You will be collected Durban’s King Shaka Int. Airport, and transferred to Cavern Berg Resort in the Drakensberg (approx. 3 ½ hours’ drive). Latest Departure from Durban is at 11:30.
Dinner is included.
Royal Natal National Park (RNNP) forms the northern boundary of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World heritage site. The main feature of the park is the imposing Amphitheatre Wall, 5 kilometres wide, and up to 1200 m high. It is the second most photographed mountain in South Africa, after Table Mountain. Hiking is by far the most popular activity at RNNP, and comprehensive hiking maps are available for purchase at the Visitors centre. Hiking trails vary, from a leisurely walk to The Cascades, to the gruelling hike up the Crack, and down the Mudslide.
The hikes below starts at your hotel, and cross into Royal Natal National Park.
The National Park Grotto, Serpentine and Shell Hike
Grade B: Hard walking and scrambling, up to an average of eight hours per day. You will be led by a private guide as some of the paths are not well marked. This is an all day hike departing from your hotel. Hike via Surprise Ridge into the Park, along the contour route, and have a dip beneath the Diamond and Castle Rocks in the mountain stream. Stop for a packed lunch at the Grotto. Visit the Serpentine and the Shell. Ascend through the Hole in the Wall to the Broom Hill / Cold Hill saddle. Hike to the top of Cold Hill (2100m) and descend via Sugar Loaf gap. (BLD)
Goodoo Falls Hike – 8 hrs / 18 km
Grade: C+: Trekking might be strenuous, offering excitement and challenges, with up to 7 – 8 hours walking and occasional scrambling.
Terrain: Very steep at times and only done with a hotel guide as the paths are not well marked on the escarpment.
Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide from your hotel:
Hike from the Top Gate up through Sugar Loaf Gap. Part way up the Sugar Loaf itself, take a right-hand track that goes behind the peak. This leads to Cold Hill, ascending about 500 m. Follow the line of the fence and around Broome Hill. Cross the fence, and proceed down the slope of Plowman’s Kop for about 2 km, where the stream is seen on the right, nestling in the valley. Towards the end of Plowman’s Kop slopes, ease right, dropping gently into the valley, picking up the path to the lip of Goodoo Falls. Swim in the pools and have lunch at the top of the falls. Hike back to The Cavern by climbing out of the valley on the left. A strong path leads to the Mudslide (aptly named in summer). If time permits a small diversion can be taken by turning off the Mudslide path near the top, and climbing, on the right of the path, onto the very end of Plowman’s Kop. Brilliant views of the Amphitheatre and Dooley await you. Look at the “cracks” in the rocks on the left hand side of the kop at the very end. These must be at least 300 m deep. Back down the Mudslide, using chain ladders as necessary. Turn left along the strong contour path at the bottom. Follow this past the Grotto, around Castle Rocks, around The Diamond and over Surprise Ridge, back to The Cavern. In winter take torch, in case darkness falls before arrival home.
(BLD)
“Cavern Big 5” Hike 8 hrs/18 km
Grade: B: Hard walking and scrambling, up to an average of eight hours per day.
Terrain: Very steep at times and only done with a hotel guide. Need a head for heights as there are short climbs over boulders and the descent to Cannibal Cave is very steep.
Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide from your hotel:
This hike takes you up Hlolela (500 m and an approximately two-hour climb to 2127 m) via Scilla Gully, and then on to the Bridge of the Battleship. From Battleship hike down towards Venus’ Bath for tea, and then on to the top of Sugar Loaf. Then hike to the top of Cold Hill. Descend from Cold Hill via the Devil's Staircase and Cavern Gap to Cannibal Cavern for lunch. After lunch, hike along Surprise Ridge to Camel’s Hump and then home. There are escape routes back to the hotel at several points along the route, should you not feel fit to continue. This hike, because of the range of habitats it traverses, and the ever-changing view, offers the best chance to see eland. It is the biggest antelope found on earth. Imposing and elegant, its great dewlap is impressive. Both sexes bear tightly spiraled horns, those of the males being heavier. (BLD)
You will be collected by your transfer representative mid-morning, (between 09:00 and 14:30) and transferred to King Shaka Int. Airport.
