2 DAY DRAKENSBERG TOUR from Durban

ABOUT YOUR TOUR

Journey through the southern and central parts of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountain range by foot [hiking] and through the air [zip-line] on this immersive overland tour. Join an anthropologist and learn about the SAN / Bushman people and their mysterious rock art at Kamberg.

Explore the vistas of Cathkin Peak from above on a zip-line tour of the Drakensberg. No visit is complete without a stop at the infamous Nelson Mandela Capture site for a peek into history and an instagrammable photo opportunity. The tour ends with a stop at Howick Falls en route to Durban.

 

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

This tour departs from Durban at 06h00. We will pick you up from your accommodation head up the N2 towards the Southern Drakensberg. Welcome to Kamberg, home to the Rosetta Stone of SAN (Bushman) Rock Art. Meet our anthropologist, Dr Jeremy Hollmann, who’ll help you unlock this mysterious place.

The experience kicks off with an introductory video before our 3-4 hour hike begins. Dr Hollmann will guide you through the rugged terrain to Game Pass Shelter and delve deeper into the anthropology of the SAN people. At Game Pass Shelter you will have a chance to take in the mystery of Bushman Rock Art as we explore theories and beliefs that underpin the art.

Time for a spot of lunch at Fat Harry’s Restaurant before journeying along the Midlands Meander. The Midlands is packed with artisan shops, galleries and farms. Taste the coffee at Terbodore Coffee Roasters or try your hand at chocolate dipping at Chocolate Heaven or indulge in nougat at the Wedgewood Farm.

After dinner on the popular Nottingham Road, we will check-in at our overnight accommodation where you can get some well deserve rest.

DAY 2

The next morning, after breakfast at around 08h00, we will travel further north into the central Drakensberg to the towering Cathkin Peak. We’re going on a zip-line tour! Once we arrive, your local guide will give you a safety briefing by demonstrating how to slide on the cables and the safety procedures to be followed on the tour.

Time to travel to the starting point of the zip-line canopy tour in an open vehicle. Slide from platform to platform on a steel cable as the Drakensberg mountains unfolds. Take a moment when you arrive at each platform to enjoy the view while your guide points out interesting features or facts about the surrounding ecology. The tour will last approximately 3 hours.

Stop by at The Valley Bakery for a bit of lunch before we descend back down into the Midlands. As we make our way to the Nelson Mandela Capture site, you guide will give you some context around South African history. Explore the multi-media museum that tells the story of apartheid and Nelson Mandela and get a bucketlist photograph. Our final stop is Howick Falls before heading back to Durban. Our expected time of arrival in Durban is 16h00.

INCLUDED ON YOUR TOUR

Tour guide

Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

1 Night Accommodation

All specified activities

1 Breakfast / 2 Lunches / 1 Dinners

All entry fees and levies

Bottled water (Still)

BUCKETLIST DESTINATION

Midlands Meander

Midlands, KwaZulu Natal

The Midlands Meander is a region that stretches from Mooi River in the north, Hilton in the south, Karkloof in the east and the foothills of the Drakensberg in the west. Explore their collection of routes through the Midlands exploding with creativity from ceramic arts to indigenous crafts to boutique shops and farms stalls and craft breweries to cheese factories and sustainable restaurants.


Kamberg Nature Reserve

Kamberg, KwaZulu Natal

Kamberg Nature Reserve forms part of the Maloti- Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site and is situated centrally in the foothills of the mountains. The reserve is approximately 6 300 ha and is particularly scenic, with a number of hiking trails throughout the area. The natural landscape has many rock shelters, containing San rock paintings with Game Pass Shelter considered to be the Rosetta Stone of Bushman / San rock art.


Cathkin Peak

Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal

Flat-topped Cathkin Peak named after Cathkin Braes the Scottish hometown of David Gray at 3 149m is in the Monks Cowl Reserve. In Zulu Cathkin Peak is known as Mdedelelo which means β€œthe one who shoves in" or "the bully” due to how it protrudes from the escarpment.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Pick up will be at your accommodation at 06h00 on Day 1.
Drop off will be at your accommodation at 16h00 on Day 2.

* Please do not carry unnecessary items as there is limited space on the vehicle.


The itinerary, activities and accommodation are subject to change.

* These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has as little impact on your experience as possible.

 

BOOK YOUR SPOT

PRICE

7,450 ZAR pp

* This tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run. A surcharge will apply to travellers only if we have not reached our minimum number.

TOUR TYPE

TYPE : Mixed Group Tour

MAXIMUM : 06 People (Enquire for bigger groups)

PICK YOUR DATE

Please note: This tour can not be booked less than 48 hours prior to the itinerary start time.

FAQs

IS THIS TOUR WEATHER DEPENDANT?
Yes. In the event of very heavy rain or flash flooding within the reserve this tour can be cancelled.

AGE RESTRICTION
This tour is not suitable for travellers under the age of 6 years.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Medium! The majority of the tour is easy however the final ascend at Kamberg (200m) is a bit steep. No scrambling or ladders but you will be a little out of breath. This tour is not wheelchair friendly.

WEATHER & GEAR
Comfortable closed hiking shoes are required. In the dry season and winter months (May-Sep) it can get cold with lows of 1-5 degrees celsius and highs of 17-19 degrees celsius. Summer months can get a bit hotter with lows of 8-10 degrees celsius and highs of 21-23 degrees celsius. Dress appropriately.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancel 7 days or more for a full refund. A 50% cancelation fee will apply to bookings cancelled between 2 and 7 days before a tour. A 100% cancelation fee will apply to bookings cancelled within 48 hours of travel.

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