Drakensberg Traverse
13 Days
Min 7 max 12
€1695,-
The Trip
Deep in the east of South Africa, on the border with highland Lesotho, the basalt walls of the Drakensberg rise like a barrier between worlds: jagged cliffs, rolling grasslands and valleys where ancient tales roam. The Drakensberg bears this name for a reason. To the local admirer, it is the spine of the dragon: a mountain massif that feels both mythical and unapproachable. Inhospitable, rugged and one of the continent’s most pristine mountain ranges.
Hier volgen we de sporen van de San, de oorspronkelijke bewoners van zuidelijk Afrika. Zelfvoorzienend met alles wat we nodig hebben, kamperen we onder de sterren, in eeuwenoude grotten, laten we ons leiden door het ritme van de natuur. Onderweg beklimmen we Hodgon’s Peak en leidt de tocht ons langs steile wanden over hoogvlaktes waar alleen de wind spreekt. Rotstekeningen vertellen verhalen over jacht, dans, rituelen en dieren die generaties geleden door deze valleien trokken.
We cross the border to explore Lesotho, the mountain kingdom high above South Africa where the Basotho live: a proud people here who have lived for centuries in deep connection with their horses, the land and their traditions. A lifestyle largely unchanged in society built on simplicity, resilience and community. Here we follow ancient footpaths connecting villages. We stay overnight with local families, meet shepherds with their flocks high on the ridge, eat what’s in the pot, listen to stories that span generations and experience the hospitality of this people.
5.0 (60 reviews)
Theme and levels
Wild Roots is the theme of this group trip: a journey to a place where nature and culture are inseparable. Amenities are not close at hand during this trip. Good basic fitness and experience with hiking in mountainous terrain is desirable for the trip. Experience with (wild) camping or Wild Human is a plus, but not necessary.
Impression
Your guide on this trip
Expedition leader and author of hiking travel guides. Can spend hours with topo maps of distant, wild mountains. A great passion for underexplored adventure destinations such as Iraqi Kurdistan, Tajikistan and Uganda, where he currently lives with his family.
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Experiences
There are no specific reviews for this trip — read experiences from other adventurers below.
Practical
Cost
€1695,-
What’s included?
- 4 nights at Sani Lodge, a beautiful basecamp in the middle of nature
- 4 nights in homestays with locals in Lesotho
- 4 nights in the wilderness of Drakensberg: wild camping, in caves or under the stars
- all meals
- Rewild group camping equipment
- Rewild Mountain Leader / wilderness guide
- 24/7 backup support from the Netherlands
- local guide
- transport on site including transfer from airport to Drakensberg Mountains
Not included in this price is a flight to South Africa, personal expenses and mountaineering insurance. We recommend purchasing this from the NKBV.
Travel guarantee and booking
The departure of this trip is guaranteed from 7 people. A maximum of 12 people can join the trip. This trip is a package tour and to comply with the legally required guarantee on package tours, Rewild uses the guarantee of VZR Garant. You can find the conditions of this guarantee scheme on the website of VZR Garant.
Insurance
To participate in Rewild trips, you must be insured for activities in mountainous areas off the beaten track. You can inquire about this with your current insurance company or purchase travel insurance from the Dutch Climbing and Mountaineering Association.
Conditions of participation
By participating in a Rewild trip, you accept the general travel conditions, as found at the bottom of the website. The cancellation policy is also explained here.
Packing List
Travel Program
Day 1
Travel Day
Today we arrive at Sani Lodge, beautifully situated at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains. We move into our spot and, for those who wish, still have time for a short exploration walk in the area. The fresh mountain air and views are a nice prelude to the days to come.
Day 2
Discovering Bushmen culture
After a leisurely morning, we follow in the footsteps of the Bushmen. As we trek through the rugged mountains, we learn about the ancient petroglyphs and fascinating culture of the San. At the end of the day, we return to Sani Lodge.
Day 3 through 7
Wilderness trek in the Drakensberg Mountains
For the next five days we will trek deep into the Drakensberg Mountains, accompanied by a local guide. Each day we hike through valleys, over plateaus and along steep cliffs, averaging about 10-15 kilometers per day with the necessary elevation gain. During this trek we will also climb Hodgon’s Peak, an impressive peak that offers us panoramic views of the rugged mountain world. We camp entirely in the wilderness, including in ancient caves, and carry our own equipment. The rhythm of nature determines our days: rising with the first rays of the sun, hiking through pristine landscapes and sleeping under impressive starry skies. At the end of day 7 we return to Sani Lodge, satisfied and stuck with a backpack full of new experiences.
Day 8 to 12
Lesotho Village Hike
We cross the border into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, where a very different world awaits us. During this 5-day hike, we will stay overnight in traditional homestays and trek past small villages and high-altitude farming hamlets. We become part of the daily life of the Basotho: their hospitality, stories, music and ancient traditions. We walk through open highlands and narrow mountain paths as we dive deeper and deeper into the culture of Lesotho.After this special encounter with the Basotho and their way of life, we return to the lodge. Here we recover for one more night, enjoy a hot shower and let all the impressions of the past days sink in peacefully.
Day 13
Travel day – back home
Today we travel homeward. The Drakensberg Mountains, rugged wilderness and warm culture of Lesotho will travel with us for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our trips, practicalities or our story? In these frequently asked questions, you’ll find the answers quickly and easily.
How do I book a trip on your website?
Simply find your destination, choose your dates and follow the steps to complete your booking. You will receive the confirmation by e-mail.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, cancellation is possible according to our terms and conditions: up to 8 weeks before departure you pay only the deposit, after that increasing costs apply up to 100% just before departure.
Do you offer travel insurance?
No, we do not offer travel insurance ourselves. We recommend mountaineering insurance through the NKBV.
Are there any hidden fees or service charges?
No, there are no hidden costs. All unavoidable additional costs are clearly stated in advance in the travel price.
Do you also rent equipment or materials?
Yes, some of the required equipment is available for rent on our trips. We offer these rental options during the booking process. There you can see exactly what gear is available and add it directly to your booking. That way you don’t have to arrange this separately in advance.
What payment methods do you accept?
You can pay with us easily and safely via iDEAL and Bancontact. It is also possible to pay by bank transfer. All payments go through our secure booking system Bookinglayer.
