There are three KZN Wildlife camps in the Southern Drakensberg mountains close to Underberg and Himeville. Each of these have relatively easy day walks suitable for families and casual hikers:
Day Walks
Hiking in the Southern Drakensberg
The Giants Cup Trail
The Giant's Cup Trail is made up of five sections, each taking about a day to complete. The path runs through the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg from Sani Pass to Bushman's Nek, with various stops, including Cobham, Garden Castle and Bushman's Neck. Some sections of the path are steep but any reasonably fit person should have no difficulty in completing each section.
The Giant's Cup Trail is made up of five sections, each taking about a day to complete. The path runs through the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg from Sani Pass to Bushman's Nek, with various stops, including Cobham, Garden Castle and Bushman's Neck. Some sections of the path are steep but any reasonably fit person should have no difficulty in completing each section.
Underberg Hiking Club
This informal club is made up of residents and visitors to the area who share a love of hiking. Organised hikes, some strenuous and some mild, are undertaken regularly, led by volunteer amateur guides.The hike on Sunday 13 March will be at Viv and Kirsty Turner’s farm. 7km and 200m.
Meet at Country Club at 08:00 and drive in convoy to the farm. Transport to the hike start will then be provided. The hike will end back at the cars.
There will be a Bring and Braai. R10pp for charcoal and gifts. Bring chairs. Come for the braai only if you wish. Any questions ask Rob 0820859750
Please contact Ian Davies on 033 701 2768 or 083 601 1637 if you would like to join in.
Wild Mountain Flowers
The Southern Drakensberg is an area of great natural beauty, with variety of different habitats and elevations, each attracting their own wild flower species, including wild orchids, etc etc.
UNDERBERG ATTRACTIONS
UNDERBERG
ATTRACTIONS
ATTRACTIONS
UNDERBERG ATTRACTIONS
Things to do..
Rock Art Sites
Several rock art sites can be found in the area, read more.Wild Flowers
During the summer months, from October through March, many wild flowers such as orchids can be found. read more
The Underberg Hiking Club
This informal club is made up of residents and visitors who share a love of hiking. read more.
Lotheni Hutted Camp is situated approximately 45 kilometers north of Himeville. The road from Himeville is quite rough but beautifully scenic. Walks from the hutted camp include the Gelib Tree walk and the riverside path to Jacobs Ladder falls.
The path along the Pholela river at Cobham camp, just 18 kilometers from Himeville, leads to a number of deep pools - perfect for a cool swim on a hot summer's day.
The walks at Garden Castle are particularly scenic with many rock art sites in the sandstone caves and overhangs. A challenging route leads up to the top of the Rhino where hikers are rewarded with magnificent views from Lesotho to East Griqualand.
The walks at Garden Castle are particularly scenic with many rock art sites in the sandstone caves and overhangs. A challenging route leads up to the top of the Rhino where hikers are rewarded with magnificent views from Lesotho to East Griqualand.
Rock Art Guided Tours
Several rock art sites can be found in the area, but in an effort to reduce the chance of them being vandalised, access to these paintings is only permitted in the company of trained rock art custodians. Any of the registered guides in the area would be able to take you to a suitable site. For more information, contact Dr Aldo Berruti: Cell: 072 545 1753 Tel: 033 701 2311 Email: greywing@telkomsa.net.
The reserves at Garden Castle (033 701 1823) and Cobham (033 702 0831) have several sites, and approved guides are available at the reserve offices.
Hike to Three Pools
Take this beautiful walk through the Ezemvelo reserve, Garden Castle, to Three Pools, where two streams meet and form gorgeous deep pools and stunning waterfalls.
DIRECTIONS:
There are two ways to get there:
- From Lake Navarione on the Drakensberg Gardens road. Purchase your permits from the office and they will give you a map showing how to get to the car park and where to go from there. This is the way we elected to go. Lake Navarone and the nearby Castleburn resort both offer accommodation.
- Gor through Drakensberg Gardens to the Ezemvelo office at Garden Castle, where you can get the necessary permit and directions. There is a small campsite called Hermits Wood right there, only 10 sites with basic but clean facilities with a beautiful river running by it. If you’re into camping one can contact Ezemvelo Kzn Wildlife, otherwise Drakenberg Gardens Hotel is also close by
The hike from the parking area is approximately 3 km (one way) and while sometimes fairly steep, there is no climbing involved. Be sure to wear your costume under your hiking clothes as you'll definitely want a dip when you get there.
