Multiday Drakensberg in January

The Mountain Hut
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Greetings All. Just found this group and it seems like a fantastic resource for the SA hiking community!

I will be visiting South Africa for the first time in January. I am an avid hiker and backpacker and hoping to do a multiday trek in the Drakensberg during my visit. I have trekked all over the world and have never used a guide before, but from what I have read, and having absolutely no familiarity with SA or the Drakensberg, it seems like this might be the most prudent course of action. I have contacted the few guide operators I have found, but either the hikes they have planned or their current schedule does not work for me.

Can anyone comment on the need for a guide or ability to do a trek solo? I will likely bring my own gear. The hikes I have seen so far that hold the most interest are the Bell Traverse, the Mnweni Circuit and Madonna via the Amphitheater. Ideally something that is 3-4 days in length if there are other suggestions?

Thank you - Jeremy

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Hi Jeremy.

Plenty People do solo, I know a few. If you’re experienced, prepared and willing to assume all the risks and you’re confident no reason not to. Just be mindful of the fact, as I’m sure you are, that it’s not the US, UK or EU so help isn’t just a quick holler away, nor are there always paths, nor reception etc. It’s wild and that’s how we like it.

To my mind the biggest issue is snake bite. Grass will be overgrown in Jan.

Things that’ll help:

  1. If you have a Garmin InReach or Spot device.
  2. Gathering relevant numbers for help in SA.
  3. Advertising here (or VE) for someone to join you, or join an unguided group.
  4. Stating, fully, the extent of your experience in the wilderness. Map reading ability, etc.
  5. Age, fitness level, etc.
  6. Going to Vertical Endeavour (VE - link below).

As a guide we South Africans are welcoming and very friendly but quite insular, we live in country under extreme duress, government are vile useless criminals, murder, chaos everywhere and so forth – you’ll find we don’t participate or ‘club’ together quickly. I think it’s some kind of survival strategy. Good news is the hiking community, such as it is, are generally quite engaging and helpful.

I propose you join VE as it’s the best site for the mighty Berg and connect with folks. Propose some ideas, raise concerns and develop a plan. You’ll get the everything you need.

Edit:

…you might also want to consider, or at least state, how you plan to get around in SA.

Public transport’s not really an option, I suggest car rental

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…and here is an excellent source for maps to help with your planning:

There are digital versions too. These are the best for the Berg. Compiled by Slingsby and some of our most experienced Berg hikers:

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Hi Jeremy!

I am sure you will be able to find a private guide for this - possibly chat to the people at Cathedral Peak hotel, they do guided hikes for their guests so their guides possibly could guide you or they will have a friend who could do it. I inquired about this last month at the hotel and the guide said it woudl const around R800 - R1200 per night out depending on the guide and if he was associated with the Hotel or private. I have always found the hotel people very helpful, they even have a backpackers that you could use as a base. You may also find help and info from MCSA (https://mcsa.org.za/).

Those are tough hikes and can be tricky at that time of year - it will be wet and rainy and windy. You will need to plan for extreme heat and extreme cold. If you are fit and well prepared you can have a great time! :slight_smile:

For what its worth, my concerns would be;

1- Weather and exposure - slipping and falling (80% concerning)

2- Theft (10% concerning)

3- Snake bite (10 % concerning) - we usually see 2 - 4 snakes on a 3 day hike - Berg-adders and Rinkals mainly - iv not known any one to get bitten, but if we are seeing them when we are dog tired and not really paying attention, it is very possible to get bitten - on our hands while scrambling)

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Thanks for the very thoughtful and detailed reply, Craig!

Based on the very reasons you listed, but primarily weather related, I pivoted to a Garden Route journey. Just not the right time to be exploring and adventuring in the Drakensberg, unfortunately. Wet is ok. Cold is ok. Challening, bring it on. However, wet and cold in unfamiliar, challenging terrain, less than ideal. Just gives me a reason to come back.

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