Not a hike for beginners, but one that any Drakensberg hiker should consider a must. Starting at Cathedral Peak and finishing at Giant’s Castle, this 5 day hike involves 4,200m elevation over 70km of hiking, and takes us to some of my favourite (and lesser known) escarpment campsites, as well as all 3 of the highest peaks in South Africa.   

Day 1 involves a direct route from Cathedral Peak hotel, past Ribbon falls and up (in my book) the most scenic pass in the Drakensberg; the Camel. Panoramic views from Cathedral to Cathkin, followed by an epic duck through windy gap, and up to the notorious Rolands Cave.

Days 2 to 4 traverse along the valleys and ridges of the escarpment passing some of the best views in the Drakensberg, camping next to some dramatic escarpment edge waterfalls, and hitting the highest  3 summits in the Drakensberg – Mafadi, Injisuthi Dome and Champagne Castle.

The afternoon of the 4th day sees us descending Bannerman’s Pass to a ‘luxurious’ last night’s stay in Bannerman’s Hut.

Finally the 5th day is a contour amble below the cliffs before descending down to the Giants Castle rest camp, where our shuttle will collect us and take us back to Cathedral Peak.