The Drakensberg Mountains is known to some as the ‘roof’ of Africa, the local Nguni people as ‘uKhahlamba’ ( the barrier of spears), and the early settlers as the ‘lair of dragons’ after finding numerous tracks left by the extinct dinosaurs. Today the Drakensberg is a drawcard for hikers wanting to escape the city and explore the vast open expanses in Southern Africa’s highest peaks.
The Drakensberg Mountains is known to some as the ‘roof’ of Africa, the local Nguni people as ‘uKhahlamba’ ( the barrier of spears), and the early settlers as the ‘lair of dragons’ after finding numerous tracks left by the extinct dinosaurs. Today the Drakensberg is a drawcard for hikers wanting to escape the city and explore the vast open expanses in Southern Africa’s highest peaks.
The Drakensberg Mountains is known to some as the ‘roof’ of Africa, the local Nguni people as ‘uKhahlamba’ ( the barrier of spears), and the early settlers as the ‘lair of dragons’ after finding numerous tracks left by the extinct dinosaurs. Today the Drakensberg is a drawcard for hikers wanting to escape the city and explore the vast open expanses in Southern Africa’s highest peaks.
As we drove along winding country roads past Zulu huts dotted on the hillside, waving to small kids and swerving for cattle and potholes, I couldn’t wait to get out of the vehicle and hit the hills with our hiking boots.
Joel, our local hiking guide was waiting and we were soon walking on his favourite trail to Mushroom rock, a five hour return hike that zigzags up Sandstone Cliffs. En route we discovered amazing array of indigenous flora such as the Drakensberg protea, erica’s and everlastings (Helichrysum sp), plants more often associated with the Cape Floral Kingdom. After a few steep climbs we were finally on the plateau with spectacular views of the Inner and Outer horns, Bell tower and Cathedral Peak.
From Cathedral Peak Hotel you can do multiple day hikes sleeping in ancient bushmen caves such as Kwaliqenu cave, searching for herds of Eland the sacred totem of the bushmen, drinking from waterfalls and hiking to the regions highest peak, Cathedral Peak. At just over 3304 meters, it the easiest climbs graded as a ‘C’ route which takes 9-10 hours with some rocky scrambles. Or if you with Joel searching for stolen cattle, a necessarily pastime of local Zulu Herdsmen.
AWOL Tours is able to arrange various hiking and trekking trips to Drakensberg Mountains into tour itineraries.
As we drove along winding country roads past Zulu huts dotted on the hillside, waving to small kids and swerving for cattle and potholes, I couldn’t wait to get out of the vehicle and hit the hills with our hiking boots.
Joel, our local hiking guide was waiting and we were soon walking on his favourite trail to Mushroom rock, a five hour return hike that zigzags up Sandstone Cliffs. En route we discovered amazing array of indigenous flora such as the Drakensberg protea, erica’s and everlastings (Helichrysum sp), plants more often associated with the Cape Floral Kingdom. After a few steep climbs we were finally on the plateau with spectacular views of the Inner and Outer horns, Bell tower and Cathedral Peak.
From Cathedral Peak Hotel you can do multiple day hikes sleeping in ancient bushmen caves such as Kwaliqenu cave, searching for herds of Eland the sacred totem of the bushmen, drinking from waterfalls and hiking to the regions highest peak, Cathedral Peak. At just over 3304 meters, it the easiest climbs graded as a ‘C’ route which takes 9-10 hours with some rocky scrambles. Or if you with Joel searching for stolen cattle, a necessarily pastime of local Zulu Herdsmen.
AWOL Tours is able to arrange various hiking and trekking trips to Drakensberg Mountains into tour itineraries.
As we drove along winding country roads past Zulu huts dotted on the hillside, waving to small kids and swerving for cattle and potholes, I couldn’t wait to get out of the vehicle and hit the hills with our hiking boots.
Joel, our local hiking guide was waiting and we were soon walking on his favourite trail to Mushroom rock, a five hour return hike that zigzags up Sandstone Cliffs. En route we discovered amazing array of indigenous flora such as the Drakensberg protea, erica’s and everlastings (Helichrysum sp), plants more often associated with the Cape Floral Kingdom. After a few steep climbs we were finally on the plateau with spectacular views of the Inner and Outer horns, Bell tower and Cathedral Peak.
From Cathedral Peak Hotel you can do multiple day hikes sleeping in ancient bushmen caves such as Kwaliqenu cave, searching for herds of Eland the sacred totem of the bushmen, drinking from waterfalls and hiking to the regions highest peak, Cathedral Peak. At just over 3304 meters, it the easiest climbs graded as a ‘C’ route which takes 9-10 hours with some rocky scrambles. Or if you with Joel searching for stolen cattle, a necessarily pastime of local Zulu Herdsmen.
AWOL Tours is able to arrange various hiking and trekking trips to Drakensberg Mountains into tour itineraries.
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