A stunning traverse of the Drakensberg range plus spectacular game viewing in Kruger National Park

The Drakensbergs are a unique range of mountains, forming a 'Barrier of Spears' along the border between Natal and Lesotho. This traverse takes us along the backbone from north to south, passing the beautiful 'Amphitheatre' and encompassing some of the finest walking anywhere in Africa. The vast vistas and rocky outcrops are complemented by a wealth of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birdlife. The wildlife just gets better as we head east through Swaziland to the Kruger, one of the most famous National Parks in Africa, before visiting a private reserve for a guided game walk.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Johannesburg. Those on land only arrangements will meet us at our Johannesburg hotel this evening. 2 After a quick introduction and briefing, we head out of Johannesburg straight to Sungubala (about 4 hrs drive) and the Northern Drakensberg. After dinner, a traditional South African Braai, we can relax and enjoy this remote setting. At Sungubala a comprehensive trek briefing will be given by your leader. 3 After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast we transfer a short distance to the Royal Natal National Park; from here we take a walk into the Tugela Gorge. The walk mostly follows the contour lines, and allows spectacular views of the Amphitheatre high above. This is an ideal chance to stretch the legs before we start the traverse. In the afternoon there is time to a visit a local village and also sort out the last minute preparations for the traverse. 4 Today the trek begins in earnest as we set off from Sungubala (1460m). This day includes a good deal of climbing, with a total ascent of 1500m, over a distance of about 25kms. The first ascent takes us through Sugar Loaf Gap, and onto the summit of the Little Berg before crossing Cold Hill (2130m) with spectacular views of the Royal Natal National Park and Amphitheatre - tonight's destination. The path then maintains a fairly easy gradient contoured route towards Witsieshoek Mountain Resort, before gradually ascending to the top of the Main Escarpment (2926m). Here two final ascent options are the Gully or Chain Ladder; the Chain Ladder (two sections of approx 15m and 8m in length) is not a problem and it is the easiest ascent. The overnight spot is near the lip of the Tugela Falls, second highest in the world, on top of the Amphitheatre. Depending on local conditions we may transfer by road (about 2.5hrs) to Sentinal Car Park (2400m), from where we will ascend to the main escarpment, before continuing to camp on top of the Amphitheatre. Approx 12km walking. 5-8 Mponjwane Cave to Cleft Peak. Again another very scenic walk, but a longer day of about 18kms. Starting off across the top of Rockeries Pass, with great views onto the Cathedral Peak range, we follow sections of 'Donkey Trails' used by local traders. The route passes around the back of the Saddle, with its impressive North Peak and sheer Eastern rock face. The day gets a little harder as we take in a series of ascents, via the Elephant and Cockade to the top of Cleft Peak (3281m). The view must rank as one of the most spectacular in South Africa, and is our overnight spot. 9 Cleft Peak to Cathedral Peak Hotel. All good things come to an end! Today we descend off the summit of the Main Escarpment, via the Organ Pipes pass with its impressive basalt spires. The route will come down through Windy Gap, and contours on a well worn path, gradually descending via Doreen Falls and Breakfast Stream to a welcome beer at Cathedral Peak Hotel. Transfer back to Sugubala. 10 We leave the Drakensberg today and transfer through the Natal midlands into Swaziland, a long drive of about 7-8hrs. Malolotja Nature Reserve is not too far from the border. 11 After a late start we have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk in the remote mountains of this Reserve. The reserve also offers the ideal opportunity to explore the area on your own. There is superb flora here and over 280 species of birds have been spotted, as have many antelope species. The Nkomati River cuts a gorge through the park and flows east in a series of falls and rapids before it meets the lowveld. Nearby Ngwenya has one of the world's oldest mines dating from 41,000 BC. In the afternoon we transfer out of Swaziland and drive through the Nkomati valley and then on past Piggs Peak to the Kruger National Park. 12 While in the Kruger National Park we will go on early morning and afternoon game drives. There will also be opportunities to do game walks and night drives within the park (at your own expense). 13 We transfer to a private reserve in the lowveld area near Kruger N.P (4 hours). Time allowing, we stop at a snake park en-route, where you will be given demonstrations on reptile conservation. The park specializes in re-introducing snakes to their natural habitats. We take a sunset game drive before turning on our spotlights for a night drive - a wonderful way to see nocturnal predators, such as the elusive leopard. We have two days of bush camping on the private reserve. 14 Up early for morning game walk on the reserve led by a local guide and tracker following water drainage lines in search of animals. The focus will be on plants, spoor and birds as well as the wildlife. You will see animals both large and small. Walk back to camp for a big breakfast, then rest while the animals rest in the hottest part of the day. You will have the chance to go on an additional, optional sunset drive to see those animals you missed. 15 Transfer to Johannesburg; end Johannesburg.

Mode of travel: 6 days walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 3281m, average 2200m. Grade C.
Group size: min. 6, max. 12, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 9 nights camping, 4 nights cabins/chalets, 1 night hotel.
Food: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 12 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $480.00
Trip Reference: TZD
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.