Welcome to South Africa! On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide and begin your scenic transfer south to the Northern Drakensberg. The drive takes around 4–5 hours (±360 km), moving from bustling city highways to open countryside and finally into the foothills of the mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass rural villages and rolling farmland, with the dramatic outline of the Drakensberg gradually rising ahead.
Expect to arrive at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge in the late evening (around 9–10 pm). Dinner will be waiting on arrival, and the crisp mountain air will give you your first taste of the high-altitude adventure to come.
Meals: Dinner included
Drive: ±360 km | 4–5 hours
Overnight: Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
What to Bring/Prepare
Travel Clothing: Light, comfortable clothing for the drive. A warm layer is handy for the evening arrival in the mountains.
Snacks & Water: While refreshment stops are planned, having your own water and snacks makes the journey more comfortable.
Entertainment: A book, headphones, or playlist for the road.
Currency: Keep some South African Rand in small notes for en route purchases or tips.
Travel Documents: Passport, travel insurance details, and booking confirmations should be kept handy.
Good to Know
You’ll arrive at Witsieshoek in the late evening, where dinner is included.
The lodge is in a high mountain area — temperatures can be noticeably cooler than Johannesburg.
Take the transfer as a chance to relax, recover from flights, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Dinner at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
After breakfast, begin the day with a drive through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, a spectacular landscape of golden-hued sandstone cliffs, sweeping valleys, and grazing antelope. The road winds through some of the Free State’s most striking scenery, perfect for photography stops.
Continue on to Clarens, a charming mountain village often called the “Jewel of the Free State.” Here, you’ll have time to wander through art galleries, craft shops, and cafés, or sample a local brew at the famous Clarens Brewery. Lunch is at your own account in one of the town’s many inviting eateries.
In the afternoon, return to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge for a spectacular sunset before enjoying your dinner and getting a briefing about the following day's adventure
What to Bring/Prepare
Clothing: Light, comfortable travel clothes with good walking shoes for exploring Clarens on foot. Bring a warm layer, as evenings in the mountains and QwaQwa can be cool.
Spending Money: Lunch in Clarens is at your own account, so carry cash or a bank card for restaurants, cafés, or shopping at craft and art stores.
Camera: Golden Gate and Clarens both offer spectacular photo opportunities, from sandstone cliffs to colourful village scenes.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended, as you’ll be outdoors for much of the day.
Good to Know
Golden Gate Highlands National Park is famous for its golden sandstone cliffs that change colour with the sunlight — morning drives are especially beautiful.
Clarens is known as the “Jewel of the Free State” for its vibrant art scene and relaxed atmosphere — it’s a great chance to pick up a locally made souvenir.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Lunch in Clarens
Day 3: Amphitheatre Escarpment Hike & Wild Camping
Today’s adventure begins with a 7.5 km transfer in the back of an open safari vehicle, travelling along a rugged 4x4-only mountain road to reach the Sentinel Car Park, the starting point of your hike. From here, ascend the Amphitheatre escarpment via the iconic chain ladders or the Via Ferrata, with breathtaking views of Sentinel Peak and the mighty Tugela Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world.
Please note - If you choose to do the Via Ferrata route, there will be a gear rental fee which is not included in this package of R450 per person.
At the top, a fully catered and portered wild camp awaits, with tents pitched close to the cliff’s edge. Porters will have carried in all camp equipment and meals, leaving you free to soak up the dramatic scenery. As evening falls, enjoy dinner prepared on the escarpment and savour the stillness of the high Drakensberg under a canopy of stars.
Meals: Packed lunch & catered dinner included
Overnight: Wild Camp on the Amphitheatre
What to Bring
Footwear: Strong, worn-in hiking boots with good grip.
Clothing:
Warm layers (thermal base layer, fleece/down jacket, hat, gloves).
Lightweight waterproof jacket and rain protection.
Comfortable hiking trousers (avoid jeans).
Day Pack: Small backpack (20–30L) to carry your own water, snacks, and gear.
Water & Hydration: At least 2 litres in a refillable bottle or hydration bladder.
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Headlamp: Essential for use around camp after dark.
Personal Items: Any required medication, toiletries, and a small power bank if needed.
Good to Know
Porters carry camping gear and meals, so your pack will be light.
Weather at the escarpment can shift quickly — expect both warm sun and chilly nights.
Dinner and breakfast will be served at camp, with a packed lunch provided for the hike.
Packed lunch from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
All hiking and overnight fees
Vehicle transfer to the start of Sentinel Peak hike
Gear hire for Via Ferrata. To be paid directly to Thaba Adventures on the day.
Wake early to witness a breathtaking sunrise from the Amphitheatre escarpment, with the first light spilling over the cliffs and illuminating the Tugela Falls below. After a hearty camp breakfast prepared by your guides, begin the descent back down to the Sentinel Car Park. The route offers fresh perspectives of the peaks and valleys you explored the day before, with plenty of time to pause and take in the sweeping views.
At the base, you’ll board an open safari vehicle for the rugged 7.5 km 4x4 track back to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. Here, hot showers, soft beds, and the comforts of the lodge await after your night in the wild.
The afternoon is kept free for you to unwind at your own pace. You may simply relax on the deck with panoramic mountain views, or choose from optional activities such as quad biking through the foothills or indulgent spa treatments (own account). As evening settles in, gather for a delicious dinner at the lodge restaurant, celebrating the adventure of the past two days.
What to Bring/Prepare
Secure Packing: Ensure your backpack is balanced and comfortably fitted. Pack heavier items close to your back and secure everything tightly to avoid shifting while hiking.
Water & Snacks: Keep at least 1–2 litres of water easily accessible, along with small snacks for energy on the trail.
Warm Layers: Sunrise on the escarpment can be very cold — have gloves, a beanie, and a warm jacket handy for the early morning start.
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, as the descent can be steep and uneven.
Camera/Phone: Keep these safe in a waterproof pouch or dry bag, as there may be damp or misty sections.
Good to Know
The descent typically takes 3–4 hours, with your guides assisting on the chain ladders.
At the base, you’ll board an open safari vehicle for the rugged 7.5 km transfer back to Witsieshoek.
On arrival at the lodge, hot showers and comfortable rooms await. Lunch is for your own account, while dinner is included.
The afternoon is yours to relax — many guests enjoy unpacking and reorganising their gear after the wild camp before indulging in optional activities or simply resting.
Breakfast with Thaba Adventures
Return transfer from Sentinel Car Park to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge
Dinner at Wisieshoek Mountain Lodge
Lunch at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge - for own account
After breakfast, set out on one of the Drakensberg’s premier hikes through the breathtaking Mahai Valley. This full-day guided trek follows winding mountain paths beneath sandstone cliffs and through rolling grasslands rich with wildflowers and birdlife. Along the way, you’ll pause at the impressive Gudu Falls, where a clear stream plunges into a shaded pool, and continue past sparkling cascades and cool forest glades — ideal spots to rest and absorb the beauty of the valley.
Your experienced guide will enrich the journey with insights into the geology, plants, and cultural heritage of the Drakensberg, bringing the landscape to life. A packed lunch is enjoyed en route, surrounded by pristine mountain scenery.
Travelling light with only your daypack, you can hike at ease while your luggage is transferred separately to the hotel. By late afternoon, you’ll complete the hike and take a short shuttle to Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel, where a hearty dinner is included, and the comfort of the lodge awaits after your rewarding day on the trail.
What to Bring
Footwear: Comfortable, worn-in hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip.
Clothing: Breathable hiking layers, a light fleece for cooler moments, and a rain jacket in case of sudden changes in weather.
Swimwear & Towel: Both Gudu Falls and the Cascades offer fantastic natural pools for a refreshing dip — pack a swimsuit and a quick-dry travel towel.
Day Pack: Small backpack to carry your water, packed lunch, swimwear, and personal items.
Hydration: At least 2 litres of water in a refillable bottle or hydration bladder.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Personal Items: Any medication, insect repellent, and a small power bank if needed.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner included
After breakfast, set out for a full-day adventure along the legendary Tugela Gorge Trail in Royal Natal National Park. This iconic hike follows the Tugela River upstream, leading you ever closer to the base of the towering Amphitheatre cliffs. The trail weaves through indigenous forest, across footbridges and boulder-strewn sections, with crystal-clear streams flowing alongside.
As you progress, the gorge narrows dramatically, and you’ll encounter exciting sections of boulder-hopping and river crossings — adding an element of fun and challenge to the day. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to pause at natural pools and shallow river stretches, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
Your picnic lunch is enjoyed in a scenic riverside spot, with uninterrupted views of the dramatic cliffs above. The highlight of the hike is reaching the end of the gorge, where the Tugela Falls — the world’s tallest waterfall — cascades down the Amphitheatre wall in spectacular fashion (seasonal flow depending on rainfall).
By late afternoon, return to Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel, where the comfort of the lodge and a hot shower await. Dinner is included this evening, rounding off a day of adventure and natural wonder.
What to Bring
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip for wet and uneven terrain.
Clothing: Light, breathable hiking gear with layers for changing weather. A waterproof jacket is essential, as afternoon showers are common.
Day Pack: Small backpack for water, picnic lunch, and personal items.
Hydration: Minimum 2 litres of water in a refillable bottle or hydration bladder.
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Swimming Gear: Pack swimwear and a small towel — parts of the hike pass inviting pools and shallow river spots where you can cool off.
Headlamp or Torch: Optional but useful if the trail extends later than expected.
Personal Items: Any medications, insect repellent, and a small power bank if needed.
Morning
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner included
After breakfast, transfer (±1.5 hours) to the magnificent Cathedral Peak region, renowned for its dramatic basalt spires and sweeping vistas. Here you’ll have a choice of two guided hikes to suit your energy and appetite for adventure:
Cathedral Peak Summit: A challenging full-day ascent to the region’s most iconic peak. The trail is steep and demanding but rewards those who reach the top with panoramic views stretching across the Drakensberg escarpment.
Mushroom Rock & Ribbon Falls Loop: A more moderate option that winds through grasslands and forested valleys to reach sparkling waterfalls and unique rock formations, offering a gentler yet equally rewarding experience.
Whichever route you choose, the day promises dramatic scenery, fascinating natural history, and the exhilaration of exploring one of South Africa’s most beloved mountain playgrounds.
By late afternoon, transfer (±1.5 hours) back to Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel, where a hearty dinner and a well-earned rest await.
What to Bring/Prepare
Footwear: Sturdy, worn-in hiking boots with ankle support. The summit hike especially demands strong footwear for steep and rocky paths.
Clothing: Layered hiking gear — mornings can be cool, while midday sun gets hot. A waterproof jacket is recommended in case of showers.
Day Pack: Small, comfortable pack with water, packed lunch, and essentials.
Hydration: Carry at least 2 litres of water (hydration bladders are useful on longer trails).
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Camera/Phone: The Cathedral range is one of the most photogenic parts of the Drakensberg — ensure your gear is safely stored.
Trekking Poles (Optional): Helpful for the summit hike, especially on descents.
Good to Know
The Cathedral Peak Summit hike is strenuous, often taking 8–9 hours round trip with significant elevation gain. Guests attempting it should be in good hiking condition.
The Mushroom Rock & Ribbon Falls loop is moderate, typically 4–5 hours, with gentler terrain and scenic waterfall stops.
Transfers to and from the trailhead are ±1.5 hours each way.
Dinner is included back at Mont-Aux-Sources Hotel, where you can unwind after your day’s adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & dinner included
Transfer to Cathedral Peak Hotel in the morning
Transfer back to Mont-Aux Sources Hotel in the evening
Today you leave the Drakensberg mountains behind and journey into South Africa’s wild heart. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic transfer (±2.5 hrs) to Nambiti Private Game Reserve, a malaria-free Big 5 reserve nestled in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal.
Arrive at your luxury safari lodge in time for lunch and a relaxed check-in. In the late afternoon, set out on your first game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Guided by expert rangers and trackers, you’ll search for Africa’s most iconic wildlife — elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — along with giraffe, zebra, antelope, and abundant birdlife.
As the sun sets, pause for sundowner drinks in the bush before returning to the lodge. Enjoy a three-course dinner around the fire, with the sounds of the African night all around you.
What to Bring/Prepare
Clothing: Wear comfortable travel clothes for the morning transfer. For the afternoon game drive, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, olive, brown) is best for blending into the environment. Pack a warm jacket or fleece for the cool evening return.
Footwear: Comfortable closed shoes, such as sneakers or light hiking shoes.
Day Pack: Small bag for water, camera, sunglasses, and an extra layer.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for the drive.
Camera & Binoculars: Wildlife often appears at a distance — binoculars make the experience far more rewarding.
Good to Know
Game drives last about 3 hours, with a stop for drinks and snacks in the bush — your first taste of a safari sundowner.
Animals are most active in the late afternoon as the heat of the day fades, so keep your camera ready for dramatic sightings.
Evenings can be chilly in open safari vehicles. A light scarf, beanie, or gloves are worth bringing along.
Dinner is fully included at the lodge — expect hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere around the fire.
Breakfast included at Mont-Aux Sources Hotel
Fully inclusive at lodge in Nambiti (all meals starting with lunch, select drinks & safari activities)
Immerse yourself in the rhythms of safari life with both morning and afternoon game drives. Early mornings are magical, with golden light and excellent opportunities to see predators on the move. Evenings bring a different atmosphere, with nocturnal animals beginning to stir.
Between drives, return to the lodge for hearty breakfasts, leisurely lunches, and relaxation. You might enjoy the pool overlooking the reserve, a spa treatment, or simply time on the deck with binoculars in hand. Some lodges also offer guided bush walks for those who’d like to experience the smaller details of the ecosystem up close.
Each drive offers new encounters — from a herd of elephants at a waterhole to a lion pride lazing in the shade — making this day a highlight of your South African journey.
What to Bring/Prepare
Clothing: Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, olive) is best for blending into the bush. Mornings and evenings can be chilly in the open vehicle, so pack a warm jacket, scarf, and beanie. By midday, lighter layers are more comfortable.
Footwear: Comfortable closed shoes (sneakers or light hiking shoes).
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Accessories: Binoculars and a camera with extra batteries or memory cards.
Day Pack: A small bag for water, personal items, and an extra layer.
Good to Know
Game drives last around 3 hours each and include a stop for drinks and snacks in the bush.
Animals are most active in the cooler hours of the day, so early mornings are especially rewarding.
Between drives, take advantage of lodge amenities — pool, spa, or simply relax and watch wildlife from the deck.
Rangers and trackers will share their knowledge — don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Fully inclusive at lodge (all meals, select drinks & safari activities)
On your final morning, rise early for a last sunrise game drive (time permitting). It’s one more chance to spot wildlife and savour the sights, sounds, and scents of the bush. After returning to the lodge, enjoy breakfast or brunch before saying farewell to the reserve.
Your driver will transfer you back to Johannesburg (±4.5–5 hrs) for your onward flight. As you leave, take with you memories of towering mountains, wild waterfalls, and thrilling safari encounters — the very best of the Drakensberg and South Africa.
Drive: ±350 km | 4.5–5 hours
Overnight: — End of services
What to Bring/Prepare
Clothing: Wear comfortable travel clothes, but keep a warm layer handy for the early morning game drive. Neutral colours are still best if you head out on safari.
Day Pack Essentials: Passport, travel documents, wallet, phone, chargers, and any valuables should be kept with you.
Snacks & Water: While comfort stops are planned on the drive back, it’s a good idea to carry your own water bottle and light snacks.
Entertainment: A book, playlist, or downloaded shows can help pass the ±4.5–5 hour road transfer to Johannesburg.
Gifts & Souvenirs: If you’ve purchased items at the lodge or along the way, ensure they’re packed safely and accessible for customs.
Good to Know
Luggage should be packed and ready before the morning drive if you’re joining it.
Breakfast or brunch will be served at the lodge before departure.
Expect a scenic but long transfer back to OR Tambo International Airport — please allow sufficient time buffer before your flight.
This is the perfect day to reflect on your adventures: towering mountains, wild waterfalls, and unforgettable safari encounters.
Meals: Breakfast or brunch included
