Day Hikes

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.

Wildflower and Nature Trips

(Day or Multi-day)

The distance normally covered would be somewhere between 2kms and 5kms, to give time to identify, photograph and enjoy the wildflowers, birds and animals seen, but could extend to as much as 10kms on request.

The best of the flowering season is in Spring and Summer. The trip would be tailor-made to suit the client’s particular interests. A packed lunch would need to be ordered from your accommodation establishment.

Several days can be spent walking through wildflowers in the Southern Drakensberg and Lesotho. Options include exploring the diverse range of different wildflower species and endemic birds as the altitude increases up the iconic Sani Pass, spending one or two nights at Sani Top Chalet, to take in the alpine species along the Drakensberg Escarpment. Then travel into Lesotho to Black Mountain Pass and the Maluti Valleys beyond. Visit some remote pristine wilderness areas to immerse yourself in the stunning array of Flora and Fauna.

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

Hikes to Sleep in Caves (Rock Overhangs)

(2 days 1 night up to 5 days 4 nights)

A ‘Caves Traverse’ can incorporate several different combinations of caves (rock overhangs) in the Drakensberg, and can be extended 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 unspoiled wilderness.

Distance covered each day would be between 10kms and 12kms, with a typical altitude gain or descent each day of around 500m. After arriving at the cave and making camp, there is normally time to swim or explore.

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

South Africa / Lesotho Cross-Cultural Hikes

(3 days 2 nights up to 6 days 5 nights)  NB: PASSPORTS ESSENTIAL.

The hike is designed to provide as many contrasts as possible, cultural interaction, as well as experiencing some of the ‘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.

On the 4 day version of the hike, the last night is spent in the relative luxury of the Sehlabathebe Park Lodge in Sehlabathebe National Park. Among other alternatives on the hike, there would be a possible option to climb the magnificent freestanding peaks of Baroa ba Bararo or ‘The Knuckles’ (3050m). On the 4 day version of the hike, it is possible to include a walk to Tsoelikane Falls, or to go horse riding with a local guide. San or Bushman Rock Art sites can also be visited.

In the Mnweni area of the Northern Drakensberg it is possible to do a longer and more strenuous version of a cross cultural hike interacting with both Basotho and Zulu cultures. Porters are available in this part of the Drakensburg if required. Alternatively it is possible to enjoy a Zulu village visit with virtually no hiking at all! This would suit those who are unable to walk long distances for any reason.

 

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

High Traverse Hikes

(3 days 2 nights up to 5 days 4 nights) 

NB: Due to hiking along the S.A. / Lesotho Border, PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL.

At times, weather conditions on top of the Drakensberg 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 Drakensberg, or the Southern 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.

As most of the hiking is along the SA Lesotho border, it would not be in the pure wilderness of the World Heritage Site. 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 if the route includes a Drakensberg pass.

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.

Trekking & Pony Trekking in Lesotho

(2 days 1 night and longer) NB: PASSPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Overnight accommodation is in villages, and involves considerable cultural interaction with the friendly Basotho people. Philip Grant or Christeen Grant will be the guide and driver to and from Lesotho, and accompany clients on the rides or treks. It is also possible to combine a Southern Secrets hiking trip with a Lesotho cultural trip or 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. 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.