KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

How does it work? The Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a wilderness area. There are no marked routes – paths are made by hikers, herders and animals and often lead in a multitude of directions. Study the maps beforehand and decide on a route. There should be at least one person in your group who has hiked the escarpment before, or even better, go with someone experienced who knows the routes.

Facilities? This route (as with any hike in the high Drakensberg) is a self-supported wilderness hike. You must carry everything you need, including food and shelter, and you also have to carry all your rubbish down. Water can be drawn from streams.

Permits: If you start the hike in the Mnweni Valley, get your permits from the Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre: R60 per person per night. There’s camping and backpacker accommodation at the centre. Contact Leonard Hlatswayo: 079 615 5941

Maps: The relevant Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park maps are: Hiking Map No. 1 Royal Natal (Rugged Glen – Mnweni) and Hiking Map No. 2 Cathedral Peak (Culfargie – Monks Cowl). They’re available at major bookstores, at the Cathedral Peak Hotel and at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. Or get the Slingsby Drakensberg North edition, also available at major bookstores and from shop.tracks4africa.co.za (R225). Parking: Hikers can park at the Cathedral Peak Hotel or the Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre. Both establishments can arrange for a shuttle transfer between the start and end.

What else? No matter the season, you should always be prepared for any weather. Things change quickly up there so make sure you have quality gear.

Readers can contact Grant for guided options and porters: grant@itchyfeetsa.co.za