Drakensberg Mountains Plus Hiking Full Day Tour From Durban

The Drakensberg Mountains offer a world-class outdoor adventure right on Durban’s doorstep. This full-day tour whisks visitors through South Africa’s iconic landscapes, showcasing the region’s natural and cultural wonders. From thundering waterfalls to the historic Mandela Capture Site, the itinerary caters to diverse interests. But the true highlight is undoubtedly the hiking, where participants can explore pristine trails and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Whether it’s an adrenaline-fueled trek or a leisurely stroll, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to uncover more of the Drakensberg’s treasures.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Durban.

Good To Know

• A full-day excursion from Durban to the Drakensberg Mountains, including various hiking trails ranging from moderate to strenuous difficulty levels.
• Highlights of the tour include Howick Falls, the Mandela Capture Site, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Drakensberg region.
• The tour offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fly-fishing amidst the region’s diverse wildlife and cultural heritage.
• The Drakensberg Mountains boast majestic peaks, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls, creating a stunning natural backdrop for the day’s adventures.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and an anticipated return to Durban around 6:30 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Drakensberg Mountains Hiking Tour from Durban offers a full-day excursion that showcases the region’s natural wonders. Priced at $204.28 per person, this 10-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience, including hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include visiting the majestic Howick Falls, exploring the Mandela Capture Site, and immersing oneself in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains. Guests can expect to witness stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and fly-fishing.

The tour celebrates the cultural significance of the region, including the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the historical importance of Howick Falls.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing Durban at 7:30 AM, the tour first ventures to the impressive Howick Falls. Standing 95 meters tall, the falls match the height of Victoria Falls.

Visitors can browse the arts and crafts stalls surrounding the falls before continuing to the Mandela Capture Site. This site commemorates the pivotal moment when Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962, and features a thought-provoking sculpture.

The tour then travels to the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains, about 2 hours from Howick. Here, guests can enjoy the region’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and plethora of outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and fly-fishing.

Hiking in Drakensberg

Towering peaks, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls form the dramatic backdrop for the Drakensberg hiking experience. Trails wind through this stunning landscape, offering a range of difficulty levels to suit all fitness levels. From gentle strolls to challenging ascents, the Drakensberg delivers an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Hiking Trail	Distance	Difficulty	Highlights
Amphitheatre Hike	9 km	Moderate	Panoramic views of the Drakensberg Escarpment
Tugela Gorge Hike	12 km	Challenging	Passes through the second-highest waterfall in the world
Cathedral Peak Hike	8 km	Strenuous	Opportunities to spot wildlife like eland and baboons
Bushman Trail	5 km	Easy	Showcases ancient rock art and San cultural heritage

Drakensberg Landscapes

Majestic peaks soar skyward, their craggy silhouettes etched against the horizon.

Towering rock formations plunge into deep, verdant valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Sparkling waterfalls cascade over rugged cliffs, their mist-shrouded trails beckoning hikers to explore.

The Drakensberg Mountains are a natural wonder, a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes that captivate the senses. Diverse wildlife, including baboons, elands, and zebras, thrive in this unspoiled wilderness.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities, from challenging hikes to serene fly-fishing. This awe-inspiring region offers a truly unforgettable experience for those seeking to reconnect with the majesty of the natural world.

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Wildlife Sightings

The tranquility of the Drakensberg Mountains is often punctuated by the dynamic presence of its diverse wildlife.

Visitors on the hiking tour may spot baboons scampering across the rocky trails, their mischievous antics a delightful distraction.

The majestic eland, the largest antelope in southern Africa, can be seen grazing peacefully in the lush meadows, their spiral horns a testament to the region’s natural grandeur.

Zebras, with their iconic black-and-white striped coats, may also make an appearance, adding a touch of exotic flair to the breathtaking landscape.

These sightings offer a glimpse into the Drakensberg’s thriving ecosystem and the chance to witness the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

Cultural Significance

Beyond the captivating wildlife, the Drakensberg Mountains hold deep cultural significance.

The Howick Falls, for instance, have historical importance dating back to early human habitation in KwaZulu-Natal.

On top of that, the Mandela Capture Site commemorates a pivotal moment in South African history – the arrest of Nelson Mandela on August 5, 1962.

This site features a visitor center and a striking sculpture that marks the location where Mandela was apprehended.

Through these cultural touchpoints, the Drakensberg Mountains tour allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for South Africa’s rich heritage and the legacy of its most renowned leader.

Return Journey

As the day draws to a close, the tour group departs the Drakensberg Mountains in the afternoon.

The return journey to Durban is a scenic drive, providing one last opportunity to admire the region’s breathtaking landscapes.

Along the way, travelers may:

1. Reflect on the day’s adventures and the cultural significance of the sites visited.
2. Enjoy the changing scenery as the road winds through the rolling hills and farmlands of KwaZulu-Natal.
3. Anticipate arriving back in Durban around 6:30 PM, with lasting memories of the Drakensberg Mountains and a newfound appreciation for this remarkable region of South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for the tour is not specified in the provided information. The details cover the tour itinerary, pricing, and highlights, but do not mention the group size.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it includes activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and visiting historical sites. However, parents should consider their children’s abilities and stamina for the full-day itinerary.

Are Any Meals Included During the Tour?

The itinerary doesn’t mention any included meals. Guests will likely need to bring their own food or purchase meals at their own expense during the tour stops and breaks.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?

The tour itinerary can be customized to suit guests’ preferences. They can work with the tour operator to adjust the schedule, activities, and stops based on their interests and needs.

What Should We Bring for the Hiking Portion of the Tour?

For the hiking portion, one should bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight layers, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a small backpack. Bringing snacks and trekking poles can also enhance the hiking experience.

The Sum Up

This day-long tour of the Drakensberg Mountains offers an unforgettable adventure. Visitors can explore the region’s iconic waterfalls, cultural sites, and breathtaking trails, all while seeing the area’s natural beauty. With options to suit various fitness levels, the tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the majesty of South Africa’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: