3-Day Drakensberg Slackpacking Adventure in Royal Natal National Park with Soul Adventures

The Adventure Where We Carry the Hassle and You Carry the Memories

Get ready for three days of epic hikes, jaw-dropping scenery, campfire stories, and zero stress. Yes, you heard that right: this is slackpacking, the luxurious cousin of backpacking where we handle all the boring bits (gear, food, permits, etc.), and you just bring your sense of adventure (and a decent pair of boots).

Pack your humor and join Soul Adventures for a Drakensberg escapade that’s as exhilarating as it is entertaining. It’s hiking without the ugh, camping without the ick, and a surefire way to make some incredible memories.

Quick Facts (Because Who Reads Full Sentences?)

• What’s Included:
  • 2x breakfasts, 2x lunches, 2x dinners (yes, you will eat like royalty in Royal Natal).
  • Coffee and tea because mornings are impossible without them.
  • All camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, mats, and even utensils—because eating with your hands can only go so far.
• What’s Not Included:
  • Transport to Royal Natal National Park. You get there; we’ll take care of everything else.
• Guided Hikes:
  • Day 1: The Crack & Mudslide. (Sounds messy, but we promise it’s a highlight.)
  • Day 2: Tugela Gorge. Bring your camera—this one’s a stunner.
  • Day 3: Tiger Falls or Policeman’s Helmet. Choose between “wet and wonderful” or “rock with a funny hat.”
• Flexibility: Private or group tours available because some things are better with friends, while others are better without them.
• When: Any time of year. The mountains don’t take holidays, and neither do we.

Day 1: The Crack, The Mudslide, and You

Welcome to the Mountains
Arrive at Royal Natal National Park, where your guide will greet you with a smile (and maybe a “you sure you packed enough water?”). After a quick briefing, it’s time to hit the trail. First up: the legendary Crack and Mudslide hike.

• Trail Name: The Crack & Mudslide
• Difficulty: Moderate to “Oh, so this is what they mean by leg day.”
• Duration: 4–5 hours

This hike is part scenic masterpiece, part obstacle course. You’ll scramble through rocky passages, gasp at sweeping mountain views, and probably wonder how your guide makes it all look so effortless. The ascent up The Crack will have you feeling like a triumphant explorer, while the descent through The Mudslide is slippery fun (and maybe a little bit of revenge for skipping that yoga class).

Camping & Cuisine
After conquering the trail, it’s time to unwind. Your tent will already be set up—because we’re nice like that—and a hot meal will be waiting. Picture this: you, a campfire, a plate of something delicious, and the kind of stars you only see when you’re far, far away from Wi-Fi.

Day 2: Tugela Gorge – Where Waterfalls and Wonders Collide

Fuel Up
Start your day with a hearty breakfast that will make you forget you’re in the middle of nowhere. There’s coffee, there’s tea, and there’s enough food to keep your legs moving all day.

The Main Event

• Trail Name: Tugela Gorge
• Difficulty: Moderate (but you’ll still feel like a hero at the end).
• Duration: 5–6 hours

This is the Drakensberg at its finest. Follow the Tugela River as it weaves through a dramatic gorge, surrounded by cliffs that seem to touch the clouds. Your reward? Views of Tugela Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and the kind of thing that makes people jealous when you post it on Instagram.

The trail is packed with photo ops: rock pools, lush greenery, and formations so cool you’ll be half-convinced aliens had a hand in it. We’ll stop for lunch at a scenic spot, where you can enjoy your sandwich with a side of “Wow, nature is amazing.”

Evening Vibes
Back at camp, you’ll have time to relax before dinner. Swap stories from the day, maybe spot a shooting star or two, and then crawl into your sleeping bag knowing you’ve earned every bit of tomorrow’s breakfast.

Day 3: Tiger Falls or Policeman’s Helmet – Choose Your Own Adventure

Rise and Shine
Breakfast is served, and it’s as satisfying as the realization that you don’t have to pack up your own tent. (Seriously, we do it all.)

Two Trails, One Decision
Your final hike depends on what kind of adventure you’re in the mood for:

1. Tiger Falls
   • Trail Type: Scenic and serene.
   • What to Expect: A gorgeous waterfall tucked into the landscape. It’s a shorter, easier hike that’s perfect if your legs are feeling the burn from the past two days.
2. Policeman’s Helmet
   • Trail Type: Unique and quirky.
   • What to Expect: A slightly longer route leading to a rock formation that looks like—well, you guessed it. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to wrap up your adventure.

Whichever trail you choose, you’ll be treated to more stunning views, fresh air, and that bittersweet feeling of knowing the trip is almost over.

Farewell
Once the hike is done, we’ll bid you goodbye and send you back to reality with a backpack full of memories, some killer photos, and maybe a new appreciation for what your legs can do.

Why Choose Us?

Because we know what hikers want:

• Comfort: We supply all the gear, so you don’t have to worry about lugging your entire house to the mountains.
• Delicious Food: Think camping food is just beans and crackers? Think again.
• Expert Guides: Local, knowledgeable, and always up for a laugh.
• Stress-Free Logistics: Permits, gear, meals—it’s all sorted.

And most importantly, because adventure should be fun. We’re here to make sure you laugh as much as you sweat and leave with stories you’ll be telling for years.

What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking clothes (because jeans are a bad idea).
• Sturdy hiking boots (your sneakers will thank you later).
• A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated, folks).
• A sense of humor (this one’s non-negotiable).

Book Your Adventure

Ready to conquer the Drakensberg without conquering your wallet? Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole crew, this 3-day slackpacking trip is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and downright good times.

So, what are you waiting for? The mountains are calling, and they’re hilarious.