The spectacular Drakensberg Mountains took their place on the international stage with the proclaiming of the 243 000 hectare Drakensberg Park in December 2002 as a World Heritage Site, significantly meeting the criteria for both cultural and natural properties. This makes it one of 22 sites in the entire world – a truly great achievement.
GRADE: C+ TIME: 8 hours. DISTANCE: 25 km. TERRAIN: Undulating with steep sections and scrambles. Not for the faint-hearted, and only to be undertaken with an experienced guide. Take the main bridle path towards Goodoo Bush, and from there to the head of the Mahai Valley. Then take the short cut to Mahai Falls. From
GRADE: C TIME: 3 hours. DISTANCE: 6 km return. TERRAIN: Undulating with steep sections. This walk is outside the RNNP and not signposted. The starting point is The Gorge car park. Cross the Tugela River and join the path going round to the right of the ridge. This path zigzags through the proteas until reaching
The Gorge car park is the starting point. Initially follow the path to The Gorge. Take the sign-posted path towards Devil’s Hoek Valley. After a further 1.6 km a path branches to the left, leading across a stream just below a forest and into Vemvaan Valley. After crossing a second stream the path, now less
GRADE: E TIME: 4½ hours. DISTANCE: 15 km return. TERRAIN: Undulating path. The Gorge car park is the starting point. Initially follow the path to The Gorge. After about 30 minutes the path emerges from a forest, and there is a signpost to Devil’s Hoek Valley. A further 10 minutes walk will bring you to,
GRADE: D GRADE: C+ if you continue past the Chain Ladder for better views and more excitement. TIME: 5 hours return. DISTANCE: 14 km return. TERRAIN: The path is easy to follow and climbs gradually. The only part that may present difficulties is the last two kilometres in the Gorge itself, which involves boulder hopping
GRADE: D+ TIME: 4½ hours DISTANCE: 13 km. TERRAIN: Undulating path with steep sections and some scrambling. Cross the Mahai below the casual car park. Follow the path up and across the sign-posted intersection. Just beyond it is a signpost pointing left up Broome Hill valley. Climb steadily until reaching the Grotto forest. Just before
GRADE: C+ TIME: 8 hours. DISTANCE: 15 km. TERRAIN: Undulating path with steep and slippery sections and chain ladders, and is not suitable for small children or those with a fear of heights. Proceed via Goodoo Bush and The Crack to the top of Goodoo Falls. Continue up the slope, keeping the top of the
GRADE: C+ TIME: 5½ hours. DISTANCE: 11 km. TERRAIN: Undulating path with steep and slippery sections and chain ladders, and is not suitable for small children or those with a fear of heights. From Goodoo Bush continue up the valley for another 1.2 km, where a path will be seen leading towards The Crack. The
GRADE: C+ TIME: 6½ hours return. (Or 8 hours round trip). DISTANCE: 22 km return. (Or 24 km round trip). TERRAIN: Undulating path with steep sections. Proceed to the Dooley Waters-Basuto Gate junction. Turn right to continue up the Mahai valley to the Mahai Falls. This is a popular picnic spot with an inspiring view
