The Northern Drakensberg Nature Way

In April 2024, the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve was officially gazetted and another 6500ha of pristine mountain grassland is to be preserved. This gorgeous part of the region is best explored on foot, horseback or through the meandering cycle tracks.

With slackpacking becoming a popular option, we decide to explore the idea of developing the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way, linking 4 founding member establishments that could provide a lovely meal at the end of each day and move bags to the next stop.

Day 1 – The Cavern to Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge

Day 1 began at The Cavern and we hiked through the Fern Forest and via Rustlers Gap to get onto the Bishop’s Inkaba contour. The initial pull and large steps got the blood pumping and the muscles warm and then it was a lovely meander along the top Sungubala contour towards the top of Charlie’s Bush. This is beautiful mountain walking and as we crossed through forests and over streams, we could feel the weight of the world lifting… walking does this and nature provides the healing space.

Crossing the firebreak and heading into the next farm was more taxing with fewer paths but we followed a steady contour and watched where the large herd of eland moved. It was harder walking but pristine. A couple of stream crossings and then we headed up a grassy slope to the Stoney Pass path for a gentle descent to Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge.

We walked a total of 11.6km and our elevation gain was 767m.

Greenfire Drakensberg has comfortable log cabins that overlook the valley below and their elevated setting makes for spectacular views. We enjoyed a hearty dinner and breakfast and had a great selection for packed lunches for day 2.

Day 2 – Greenfire to Berghouse Cottages

After enjoying scrumptious cheese omelettes, we departed from Greenfire along the cycle path which meanders through the grasslands and heads down towards the old jeep track. The day was cooler and the walking easier. The jeep track then met the old Nook Road and our brisk walk then headed around the base of Montusi Mountain and down a horse trail towards the Wanhoop Loop.

It was steady walking and by the time we reached the Wanhoop Stream we were ready for our ham sandwiches and a break for the legs. We lay on the large rock, enjoyed the stillness and gurgle of the stream, and rested the feet for a bit. Lunch done, we meandered along the stream and crossed over, heading along the Thukela River. The very last slog was the toughest of the day, switchbacks and a steady climb all the way to the Berghouse Cottages.

17.9kms later, 337m in elevation, rather weary but with ice cold Castle Lights available, we headed to the viewpoint and rested the legs.

At Berghouse we were accommodated in their beautifully appointed superior cottages with panoramic views of the Amphitheatre. The dinner, provided to our cottage, was beautifully prepared and presented.

Day 3 – Berghouse to Montusi Mountain Lodge

The Berghouse ladies arrived, trays balancing in true African-style and breakfast was presented. Another beautiful meal which would sustain us on our shorter day across the valley to Montusi Mountain Lodge.

We began on their Leopards Loop and took the direct descent to the Wanhoop Steam. Birds flew, eland darted and we even saw the resident zebra. From the river, the route followed a steady incline towards the airstrip. It was easy walking on wide tracks and the gorgeous sunshine lit the tall thatch grass. We headed left past the lone gum tree, up the runway and through the stable gate at Montusi. The walk was shorter and we enjoyed the easier day. We’d completed 9kms and 204m in elevation.

We could relax on the lawn and enjoy lunch from the menu. Montusi has individual cottages that each have a gorgeous mountain view. It was the perfect afternoon for relaxing. Dinner was served in the dining room and the 4-courses were a treat following a few active days in the hills.

Day 4 – Montusi to The Cavern

We were woken by a Bokmakerie at the window. It kept flitting back and to and its radiant yellow chest was a spectacle. Breakfast was delicious and we packed a cheese and honey croissant because we hadn’t remembered to arrange a lunch pack.

We met again at the stable gate and made our way to the top of the Waterfall Cave. The views of the Amphitheatre and the valley below were spectacular. We descended to the river and meandered along the quad bike trail before crossing and making our way out of the Montusi Gorge towards All Out Adventures. Again, lovely brisk walking along wide paths which made for easy conversation and catchups. We treated ourselves to a cappuccino at All Out and then began the steep climb up on to Trilby Hill.

The path narrowed into single track and we saw three large Mountain Reedbuck. Turns and cutbacks, a bit of a contour, over the style and then the most magnificent view of the main escarpment. In the winter months the deep blue of the main berg is something to behold and the band of cloud made it pop from the blue sky behind.

We were heading back into the mountains along the winding path and were reminded once again of the depth and vastness of the valleys. In and out, over a dam, across a couple of streams and then it was time for a bite. The sun was hot but the walking pleasurable and having a good amount of water was important along this section of the trail. We crossed the Camel’s Hump firebreak and made our way into the Cavern valley.

We opted to go via Fan Falls and the First Ridge contour. Over the top of the Grotto, a final pull to Cowslip Falls Dam and then a gentle descent into the Cavern. Castle lights were our reward on the front lawn. 16km and 492m completed!

We’d done it; 4 mates, 4 days, 55km and 1800m in elevation.

It was a spectacular few days in the hills. The walking was varied, each stay-over provided a very special experience, the meals were excellent, having bags carted to the next stay made it all so convenient. We enjoyed a quiet that the mountains provide and the daily workouts meant we felt a sense of achievement and accomplishment as the sun went down. It was so good for the legs but more importantly it fed our souls. Definitely a great reset. Time out, time away and truly restorative.

What’s Next?

This is all quite new but you can book your own trip with Loretta from All Out Adventures, or Lindsay from The Northern Horse can assist. Guides will be provided because finding paths in certain spaces can be tricky and it helps with employment in our area. We’ll keep you up-to-date on the tweaking and improving as we go… Here’s to happy hiking and days in hills!