About Southern Secrets

Southern Secrets can provide anything from a day hike, including visiting San or Bushman Rock Art sites, to a multi-day trip, with nights spent in caves (rock overhangs) and / or tents, at any altitude in the Drakensberg or Maluti Mountains. Another idea for hikers seeking a more comfortable option, is to be accommodated each evening in a suitable B&B, Backpackers Lodge or Hotel, and do a series of day hikes and tours with Southern Secrets, These trips would be designed to provide a varied overview of the Drakensberg and Lesotho.

The Southern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg has the distinction of being the least visited area of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site as it is the furthest from the Gauteng metropolitan areas of Johannesburg and Pretoria, and therefore has the most unspoilt wilderness available for hiking.

‘Wilderness’ is defined as any natural area that has not been changed or influenced in any way by man. When in a wilderness area one should be able to look in any direction and not see or hear any evidence of humanity at all, including seeing alien vegetation. In its purest form there would be no paths made by humans, and hiking would be off path or on paths made by animals normally found in the area. One is unlikely to see any other people in a wilderness area.

For most hikes, clients participating in Southern Secrets hikes are encouraged to be self sufficient and to carry all they need for the trip themselves. They should be reasonably fit, and if participating in multi-day hikes, used to carrying a backpack weighing between 18kg and 25kg. The use of porters is not encouraged in wilderness areas within the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site because of the increased impact on these sensitive environments, and because of the detrimental effect the extra numbers would have on enjoying a ‘wilderness experience’.

All Southern Secrets trips should be approached with a degree of flexibility and an adventurous spirit. At the same time Philip Grant and Southern Secrets Hiking and Backpacking is committed to ‘adding value’, and will ‘tailor make’ the trip to the interests of the group and their fitness levels to ensure that as far as possible, all clients have an interesting and rewarding experience that is comfortably within their limits.

Kit lists and food ideas for self catering will be supplied to all hikers, after booking a trip with Southern Secrets Hiking and Backpacking. Alternatively, food and kit can be provided if required. When trekking or pony trekking in Lesotho, traditional meals will normally be provided by the villagers at overnight stops. On hiking trips, clients will be expected to pitch their tents as well as cook and wash up for themselves. Transport to and from hiking venues can be organised if necessary.

Southern Secrets’ Hiking Philosophy is:

Come back safely

Come back friends (have fun)

Reach your objective

(In that order!)