled expedition that immerses you in the raw, untamed beauty of South Africa’s most iconic mountain range. Over 10 days, you’ll traverse approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles) of the Drakensberg Mountains, experiencing the wilderness in its most pristine form. With Soul Adventures, this epic journey becomes a meticulously planned adventure, designed to challenge, inspire, and invigorate your spirit. We
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse: An Overview
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is one of the most sought-after and challenging hikes in the world. This trek takes you from the Sentinel Peak in the northern Drakensberg, down to Bushman’s Nek in the south, navigating through some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in South Africa. Our lame dad jokes make this hike even more challenging than it already is.
Over the course of 10 days, you’ll experience dramatic changes in scenery and humour—from the towering basalt cliffs of the Amphitheatre to the sweeping grasslands, deep valleys, and isolated mountain passes. You’ll climb steep ridges, cross fast-flowing rivers, and camp in areas that feel untouched by time. This journey is more than a physical challenge; it’s a spiritual quest, offering a profound connection to nature and a sense of accomplishment like no other. The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is like no hike you have ever done before.
Why Choose Soul Adventures?
Embarking on the Drakensberg Grand Traverse with Soul Adventures guarantees an adventure that is as safe as it is unforgettable. Here’s why our expedition stands out:
1. Seamless Transfers from Johannesburg
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive. We provide comfortable and reliable transfers from Johannesburg to the start of the hike at Sentinel Peak, ensuring you arrive fresh and ready to tackle the challenge ahead. After 10 days of intense trekking, we’ll also take care of your return journey, offering you a stress-free end to your adventure.
2. Nourishing and Delicious Meals
Fueling your body is crucial for such a demanding trek. Soul Adventures ensures that you are well-fed with three nutritious and hearty meals each day. Our meals are prepared to meet the high-energy demands of the hike, while also taking into account any dietary restrictions you may have. Whether it’s a warm breakfast to start your day, a satisfying lunch on the trail, or a comforting dinner under the stars, we’ve got you covered.
3. Comfortable Hotel Accommodation
We understand that a good night’s rest is essential for your performance on the trail. That’s why we include two nights of hotel accommodation—one night before the hike and one night after. Before the hike, you’ll have the chance to relax and mentally prepare for the journey ahead. After completing the traverse, you’ll return to the comfort of a hotel to rest, recover, and reflect on your incredible achievement.
4. Fully Organized Hiking Experience
With Soul Adventures, you can focus entirely on the hike, as we handle all the logistics. All necessary permits and fees for the Drakensberg Grand Traverse are included, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. You won’t have to worry about paperwork or hidden costs; everything is taken care of in advance.
5. Porters to Ease Your Load
One of the most daunting aspects of multi-day hikes is carrying a heavy pack. At Soul Adventures, we provide experienced porters who will carry the bulk of the load, including tents, food, and other essential equipment. This allows you to hike with a lighter day pack, conserving your energy for the demanding terrain ahead. Our porters are not just carriers; they are integral to the experience, offering support, encouragement, and invaluable local knowledge.
6. High-Quality Equipment Provided
We provide all the essential gear needed for the traverse, ensuring that you are well-equipped for the challenges of the hike. This includes:
- Tents: Sturdy and weather-resistant, designed to withstand the elements.
- Sleeping Bags: Warm and comfortable, suitable for the varying temperatures of the Drakensberg.
- Sleeping Mats: Providing insulation and comfort on the ground.
- Backpacks: Ergonomically designed for the rigors of long-distance hiking.
- Eating Utensils: Everything you need for meals in the wilderness.
All our equipment is of the highest quality, ensuring you stay comfortable, safe, and well-prepared throughout the Drakensberg Grand Traverse.
Why You Should Do It
Because its there… Not convincing enough for you? Didn’t think so.
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is not just a hike—it’s a transformative experience. Completing this trek is a testament to your physical endurance, mental toughness, and determination. It offers an unmatched opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature in its purest form. The solitude, the sense of achievement, and the breathtaking landscapes make this an adventure that will stay with you forever. As will the blood, sweat and tears that you will shed on this journey.
With Soul Adventures, you’ll not only complete the Drakensberg Grand Traverse but do so with the confidence that you are supported by a team of experienced professionals. We take care of all the details, allowing you to focus on the adventure, the challenge, and the beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Join us on this epic journey and discover why the Drakensberg Grand Traverse is considered one of the greatest hikes in the world.
INCLUDED
- Qualified mountain guide and wilderness first responder plus assistants
- Return transfers from Johannesburg
- 3 meals a day on the mountain
- 2 nights hotel accommodation ( breakfast and dinner included )
- 10 days/9 nights trekking in the mountains
- Porters to carry food and tents
- All hiking permits, park fees and local taxes
- Certificate of Completion for the Drakensberg Grand Traverse
- Dad Jokes to keep you highly motivated throughout the Drakensberg Grand Traverse
- Discount on equipment and clothing from Drifters
NOT INCLUDED
- My beautiful wife
- Flights and airport taxes
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
- Visas for South Africa
- Health requirements (if any)
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance
- Personal hiking/trekking gear you can rent some of the gear from us once in South Africa
- Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
- Meals & drinks not specified
Drakensberg Grand Traverse Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
• Today is a preparation day. We use it to finalise packing, prep your expectations for the trek, and talk about all things weather and safety related.
Day 2: Sentinel Car Park to Near Fangs
Distance: 22.8 km
Ascent: 1291 m
- Overview: Begin your trek at Sentinel Car Park with a challenging ascent up the Chain Ladders to the escarpment. A brief detour to Tugela Falls is recommended to witness the world’s second-highest waterfall. Continue climbing to Mont Aux Sources (3282 m), where you’ll gain 750 meters in the first 8 km. Descend to the Kubedu River and cross ridges towards the valley below Fangs Pass. Due to the strenuous start, it’s advisable to camp around 18 km in if necessary, making up the distance on the easier Day 2.
- Highlights: Tugela Falls, Chain Ladders, Mont Aux Sources.
Day 3 Fangs to Behind the Saddle
Distance: 22.2 km
Ascent: 767 m
- Overview: From Fangs, cross a high ridge and descend to the Hanging Valleys. Climb to the ridge overlooking the Mnweni Cutback and the Senqu plains. A 5.5 km detour is suggested for spectacular views of the Mnweni Pinnacles, Mnweni Needles, and Mponjwane Tower. Enjoy a break at the confluence of the Senqu and Koakoatsan rivers before following the Koakoatsan Valley, making as much progress as possible up the valley to ease Day 3’s demands.
- Highlights: Mnweni Pinnacles, Mnweni Needles, Koakoatsan Valley.
Day 4: Behind the Saddle to Near Yodler’s Cascades
Distance: 27.1 km
Ascent: 1305 m
- Overview: Start by crossing a ridge into the Cathedral Peak area, including the Bell Traverse. Take detours for exceptional views from Elephant’s Head. Climb to Cleft Peak (3277 m) for panoramic vistas of the Column and Pyramid, then descend past Thuthumi Pass to Windsor Castle. Aim to cover more distance on this easier stretch to prepare for the next challenging day.
- Highlights: Cathedral Peak, Bell Traverse, Cleft Peak, Windsor Castle.
Day 5: Near Yodler’s Cascades to Past Ship’s Prow Pass
Distance: 22.2 km
Ascent: 1460 m
- Overview: Ascend from the Yodler’s Cascades through the picturesque valley and cross higher terrain toward Champagne Castle (3377 m). Continue past Ship’s Prow Pass, dropping to campsites by a river. This day involves a significant climb but offers rewarding views and a beautiful camping spot.
- Highlights: Champagne Castle, Ship’s Prow Pass.
Day 6: Ship’s Prow Pass to Jarateng River Valley
Distance: 22.2 km
Ascent: 681 m
- Overview: A relatively easier day with minimal ascent, including a summit of Mafadi (3450 m), the highest peak in South Africa. Descend into the Jarateng River valley, entering Lesotho. Explore the area with its stone kraals and Basotho shepherds, and choose from various campsites.
- Highlights: Mafadi, Jarateng River Valley.
Day 7: Jarateng River Valley to Lotheni Pass
Distance: 23.8 km
Ascent: 1018 m
- Overview: Begin with a long, gentle climb to Giant’s Castle Pass. Consider a side trip to summit Giant’s Castle (3315 m). After returning to the pass, descend to Lotheni Pass, where ample camping options are available.
- Highlights: Giant’s Castle, Lotheni Pass.
Day 8: Lotheni Pass to Mkhomazi Pass
Distance: 21.3 km
Ascent: 794 m
- Overview: Climb to Ka-Masihlenga Pass and Redi Peak (3309 m), then descend past Hlatimba Caves and around Lamunram Peak to Mkhomazi Pass campsites. If time and energy permit, consider summiting Thaba Ntlenyana, adding about 8 km and 650 m of ascent.
- Highlights: Ka-Masihlenga Pass, Redi Peak, Hlatimba Caves, Lamunram Peak.
Day 9: Mkhomazi Pass to Pitsaneng River
Distance: 26.4 km
Ascent: 1211 m
- Overview: Climb the Mohlesi River Valley to Thabana Ntlenyana (3482 m), the highest peak in Southern Africa. Descend to the Sehonghong River and climb to the ridge overlooking the Sani Pass road. Complete a final descent to Pitsaneng River, with options to continue to Sandleni Pinnacle for scenic campsites.
- Highlights: Thabana Ntlenyana, Sehonghong River, Sandleni Pinnacle.
Day 10: Pitsaneng River to Leqooa River Camp/Mzimude Caves
Distance: 21.3 km
Ascent: 1025 m
- Overview: Traverse the Sandleni Pinnacle area to No Man’s Peak and drop past Mzimkhulu Pass. Cross a ridge to Mashai Pass and descend to Leqooa River, with nearby Mzimude Caves offering an interesting exploration option.
- Highlights: No Man’s Peak, Mzimkhulu Pass, Mashai Pass, Mzimude Caves.
Day 11: Leqooa River to Bushman’s Nek Border Post
Distance: 20.7 km
Ascent: 468 m
- Overview: A celebratory final day with a brief climb to Isicatula Pass, followed by a pleasant walk to Thamathu Pass and down to Bushman’s Nek. Enjoy a final river crossing before reaching the border post, where you can celebrate the completion of the traverse with a well-deserved meal and rest.
- Highlights: Isicatula Pass, Thamathu Pass, Bushman’s Nek.
Completion: Celebrate at Bushman’s Nek Border Post and enjoy a meal at the nearby Bushman’s Nek Hotel, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.
Day 12: Travel Day