From R2,000

(One tour per person)
See tiered pricing list below

Hike Details
Pricing
Inclusions
Highlights
Itinerary
FAQ
Photos
Enquire

Climb the Dragon’s Tail – The Ultimate Drakensberg Via Ferrata Adventure

Location: Sentinel Peak, Northern Drakensberg
Duration: Single-day trip (approx. 7 hours)
Departure times: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, or 9:30 AM from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Includes: Certified mountain guide, all via ferrata gear, lunch at Tugela Falls, descent via the chain ladders, and a lifetime supply of bragging rights.

What is the Drakensberg Via Ferrata?

The Drakensberg via ferrata is South Africa’s first and only vertical climbing route of its kind installed on the mighty Dragon’s Tail ridge of Sentinel Peak. “Via ferrata” means “iron way” in Italian, and that’s exactly what you’ll follow: a protected climbing path equipped with a fixed steel cable, iron rungs, pegs, and ladders, all bolted straight into the cliff.

In plain English? You’re climbing a vertical rock face like an action hero, safely attached to the mountain at all times. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and security. If regular hiking feels a bit too horizontal, this is your gateway to vertical adventure without needing ropes, chalk bags, or a personal helicopter.

Why Climb the Drakensberg Via Ferrata?

Because it’s epic. The Dragon’s Tail via ferrata gives you front-row views over the Tugela Gorge, Amphitheatre Wall, and the rolling sea of green below. It’s one of the wildest day adventures you can have in the Northern Drakensberg, offering big mountain energy with just enough “what the heck am I doing” to keep things spicy.

Once you reach the top? You’ll have lunch at the top of Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall. If that doesn’t sound like the best lunch break you’ve ever had, you’re clearly not eating in adventurous enough places.

You’ll then descend via the legendary Drakensberg chain ladders, finishing your mountain loop with a final adrenaline hit (and a few nervous giggles from your knees).

Is It Safe?

Absolutely, when done with Soul Adventures. The Drakensberg via ferrata is specifically designed to allow adventurous folks to experience vertical exposure with minimal risk. You’ll be clipped into a steel cable the entire time using a certified via ferrata lanyard, and we provide:

Helmet, harness, and all gear
Full safety briefing before climbing
Step-by-step coaching on the route
Wilderness First Responder-qualified guide

No sketchy ropes. No “just wing it.” We’ve got safety locked in—literally.

Who Can Do It?

The Dragon’s Tail route is ideal for anyone with a moderate level of fitness and a taste for adventure. You don’t need rock climbing experience, but you should be:

Comfortable with heights
Capable of hiking 10 km on mountainous terrain
Willing to climb some serious vertical steel and own it ( upper body strength is a must )

Minimum age is 12. Maximum age? We’ll let your knees decide. We’ve taken weekend warriors, casual hikers, and nervous first-timers everyone comes back with a grin (and usually a sore calf or two).

Why Go with Soul Adventures?

Soul Adventures is the OG of wild South African hikes, vertical epics, and type-2 fun. Our guides are mountain-mad, safety-obsessed, and hilarious under pressure. You’ll get:

Small group sizes for a personal, safe experience
Premium gear and backup equipment
A guide who can belay, patch a blister, cook a decent lunch, and quote Lord of the Rings, all before lunch
Stories, support, and a seriously good time in the mountains

We’re not just taking you up a mountain, we’re taking you into the heart of the Drakensberg via ferrata experience.

What’s Included

Full via ferrata climbing kit (helmet, harness, lanyard)
Professional mountain guide
Lunch at Tugela Falls
Descent via the chain ladders
Park permits, trail knowledge, and emergency preparedness

What You’ll Need to Bring

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
2 litres of water
Warm layer and rain jacket (weather changes fast)
Daypack with sunscreen, snacks, and your courage
Camera or phone (in a waterproof pouch—trust us)

Departure Options

We offer three daily start times from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge:

6:00 AM – Early bird bonus: cooler temps and quiet trails
7:30 AM – The Goldilocks option (not too early, not too late)
9:30 AM – For late risers and coffee addicts

The trip takes about 7 hours round-trip, depending on pace and number of photo stops (we’ve never met a hiker who didn’t want a selfie halfway up a cliff).

Book Now

Ready to take on South Africa’s boldest one-day adventure? The Drakensberg via ferrata is waiting and it’s just one steel rung away from the best view of your life.

Book your spot or get more info at: info@souladventures.co.za

Pricing – Dragon’s Tail Via Ferrata (per person)

The more brave souls you bring, the less damage to your wallet.

Group Size	Price per Person
1 person	R3,500
2 people	R2,400 pp
3 people	R2,100 pp
4 people	R2,000 pp
5 people	R1,800 pp
6 people	R1,700 pp
7 people	R1,600 pp
8 people	R1,500 pp

Note:

Prices include guides, gear, permits, transport from Witsieshoek to Sentinel Car Park, and lunch.
Maximum group size: 8 people
Smaller groups = more attention. Bigger groups = more jokes.
Email info@souladventures.co.za to check availability and get your quote.

INCLUDED

Qualified mountain guide and wilderness first responder
Lunch and coffee on the trail
Equipment including harnesses, helmets, slings and lanyards
Dry one liner jokes to motivate you up the mountain
Hiking permits and rescue fees
Return 4×4 shuttle from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to Sentinel Car Park
Dedicated Drakensberg trip planner
Discount on clothing and gear purchases at Drifters
Local taxes

NOT INCLUDE

Transport to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
My beautiful wife
Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Tips for guides
Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance
Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
Meals & drinks not specified

Climb the only Via Ferrata in Drakensberg
Some of the best views of the Northern Drakensberg
Fully supported
Authentic South African climbing and hiking experience
It’s achievable!

0:00hr – Depart Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge

Jump into our transfer vehicle for a scenic, bumpy and slightly giggle-inducing 1-hour drive along the infamous Sentinel Peak access road. If your kidneys are still intact at the end, congratulations—you’ve already conquered something.

1:00hr – Arrive at Sentinel Car Park & Hike to the Base

We begin a gradual ±1.5 hour hike across the ridgeline. Expect sweeping views of the Amphitheatre, a few sheep with judgmental eyes, and plenty of snack breaks. The trail leads us to the base of the Dragon’s Tail via ferrata.

2:30hr – Gear Up & Safety Briefing

At the base, we do final gear checks and a short safety briefing. This is where we remind you which side of the carabiner clips to the mountain (hint: the side not facing you).

2:45hr – Begin the Climb

Now the fun really begins. The climb takes about 2 hours, with constant cable protection, metal rungs, and plenty of places to say “holy crap, look at that view.” Our guide will coach you through exposed sections and also double as your personal photographer when your hands are too sweaty to function.

4:45hr – Summit & Lunch at Tugela Falls

Congratulations! You’ve officially scaled the Dragon. Now, sit back, dig into your well-earned lunch, and enjoy the jaw-dropping views from the top of Tugela Falls—the second-highest waterfall on Earth. Bonus points if you don’t spill your juice in excitement.

5:15hr – Descent via Chain Ladders

We hike across the escarpment and then descend the iconic chain ladders—two vertical sections bolted into a cliff that are far more fun (and photogenic) than they sound. Our guide will assist anyone nervous about the descent.

6:15hr – Hike Back to Sentinel Car Park

A ±2-hour hike across the scenic plateau and back down the trail. Expect tired legs, full hearts, and that wonderful post-adventure “I just did that” glow.

8:15hr – Drive Back to Witsieshoek

We pile back into the vehicle for the final 45-minute return drive. It’s the perfect time to reflect, nap, or start planning your next borderline-insane Soul Adventures escapade.

9:00hr – Return to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge

You’re back where you started only now with way more dirt, memories, and elevation in your soul.

Not quite. Via ferrata means “iron path” in Italian. Basically, someone looked at a sheer rock face and thought, “Let’s bolt ladders and cables into this thing so semi-sane humans can clip in and climb it.” It’s a blend of hiking, climbing, and shouting “ARE YOU CLIPPED IN?!” every five minutes.

No need to have abs that can open a Coke bottle. But you should be able to handle a 7-hour mountain mission, some steep uphill hiking, and a vertical climb where your thighs will beg for mercy. If you can climb a stepladder without needing CPR, you’re probably good to go. Upper body strength is a requirement.

Yes. We use proper via ferrata gear, including lanyards with shock absorbers that take the “splat” out of falling. You’ll also be led by real mountain guides not YouTube-certified “experts” with selfie sticks and a GoPro addiction. Your job is to clip in, climb up, and not cry (out loud).

We provide the safety kit. You bring:
Hiking boots with grip (Crocs are not grip)
Layers for weather that changes faster than your ex’s mood ( we will provide you with a list )
A daypack with snacks, water, and maybe a backup pair of underwear (just in case)
Courage, caffeine, and a healthy fear of gravity

Nope. No ropes, belays or knots required, this ain’t Everest. If you’ve climbed a ladder or fridge-raided on tiptoes, you’ve got the skillset. We’ll teach you how to clip in, breathe through the fear, and pretend you’re enjoying it.

We launch this adventure from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge with departure options at 6:00am, 7:30am, and 9:30am—pick your poison. From there, we drive to Sentinel car park, hike to the base, climb the via ferrata, have lunch at Tugela Falls, and then hike out like the heroes we are.

Then this probably isn’t your jam. There are serious drop-offs, some exposed ledges, and one spot that will make you reconsider your life decisions. But if you’re up for a challenge and trust our gear (and your guide’s motivational shouting), you’ll be fine.

Yes! Weather permitting, we chow down at the top of the world’s tallest waterfall (no, seriously it beat Angel Falls in a recent rematch). It’s the only lunch spot where your sandwich could take 15 seconds to hit the bottom.

If it’s howling, hailing, or heaven forbid, lightning, then we’ll pivot faster than a trail runner spotting a snake. Your safety is everything. We’ll either delay, reschedule, or offer an alternate hike. No summit is worth becoming a lightning rod.

We work this tour on a tiered pricing system which means even you’re at least one person or a max of eight we can offer this trip. For groups of more than 5 a second guide will be on the trip.

Cancel more than 7 days in advance, no problem. Less than 7? We’ll do our best to fill your spot. We’re adventurers, not accountants, so we try to be human about it.

Sure, if they’re 160cm+, have some hiking experience, and aren’t likely to lose their minds halfway up a cliff. Parental supervision is a must. No sending your kid as tribute while you stay behind and “monitor from the car.”