A Typical Day Hike

Southern Secrets Day hike routes are carefully chosen to show off the best of the Drakensberg and as many ‘southern secrets’ as possible. They incorporate majestic scenery, towering rock ramparts, pristine streams and rivers with interesting fauna and flora and often San or Bushman Rock Art. As much pure wilderness as possible is included. The distance normally covered would be somewhere between 10kms and 15kms, but could extend to as much as 20kms or more on request. Altitude gain would be around 300m to 500m, but could extend to over 1000m if climbing a ‘High Berg’ peak such as the Rhino Horn (3256m). A packed lunch would need to be ordered from your accommodation establishment if required.

The starting time is flexible, but will be as early as possible, depending on prevailing weather conditions.

Price:

Professional Hiking Guide:

Base rate R1 300.00 for 1 to 4 persons (+ R300.00 per person for groups larger than 4 persons). There is no maximum group size but a group larger than 12 persons is not recommended.

EKZN Wildlife day entry:

R30.00 to R40.00 per person depending on venue.

An Overnight Cave Hike to Sleep in a Cave (Rock Overhang)

(2 Days 1 Night)

There are many beautiful overnight caves to choose from in the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg that have to be seen to be appreciated. Humans are dwarfed by massive sandstone cliffs which form the rock overhangs, and nearby cascading waterfalls and pools are typical. The views from ones sleeping bag at first light, sometimes through natural indigenous forest into and across the valleys below are unequalled. Most of the routes to and from the caves and the caves themselves are in wilderness. In most cases, the routes incorporate very good San or Bushman Rock Art sites. The typical distance covered each day is around 10 to 12kms, with an altitude gain and descent of approximately 500m. After arriving at the cave and making camp, there is normally time to swim and explore.

Starting times each day are flexible, but will be as early as possible, depending on prevailing weather conditions.

Price:

Professional Hiking Guide:

Base rate R1 375.00 per day for 1 to 4 persons (+ R330.00 per person per day for groups larger than 4 persons). There is no maximum group size but a group larger than 10 persons is not recommended.

EKZN Wildlife overnight fee:

R40.00 per person.

Southern Secrets Caves Traverse

(From 3 Days 2 Nights to 5 Days 4 Nights)

The Southern Secrets ‘Caves Traverse’ can incorporate several different combinations of caves (rock overhangs) in the Drakensberg, and can be extended to up to 4 or 5 days by hiking from one suitable overnight cave to the next, or by staying for two nights in one cave, allowing a full day to explore the surrounding area, swim in pristine rock pools, climb a nearby ‘High Berg’ peak, or simply relax and enjoy some unspoilt wilderness. Distance covered each day would be between 10kms and 12kms, with a typical altitude gain or descent each day of around 500m.

Starting times each day are flexible, but will be as early as possible, depending on prevailing weather conditions.

Price:

Professional Hiking Guide:

Base rate R1 450.00 per day for 1 to 4 persons (+ R350.00 per person per day for groups larger than 4 persons). There is no maximum group size but a group larger than 10 persons is not recommended.

EKZN Wildlife overnight fee:

R40.00 per person.

Southern Secrets SA Lesotho Cross-Cultural Hike

(3 Days 2 Nights or 4 Days 3 Nights)

NB PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL!

This Southern Secrets hiking trip is unique anywhere in Southern Africa as it encompasses pristine mountain wilderness hiking in the South African Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site, and a night in a cave (rock overhang), with a trip across an international border into a remote village in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. In addition, time is spent in Lesotho’s spectacular and unspoilt Sehlabathebe National Park. The hike is designed to provide as many contrasts as possible, cultural interaction, as well as experiencing some ‘southern secrets’. When staying the night in the Basotho Village, there will be time for a guided walk and an introduction to Lesotho mountain village life and culture. Dinner and breakfast will be traditional meals, and we will sleep in an authentic Basotho hut. In Sehlabathebe National Park the night is spent in the relative luxury of Chief Jonathan’s Lodge. Among other alternatives, there would be a possible option to climb the magnificent freestanding peaks of Baroa ba Bararo or ‘The Knuckles’ (3050m), hike to Tsoelikane Falls, or to go horse riding with a local guide. San or Bushman Rock Art sites can also be visited. A shorter version of this hike is possible (2 nights 3 days).

Starting times each day are flexible, but will be as early as possible, depending on prevailing weather conditions.

Price:

Professional Hiking Guide:

Base rate R1 600.00 per day for 1 to 4 persons (+ R375.00 per person per day for groups larger than 4 persons). There is no maximum group size but a group larger than 10 persons is not recommended.

Sehlabathebe Lodge: R150.00pp

Bushmans Cave:R  40.00pp

Thamathu Village:R160.00pp including meals

High Berg Traverse

(From 3 Days 2 Nights to 5 Days 4 Nights)

Because hiking is along an international border and we will often be in Lesotho, PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL!

A hike such as this is extreme and should only be tackled by persons who are very fit and are prepared to endure some discomfort in return for spectacular views and vistas. At times, weather conditions on top of the escarpment can be very cold and windy and visibility can be compromised by mist and rain. Snow is possible in any month of the year, but falls mainly between May and November. Kit and clothing must be of the highest standard. Examples of such hikes are the ‘Mini Traverse’ from the Sentinel to Cathedral Peak in the Northern KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg, or the Southern Berg Traverse from Sani Pass to Bushmans Nek. Because the start and end points are a long way from each other, necessary transport arrangements must be made. Strictly speaking, hiking would not be in pure wilderness, and other people such as Basotho shepherds, as well as domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cattle and horses are likely to be encountered, although a sense of isolation, and of being a long way from anywhere, is prevalent. The scenery is wild and starkly beautiful, with many exquisite ridges, valleys, rivers, mountain streams and pools to be discovered. Bird life is interesting with a good chance of seeing raptors such as Cape Vultures and the rare and endangered Bearded Vulture. Distances covered each day would be between 12kms and 20kms. Altitude gain or descent in any day can total 900m and can be as much as 1500m depending on whether we are negotiating a Drakensberg pass or not.

Shorter versions of High Berg traverses are possible, as well as hikes that take in a night or two at lower altitude in a cave (rock overhang) in a wilderness area, with a couple of nights on the escarpment in tents. These can often be planned to return to their original starting point, thus avoiding the need to make complicated transport arrangements.

Starting times each day are flexible, but will be as early as possible, depending on prevailing weather conditions.

Price:

Professional Hiking Guide:

Base rate R1 750.00 per day for 1 to 4 persons (+ R425.00 per person per day for groups larger than 4 persons). There is no maximum group size but a group larger than 10 persons is not recommended.

Trekking & Pony Trekking in Lesotho

NB PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL!

Lesotho trekking and pony trekking trips will be arranged by Southern Secrets in combination with other tour operators. They normally involve a 4x4 trip up the legendary Sani Pass and link up with Basotho horse guides and community tourism initiatives. Overnight accommodation is in villages, and involves considerable cultural interaction with the friendly Basotho people. Philip Grant or Christeen Grant will act as guide and driver to and from Lesotho, and accompany clients on the rides or treks. It is also possible to tailor make a combination of hiking with Southern Secrets, with a Lesotho cultural trip and pony trekking trip.

Because of the time taken to travel into Lesotho, all trekking and pony trekking trips are multi-day trips, lasting from 2 to 4 days, although longer trips can be arranged.

Philip Grant and Southern Secrets will happily offer help and advice on the best way to compile and combine hiking, trekking and pony trekking itineraries, so as to assist clients to get the most out of the experience.

Price:

Prices are dependant on other tour operators and can be supplied on request.