Zululand and the Drakensberg hold a fierce place in South Africa’s history. Stories of war, tribalism and great epics. The Zulu Kingdom was a waring one at that and the lands of KwaZulu-Natal would later become historical battlegrounds for civil and colonial domination. This violent history is all the more impressive when the Drakensberg (“Dragons Range” in Afrikaans) sets the backdrop.

The Drakensberg rages upon the African soil with an abrupt escarpment, or more like a divine barrier, that rises well above 3,000m above sea level. The highest in both South Africa and Southern Africa, being Mafadi (3451m)and Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m) respectively, rest proudly within this striking range. This unique environment is both incredible for multi-day treks as well as for its unique wildlife, flora and rock-art.

At KAYU Adventures, we have tailored various packages for those who want to tackle the longest and one of the most difficult treks in the country, The Drakensberg Grand Traverse, as well as shorter treks that take you through Lesotho, to unspoilt valleys, canyons and plateaus. Within the treks, your senses will be spoilt as you experience both African alpine thrush and tropical vegetation all within one trek!

As with all of our adventures we have coupled our tours with Safaris and/or cultural immersion. With that, before or after your trek we will descend into some of South Africa’s most biodiverse reserves to look for the Big-Five. The Safari’s in addition to the cultural tours will give you a truly African Experience.

Bucket List Multi-day Treks

Drakensberg Grand Traverse (DGT)

This high altitude trek is praised as a “Holy Grail” of mountain treks. You will traverse the entire escapement of the drakensberg, gaining more than 9,000 m of elevation and climbing South Africa’s and Southern Africa’s highest peaks.

Duration: 14 day | Distance: 210 km

Includes:

14 days hiking and 13 nights camping on the trek in the Drakensberg
All park fees
All meals for the trek which will be prepared for you by guides from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 14
General Camping gear e.g. stoves
1 night, Bed and Breakfast accommodation before and after the trek.
Transfer from trek end to accommodation.
Professional mountain guide
Porterage

Read more about the Adventure Here:

Article (English): A Winter Grand Traverse

Article (Française): Trek Magazine (Trek n°185, septembre-octobre 2018)

Mini-Grand Traverse (MGT)

This is roughly half the length of the DGT, however, it’s not half the adventure! This trek takes you through a diverse alpine and tropical landscape. The route ascends to more than 3000 m above sea level taking you from Monte-aux-Sources to Cathedral Peak

Duration: 6 days | Distance: 90 km

Includes:

6 days hiking and 5 nights camping on the trek in the Drakensberg
All park fees
All meals for the trek which will be prepared for you by guides from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day
General Camping gear e.g. stoves
1 night, Bed and Breakfast accommodation before and after the trek.
Transfer from trek end to accommodation.
Professional mountain guide
Porterage

Optional Add-ons:

Transport to the Drakensberg from Johannesburg or Durban | Wildlife Safari (See our destinations)

Not included:

Beverages | Personal camping/hiking gear | Medical/ Rescue insurance