Backpacking the Drakensberg - South Africa
Get an impression here:
What route to choose?
That really depends on your level of experience. Hiking in the Drakensberg is really challenging: there are no trails, you are at high elevation (3000m+) and the terrain is rough. On top of that you have to be fully self sufficient. There are no mountain huts or towns anywhere nearby. The easiest route is Tugela Loop in Royal Natal National Park, known for the Amphitheater and Tugela Falls. Since the highest access route in the area is where this hike starts, it is the easiest of the 4. The Cathedral Peak loop is a big step up, and requires 2-3 nights starting and ending at Cathedral Peak Hotel. The Mnweni loop is similar in distance, but the area is even more remote and the trails are steeper and rockier. A combination of these 3 options is the one-way Cathedral Peaks to Tugela Trek starting at Cathedral Peak Hotel and finishing in Tugela National Park, with a stop at Mnweni.
1) Easy | 1-2 nights | Tugela Loop
36km (22mi), 1200m (4000ft) gain*
2) Medium | 2-3 nights | Cathedral Peak Loop