The Drakensberg for Hikers: 8 Trails Ranked by Someone Who Did Them All in One Week
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg isn't a mountain range you casually stroll through. It's 200 kilometers of basalt escarpment rising to 3,482 meters, UNESCO World Heritage listed for both its natural beauty and the largest concentration of San rock art in southern Africa (35,000 paintings at 600+ sites). And the hiking is the entire reason to come.
I spent seven days based in Champagne Valley, driving out to different trailheads each morning. My knees have forgiven me. Mostly.
What Makes Drakensberg Hiking Different
Before the trail rankings, you need to understand three things about hiking the Drakensberg.
First, altitude matters. The highest peaks are above 3,000 meters. Even moderate trails sit at 1,500-2,000 meters. If you're coming from sea-level Durban (a 3-hour drive via King Shaka International Airport, code DUR), you'll feel it on day one.
Second, weather is the boss. Summer (December-February) brings afternoon thunderstorms with serious lightning. You need to be off exposed ridges by 1PM. Winter (June-August) brings snow above 2,500 meters and temperatures that drop below zero. The shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November — are the sweet spot.
Third, infrastructure is basic. Register your hike at the park office. Always. Carry a rain jacket, warm layer, at least 2 liters of water, and an emergency whistle. There's no mountain rescue team on standby.
The Rankings
1. Tugela Gorge — The Must-Do (Moderate, 14km, 6-8 hours)
The signature Drakensberg hike. You follow the Tugela River into a narrowing gorge beneath the 5-km Amphitheatre wall, ending at the base of Tugela Falls — 948 meters of cascading water, the world's second tallest. Start from Royal Natal Visitor Centre, entry ZAR 80 (~$4.50).
Best after rain when the falls are fully flowing. The boulder-hopping in the final 2km is real — proper hiking shoes are non-negotiable. I slipped twice on wet rock.
Verdict: If you do one hike in the Drakensberg, this is it.
The big one. 3,004 meters, 360-degree views of the escarpment, and some proper scrambling near the summit. Register at Mike's Pass gate, start before 6AM, and don't attempt this in winter without mountaineering gear.
I hit the top at 11:30AM and had maybe 15 minutes before clouds rolled in. That's the Drakensberg. Pack extra layers — it was 4°C at the summit in April.
Verdict: Only for fit, experienced hikers. Absolutely worth the pain.
3. Kamberg — Game Pass Shelter San Rock Art (Moderate, 6km round trip, 3 hours)
Not a physically demanding hike, but probably the most meaningful. The 'Rosetta Stone' panel at Game Pass Shelter has the most complex collection of San trance imagery anywhere. Guided tours only (ZAR 80). The walk itself crosses open grassland with views of the escarpment.
Verdict: Essential. Combine with Giant's Castle for a full history day.
Starts from the Cathedral Peak area and follows a river through a forested gorge to a waterfall and rainbow pool. Far fewer people than the major hikes.
Verdict: Perfect for a recovery day.
5. Sterkspruit Falls — The Warm-Up (Easy, 3km, 1.5 hours)
Starting from Champagne Valley, this is the gentlest introduction to the Drakensberg. The waterfall pool is cold but swimmable in summer.
Verdict: Do this on day one to shake off the driving fatigue.
6. Nandi Falls — The Next Step Up (Moderate, 6km, 3 hours)
From the Monk's Cowl gate (ZAR 80 entry), this trail pushes deeper into the valley with better mountain views.
Verdict: Good progression from Sterkspruit.
7. Chain Ladders to the Amphitheatre Top (Strenuous, 12km, 6-7 hours)
This route takes you UP the escarpment via metal chain ladders bolted into the rock. Not for anyone with vertigo.
Verdict: The view is incredible. The ladders are terrifying. Choose your adventure.
Flat and wide trail suitable for families with kids. The falls are pleasant without being spectacular.
Verdict: If you have kids under 10, this is your trail.
Practical Stuff
Base yourself in Champagne Valley — Cathedral Peak Hotel (ZAR 1,500/night, half-board) is solid. Inkosana Lodge does dorms from ZAR 250 (~$14).
Rent a car in Durban. Zero public transport to trailheads.
Budget for the week: roughly $350-900 depending on comfort level. Compare that to a week in Glacier National Park or the Alps — the Drakensberg is wildly underpriced for what it delivers.
