Sungubala Drakensberg Mountain Bush Lodge Accommodation

Sungubala Drakensberg Mountain Bush Lodge offers incredible Drakensberg hiking and trekking opportunities, including a 3 Day Kilimanjaro Training Trek, a 3 day Amphitheatre Summit Hike, and a 6 day Northern Traverse, please see more details of these hikes below...

guided drakensberg hikes and treks Sungubala Drakensberg Mountain Bush Lodge also offers daily guided hikes which are included in your tariff and will take you to any of the following destinations...

Hlolela (7100ft) and Sungubala (7000ft) summits;
Bishop’s Inkaba and upper Sungubala contour;
Jackal Hill and lower Sungubala contour;
Echo Cave;
Cannibal Cavern – once inhabited by true cannibals;
Lone Rock – for unique Bushman Paintings, including Battle and hunting scenes;
Day walks to: Amphitheatre summit; Thukela Gorge; Gudu Falls and the Sungubala Challenge.

Sungubala Drakensberg Mountain Bush Lodge also offers the following multi day summit trips; our rates vary according to the size of your group, please see more for some of our guided hikes below!

Drakensberg Amphitheatre Heritage Trail

Join us in celebrating the Ukhuhlamba Drakensberg as a World Heritage site with our special Drakensberg Amphitheatre Heritage Trail, a 'slack packing', 3 day hike, that takes you to the Mont aux Sources summit. Guided or self guided options available.

Day One:

After over-nighting in comfort at Sungubala Drakensberg Mountain Bush Lodge, hikers depart for the Summit of the Little Berg. The first half of the day is quite physical as you will be reaching for the summit, although it is not technical, and you are able to follow a clear path for the entire day. Hikers are treated to spectacular views of the Drakensberg Main Escarpment and over the Royal Natal National Park. Overnight in comfort at the Witsieshoek Mountain Resort. Your luggage will be portered to the Resort, so you only carry what you will need for the day.

Day Two:

You will be transferred from the Witsieshoek Mountain Resort to the Sentinel Car Park and depart for the summit of the Drakensberg Main Escarpment. Although hikers will be over 2800m above sea level, and the air seems thinner at this altitude, this is not a technical route and hikers will be able to summit using the Chain Ladders. You will enjoy lunch is enjoyed at the lip of the Thukela Waterfall; in summer the flow can be quite good, and you have a spectacular view of the whole fall as it drops into the Thukela Gorge below. If time permits, The Window and the Beacon buttress can also be viewed. Overnight in comfort at Witsieshoek Mountain Resort.

Day Three:

After breakfast, hikers leaves Witsieshoek Mountain Resort to descend into Royal Natal National Park via the Gudu Falls and Crack. At this point, you have an option to extend this into a full day walk, by returning to Sungubala via Surprise Ridge. A more gentle option is to head for the Visitors centre where a transfer will return you to Sungubala. Your luggage will be portered to the Visitors Centre for you.

3 day 'Kilimanjaro Training' Trek in the Drakensberg

This is an ideal training trip to prepare one for the terrain and higher altitude conditions experienced on Kilimanjaro. Spend 3 days and 2 nights acclimatising in the Drakensberg at altitudes between 1500m and 3282m, taking in the summit of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and Mont-aux-Sources peak.

Quotes can be requested for the following options for this hike:

Guide and entrance fees only;
Guide and porters only;
Porters only;
Fully guided, catered and portered.

Day One (15-20kms):

The Drakensberg Amphitheatre Chain Ladder.

Depart from Sungubala (1500m). Today includes a good deal of climbing, but in stages. Total ascent for the day is 1500m over a distance of about 20kms.

The first ascent takes the group through Sugar Loaf Gap and onto the summit of the Little Berg. The route goes over Cold Hill (2100m) with spectacular views of the Royal Natal National Park and Amphitheatre. The path then maintains a fairly easy gradient contoured route towards Witsieshoek Mountain Resort. From this point the group follows the access road to the Sentinel Car Park and overnight stop. The hiking group spends the night in the simple, but comfortable bunk house at the Car park. (2800m)
(15 – 20kms).

This route is about the same distance as that covered on the first day of Kilimanjaro. Hikers sleep at 2800m which is about 200m lower than camp 1 on Kilimanjaro.

Day Two (15-20kms):

Making an early start the hike gradually ascends just under 500m over approx: 12 kms to the top of the Main Escarpment (3100m) and onto the summit of Mont aux Sources (3282m). Hikers then descend to the escarpment edge, before starting the return to the Car park. This Drakensberg hike is punctuated by superb views, looking down into Kwa-Zulu Natal along the Drakensberg Amphitheatre wall and across to the Devil’s Tooth and Eastern Buttress. The route uses the Chain Ladder for ascent and, if time and physical strength of the hiking party allow, the descent is via the Gully.

Once on top the hiking group heads for the summit of Mont aux Sources – this is really optional, but gives one a bit more time ascending at altitude and therefore assists with acclimatization. Alternatively the group can head straight for the Thukela Falls (850m). In summer the flow can be quite good, and you can see the whole fall as it drops into the Thukela Gorge below. In Winter the group has the opportunity to view the iced waterfall and its huge icicles. Other view points include: The Window, Mont aux Sources (3282m) and Bilanjil falls. After lunch the hiking group may opt to return via either the Gully or the Chain Ladder to make a round trip, back to the Car park for another night. With an early start this day can be taken at a leisurely pace, and is about 15 – 20km in total.

Day Three (20-25kms):

Another early start to descend to Witsieshoek Hotel again. From here the group descends through the Little Berg, via the top of Gudu Falls and the Crack to reach the Contour path. Having had lunch at the Royal Natal Grotto, the contour path brings the group to the top of Surprise Ridge for one last view of the Main Escarpment, before the final descent back to Sungubala.Another early start to descend to Witsieshoek Hotel again. From here the group will descend through the Little Berg, via the top of Gudu Falls and the Crack to reach the Contour path. Having had lunch at the Royal Natal Grotto, the contour path brings the group to the top of Surprise Ridge for one last view of the Main Escarpment, before the final descent back to Sungubala.

Drakensberg Amphitheatre Summit Hike

A 3 day – 2 night Drakensberg Amphitheatre Summit hike

Day One (15-20kms):

Depart from Sungubala (4800ft). The first day includes a good deal of climbing, but in stages. Total ascent for the day is 1500m over a distance of about 20kms. The first ascent takes the group through Sugar Loaf Gap and onto the summit of the Little Berg. The route goes over Cold Hill (7000ft) with spectacular views of the Royal Natal National Park and Amphitheatre. The path then maintains a fairly easy gradient contoured route towards Witsieshoek Mountain Resort. From this point the hiking group follows the access road to the Sentinel Car Park and overnight stop. The group spends the night in the simple, but comfortable bunk house at the Car park.

Day Two (15-20kms):

Making an early start the group gradually ascends 2000ft over approx: 12 kms to the top of the Main Escarpment (9600ft). The walk is punctuated with superb views looking down into Kwa Zulu Natal along the Amphitheatre wall and across to the Devil’s Tooth and Eastern Buttress. There are two ascent options: The Gully and Chain Ladder. The Gully is more physical and summits on top of the Beacon Buttress, whereas the Chain Ladder (40m) is the quickest route on a solid steel ladder that is bolted to the rock face. Once on top the hiking group heads for the lip of the Thukela Falls (850m). In summer the flow can be quite good, and you can see the whole fall as it drops into the Thukela Gorge below. In Winter the group has the opportunity to view the iced waterfall and its huge icicles. Other view points include: The Window, Mont aux Sources (3282m) and Bilanjil falls.. Other view points include: The Window, Mont aux Sources (3282m) and Bilanjil falls. After lunch the hiking group may return via either the Gully or the Chain Ladder to make a round trip, back to the Car park for another night. With an early start this day can be taken at a leisurely pace, and is about 15 – 20km in total.

Day Three (20-25kms):

Another early start to descend to Witsieshoek Hotel again. From here the hiking group will descend through the Little Berg, via the top of Gudu Falls and the Mudslide to reach the Contour path. Having had lunch at the Royal Natal Grotto, the contour path brings hikers to the top of Surprise Ridge for one last view of the Main Escarpment, before the final descent back to Sungubala.

This route provides 3 long days of superb scenery, where the group can always follow a path. It is not a technical route.

Northern Traverse

6 day Northern Drakensberg Traverse to iNtonjelana Pass includes:

6 days of guided hiking in the Drakensberg;
A qualified and trained Amangwane community chaperon that has grown up and lived all his/her life in the Mnweni area;
Porters for all the communal gear i.e. tents, food, hardware;
All food, except personal snacks and treats;
Overnight and entrance fees;
Clients carry their own personal gear. Hikers may give a porter up to 8kgs to carry and may hire an extra personal porter @ R200 per day, if they deem necessary;
Personal Logistical support at the start and end of the hike.

Day One (15-20kms):

This hike starts with an interesting drive through the Eastern Free State to the Sentinel car park and start of the Amphitheatre hike. The group gradually ascends 2000ft over approx: 12 kms to the top of the Main Escarpment (9600ft). The walk is punctuated with superb views looking down into Kwa Zulu Natal along the Amphitheatre wall and across to the Devil’s Tooth and Eastern Buttress. There are two ascent options: The Gully and Chain Ladder. The Gully is more physical and summits on top of the Beacon Buttress, the Chain Ladder (40m) is the quickest route on a solid steel ladder that is bolted to the rock face. Once on top the group heads for the lip of the Thukela Falls (850m). In summer the flow can be quite good, and you can see the whole fall as it drops into the Thukela Gorge below. In Winter the group has the opportunity to view the iced waterfall and its huge icicles. Other view points include: The Window, Mont aux Sources (3282m) and Bilanjil falls. The overnight camp is in the vicinity of the Bilanjil river.

Day Two (12-15kms):

guided drakensberg hikes and treks Tugela Falls to the top of Icidi Pass. This day is not overly long although there are two large hills to walk up and over, but because you are on the summit the gradients are not severe and while hiking you can enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the ubuSingathi area. Alternatively, or if the weather is threatening, the route may be taken inland to emerge in the Icidi area. This is a longer route, but the group can walk unhindered by uphills and downhills. The overnight camp is tucked away in one of the side valleys.

Day Three (8-10kms):

From Icidi, head over Mbundini Abbey to camp near Madonna and her Worshipers. This is a relatively short day with another 2 long hills, but the hiking group can be at camp by midday. There are excellent views towards the Mnweni Pinnacles as the group crosses over Mbundini.

Day Four (12-15kms)

Leave camp via the top of Fang’s Pass towards the Mnweni Cutback This section has so much beautiful scenery that you are tempted to look at it all day, but remember that the hiking group also needs to cover the required distance. En route the ruggedness and remoteness of the area is apparent with views over the Mnweni Pinnacles, Mnweni Needles, Rockeries and Cathedral Peak. Excellent afternoon photography if the light plays the game. guided drakensberg hikes and treks Overnighting may be in Ledges Cave or Mponjwane Caves, both with incredible views or tenting near the source of the Orange River.

Day Five:

The group departs from the camp, enjoying views looking North over the Mnweni Cutback or stopping en route to watch the Cape Vultures taking off and returning to their nests. The group passes through the Saddle and up to the last high point for the trip, before descending to the top of Ntonjelana pass for a late lunch. After which the descent begins down nTonjelana Pass to reach the campsite below, in the late afternoon.

Day Six (10-12kms):

After breakfast and a refreshing wash in a mountain stream the group continues the gradual descent. Today takes the group through the Tribal area of the Amangwane people and will allow you to appreciate the rural lifestyle of this community. It may be possible to see Bushman paintings en route. The hike eventually ends at the Mnweni Tourism centre around lunch time.

This walk shows off the Pride of the Kwa Zulu Natal Drakensberg. The scenery is some of the best that this world has to offer. While the walk is not technical, it is over fairly rugged terrain, where the group might be off the path at times, walking topographically. It provides a good combination of our Natural and Cultural of both the Bushman and Amangwane Communities.

This walk can be reduced to five days if required, descending Rockeries pass.

sungubala drakensberg
bush lodge drakensberg accommodation panorama

Sungubala Mountain Bush Lodge, Northern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

Drakensberg Amphitheatre Heritage Trail

Day One:

Day Two:

Day Three:

3 day 'Kilimanjaro Training' Trek in the Drakensberg

Day One (15-20kms):

Day Two (15-20kms):

Day Three (20-25kms):

Drakensberg Amphitheatre Summit Hike

Day One (15-20kms):

Day Two (15-20kms):

Day Three (20-25kms):

Northern Traverse

Day One (15-20kms):

Day Two (12-15kms):

Day Three (8-10kms):

Day Four (12-15kms)

Day Five:

Day Six (10-12kms):