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Ready, Set, Summit: 9 Best Drakensberg Hiking Trails for the Adventurous Spirit
My friends and I make it a tradition to hike at one of the trails in Drakensberg. Rugged peaks, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems are the reasons hiking on these trails is an adventure.
These trails will challenge you to navigate steep ascents and scramble over rocky terrain, but the picturesque views are rewarding at the end of the day.
If you want to take on a formidable quest, here are the best Drakensberg hiking trails to embark on.
Game Pass Shelter Hike
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Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 3.5 hours
Website: https://drakensbergexperience.co.za/points_of_interest/game-pass-shelter/
Address: Kamberg Nature Reserve
Contacts: 033 263 7251
Admission fee: R50 per person
Game Pass Shelter is a hike accessible via Waterfall Shelter. It’s beginner-friendly because the paths don’t go up too steep.
During our hike here, we were allowed to linger at the shelter. The landscape put on quite a show with dramatic cliffs that made me feel as if I was hiking through untouched wilderness!
| Pro tip: If you’re a first-time visitor, a guided walk is advisable since the guides can provide valuable insights about the area’s history. |
Injisuthi Battle Cave Walk
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Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 to 5 hours round trip
Website: https://www.kznwildlife.com/ecotourism-home/item/injisuthi.html
Starting point: Injisuthi Camp
Contacts: 036 431 9000/082 302 1067
Admission fee: R45 per person
The Injisuthi Battle Cave trail takes you to one of the most significant rock art sites in the Drakensberg Mountains. The landscape is a mix of open grasslands, river crossings, and rugged terrain, making for a diverse and scenic trek.
The hike leads you to the Battle Cave—a well-preserved shelter featuring San rock art with an iconic painting suggesting a spiritual battle.
| Pro tip: The Battle Cave is fenced and can only be accessed with a guide. Book this tour in advance through Injisuthi Camp. |
Rainbow Gorge
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Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 to 4 hours round trip
Website: https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/kwazulunatal/rainbow-gorge-trail/
Address: Cathedral Peak Hotel
Contacts: +27 36 488 1888
Admission fee:
- Free for hotel guests
- R50 for day visitors
Rainbow Gorge is one of the most picturesque hikes in the area. As you approach the gorge, you’ll see towering cliffs rise up one side, forming a narrow canyon. You’ll also pass through a natural forest and cross a few streams.
If the conditions are right, you might see rainbows created by sunlight hitting the water spray in the gorge.
| Pro tips: For R10, you can buy a trail map at the hotel reception. Parking is available at Didima Camp. Check the forecast before your hike. Be prepared for sudden rain or temperature drops, especially in the summer months when afternoon thunderstorms are common. |
Jacob’s Ladder
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Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4-5 hours
Website: https://drakensberghikes.com/directory/hikes/jacobs-ladder-hike
Address: Lotheni Nature Reserve, Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park
Contacts: +27 033 702 0540
Admission fee: R50 per person
The Jacob’s Ladder Trail has a great view of the Lotheni River and the mountains around it. It would take around 4-5 hours to complete this five-kilometre hike—not too long but challenging.
For most of the hike, the elevation remains stable with a few water crossings. However, the trail is steep, and the uneven terrain requires careful footing. There are points where the incline feels relentless, especially if you’re carrying a pack. But once you conquer the tough parts, the views are worthwhile.
| Pro tips: If you want to avoid the heat, you can start early in the morning. You’ll also get plenty of time to enjoy the summit views. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. The trail is rocky and steep. Also, trekking poles can be helpful for stability on the inclines. |
Sugar Loaf
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Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours
Website: https://www.cavern.co.za/sugar-loaf/
Address: The Cavern, District Road D119, End of D119
Contacts: +27837015724
Admission fee:
- Free for resort guests
- R30 per person for day visitors
Sugar Loaf is a four-hour hike that treats you to a 360-degree view at the summit.
During our hike, I felt the burn in my legs as we approached the sandstone ridge. The climb was vertical yet gratifying. As we walked to the rugged Sugar Loaf Gap, the valley below unfolded its breathtaking beauty.
| Pro tips: Pick up a free map of the route at The Cavern’s reception. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Check the forecast before heading out. |
Icidi Gorge
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Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3 days
Website: https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/kwazulunatal/icidi-pass-hike/
Address: Mnweni Cultural Centre, Mnweni Valley
Contacts: +27 (0)72 275-0579
Admission fee:
- R170 per person one-way hiking permit
- R45 park entrance fee
Hiking at Icidi Gorge is no joke. The significant elevation along the way makes it among the most dangerous non-rock passes in Drakensberg. However, it promises adventure, starting with the exhilarating climb up the iconic Sentinel Ladders.
On the hike, you’ll see the gorge’s towering walls and dramatic drop-offs, which are nothing short of spectacular.
| Pro tips: We recommend you stay the night at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge before the hike. There’s no water source other than the river, so pack enough water for the full day. |
The Bell Traverse
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Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3 days
Website: https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/kwazulunatal/the-bell-traverse/
Starting point: Mike’s Pass
End point: Cathedral Peak Hotel
Contacts: +27 (0)33 330-6125
Admission fee: R70 per person per night hiking permit
The Bell Traverse hike isn’t for the faint-hearted. The trail has technical sections and steep terrain that require both physical fitness and mental toughness on your end.
However, the exquisite views from the Mnweni and Cathedral valleys were rewarding. On a clear day, the vistas were spectacular, making the challenging climb worthwhile.
| Pro tip: For those driving to the trailhead, parking is available at Mike’s Pass. |
Champagne Castle Hike
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Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3 days
Website: https://www.souladventures.co.za/tours/champagne-castle-3-day-guide-hike/
Address: Champagne Castle
Contacts: +27 36 468 1063
Admission fee:
- R3,300 per person (for a guided hike)
- R45 for KZN Wildlife hiking permit
Champagne Castle is an excellent choice for those looking to push themselves to their limits. The three-day hike will test your body’s endurance and strength because it involves navigating steep rock faces, ledges, or boulder scrambles.
The trail is approximately 25 kilometres long and reaches the summit at an elevation of about 1,200 metres. Also, its lush forests and rugged mountain terrain keep the experience dynamic.
| Pro tip: Wear sturdy footwear because the trail is steep and rocky. |
Cathedral Peak
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Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 10 hours
Website: https://www.cathedralpeak.co.za/
Address: Cathedral Peak Hotel
Contacts: +27 36 488 1888
Admission fee:
- R5,000 per person (for guided hike)
- R45 – KZN wildlife hiking permit
The Cathedral Peak is one of the most challenging hikes I’ve been on yet. It’s a physically demanding yet rejuvenating trek involving steep climbs, technical sections, and a 3,004-metre altitude.
The changing landscapes consist of alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and expansive summit views, all offering stunning scenery.
| Pro tips: Carry enough water throughout the hike. Along the trail, the water sources are limited. Free parking is available at the Cathedral Peak Hotel. |
