DRAKENSBERG - DRACONA -DRAGON MOUNTAINS!The Tugela Waterfall is the longest/ highest/ tallest waterfall in the World at 983 meters and an elevation of 2972 meters!
Tailor -made unforgettable experience of Hiking ,from the Northern, Central and Southern Drakensberg ,with Lesotho in between all else!
Thaba Tours has been in operation, since 2001= 24 years!
Tailor -made unforgettable experience of Hiking ,from the Northern, Central and Southern Drakensberg ,with Lesotho in between all else!
Start with the Drakensberg Mountains and finish in Lesotho- Maluti Mountains !If you d enjoy Tailor-Made longer Multi -Day Treks,please advise= 10 Days?
info@thabatours.com
info@thabatours.com
Below are 1 of 6 packages below -Hiking-Trekking Tours!
TOUR -1 Half Day-Treks! 3 Hours Hike - Botsoela-Waterfall Tour!
Pickup at Maseru airport and be transferred to lodge, in a 4x4 vehicle. Panoramic views to the Gates to Paradise (2001 meters) valley with farmlands, grassland around is dotted with the yellow flowers of Euryops, the white Arum Lilies, the bright red and yellow colours of the Red-Hot Pokers and plenty of other wildflowers. The walk in some place has very loose rocks and good walking shoes or hiking boots are required on the way down takes 10 minutes and return 15 minutes of walk back up the single track. If we are lucky a small group of boys will be playing and dancing with their home-made musical instrument, which echoes off the Botsoela Falls cliff face. There’s basically only one section you might need help with! After viewing of the Botsoela Falls we return to the 4x4 vehicle, the ascending road pass becomes very rugged before the summit. We drive to the viewpoint overlooking the Gates to Paradise valley from East to West! Lunch at Lodge and be transferred back to the Maseru airport.
End Of Tour!
End Of Tour!
TOUR -2 Full Days –Activities! Pony Trekking or Hiking!
Half Day – Botsoela-Waterfall and Half Day- Echo Caves-Rock Art Tour!
Departure after breakfast at 08H30 from Maseru airport or lodge be transferred to. Panoramic views to the Gates to Paradise valley with farmlands, grassland around is dotted with the yellow flowers of Euryops, the white Arum Lilies, the bright red and yellow colours of the Red-Hot Pokers and plenty of other wildflowers. The walk down takes 10 minutes and return 15 minutes of walk back up the single track. If we are lucky a small group of boys will be playing and dancing with their home-made musical instrument, which echoes off the Botsoela Falls cliff face. There’s basically only one section you might need help with! After viewing of the Botsoela Falls we return to the plateau, the ascending road pass becomes very rugged before the summit. We drive to the viewpoint overlooking the Gates to Paradise valley from East to West! San Rock Art Hike-2.5 Hours. Echo Caves 1 & 2 We take a leisurely walk-through rural farmlands and scenic villages along the way! After +-30 minutes of walking, a stop at a village perched overlooking the Makhaleng River Valley. From here well descend via a single bridle track/pathway at a +-35-degree gradient towards the Makhaleng river basin! Our guide will lead the way and give explanations along the way, about the area we are about to enter! Please be careful of the footing, as it becomes very treacherous at various points! The 2 x caves are called-Tohlang place 1 and 2 and the whole area is called-Lehaha Le Eabuoy Ego Caves-which means, the caves of Echoes! The San Rock Art painted onto the walls of bare rock, are the best descriptions, I’ve not seen preserved in a very long time! Once reaching these caves our guide will give a descriptive history of the San People and their nomadic history throughout Lesotho. The description of the paintings will be described, and each illustration will be discussed in detail! The ascent back will be uphill all the way and stops will be made for photographs and a rest stop. We have a choice of either returning back to Malealea Lodge for lunch or taking a packed lunch! Return back to lodge. End Of Tour!
TOUR-3
Hodson's Peaks/Giants Cup & Thabana Ntlenyana-Hiking – 2 Nights/ 3 Days
Here is a proposal for the three days for two clients who are fit and have some previous hiking experience. The proposal is based on my experience and knowledge of what people who like hiking would enjoy.
Day 1: Meet at Motel at 07H30.
Transfer up the Sani Pass into Lesotho; meet up with the hiking guide at lodge –the New Highest Pub in Africa. Thaba Tours guide will book you into your room and make sure your luggage is safe! He will depart and pick you up on the 3rd day. Hike to the summit of Thabana Ntlenyana 3482m (the highest point in Africa south of Mt Kilimanjaro). We will first drive to Skirring village and leave our vehicle there. Total hike distance 26kms, time 7 to 8 hrs. Transfers are available closer and will shorten the hike from 6- 7 hours!
Overnight: at Lodge.
Day 2: Breakfast Included!
Hike to Hodgsons Peaks South (3256m) and possibly North (3257m) as well. The views on this hike are exceptional as both peaks are on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. Hike distance 10 to 12 kms, time 5 to 6 hrs. Start time from lodge will be 8.30am after a full breakfast. You will have 2-3 hours at leisure, maybe you’d like to speak to the guide, and you can go for 1-2 hours horse ride (own expense, they charge per hour)!
Overnight: at Lodge.
Day 3: Breakfast Included!
Depart lodge after breakfast and do half day's hike down to the river and return via a circular route back to lodge for lunch and depart for Underberg. Arrival in Underberg early afternoon, unless you’d like a horse ride-own cost!
END OF TOUR !
Hodson's Peaks/Giants Cup & Thabana Ntlenyana-Hiking – 2 Nights/ 3 Days
Here is a proposal for the three days for two clients who are fit and have some previous hiking experience. The proposal is based on my experience and knowledge of what people who like hiking would enjoy.
Day 1: Meet at Motel at 07H30.
Transfer up the Sani Pass into Lesotho; meet up with the hiking guide at lodge –the New Highest Pub in Africa. Thaba Tours guide will book you into your room and make sure your luggage is safe! He will depart and pick you up on the 3rd day. Hike to the summit of Thabana Ntlenyana 3482m (the highest point in Africa south of Mt Kilimanjaro). We will first drive to Skirring village and leave our vehicle there. Total hike distance 26kms, time 7 to 8 hrs. Transfers are available closer and will shorten the hike from 6- 7 hours!
Overnight: at Lodge.
Day 2: Breakfast Included!
Hike to Hodgsons Peaks South (3256m) and possibly North (3257m) as well. The views on this hike are exceptional as both peaks are on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. Hike distance 10 to 12 kms, time 5 to 6 hrs. Start time from lodge will be 8.30am after a full breakfast. You will have 2-3 hours at leisure, maybe you’d like to speak to the guide, and you can go for 1-2 hours horse ride (own expense, they charge per hour)!
Overnight: at Lodge.
Day 3: Breakfast Included!
Depart lodge after breakfast and do half day's hike down to the river and return via a circular route back to lodge for lunch and depart for Underberg. Arrival in Underberg early afternoon, unless you’d like a horse ride-own cost!
END OF TOUR !
TOUR-4
Northern Drakensberg Trekking-Tugela Falls via The Chain Ladder- 3 Nights/ 4 Days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 3 days
Total distance covered: ±12.2km
Total height gain: ±440m
(All distances should only be used as a guideline and a detailed route description will be supplied on confirmation of booking.) What makes this special: This is without a doubt one of the greatest trails in the world where you will be able to get close to the second highest waterfall in the world. Route: Although this is by far one of the easiest routes to take to get on top of the escarpment, you should still be well prepared for severe mountain weather. It is known that storms can arrive without warning at any time of the year, and it is not unknown to get snow in winter. Be well prepared with a warm jacket and rain wear even if it’s just a day outing. The Chain Ladders could be the most challenging part of the whole walk and anyone with a fear of heights should use the Gully as an alternative route.
Duration: 3 days
Total distance covered: ±12.2km
Total height gain: ±440m
(All distances should only be used as a guideline and a detailed route description will be supplied on confirmation of booking.) What makes this special: This is without a doubt one of the greatest trails in the world where you will be able to get close to the second highest waterfall in the world. Route: Although this is by far one of the easiest routes to take to get on top of the escarpment, you should still be well prepared for severe mountain weather. It is known that storms can arrive without warning at any time of the year, and it is not unknown to get snow in winter. Be well prepared with a warm jacket and rain wear even if it’s just a day outing. The Chain Ladders could be the most challenging part of the whole walk and anyone with a fear of heights should use the Gully as an alternative route.
Day 1: All Meals-own cost!
Options are to be transferred from Durban /King Shaka airport, up to the Northern Drakensberg + - 3hours!
Overnight: at Lodge.
Day 2: All Meals-own cost!
This walk is a popular overnight trip as well and a tent will be needed if you choose to sleep over. Sleeping over will allow you to experience most probably one of the best sunrises in South Africa.
The path starts at the Witsieshoek Car Park and follows the contour path towards the Witches and then swings towards the zigzags. The path has been upgraded with paving stones to help curb erosion, so stay on the path and don’t take short cuts as this leads to erosion. The path will lead up to the base of the Sentinel and veering to the right it gently climbs on a contour path following the base of the basalt cliffs towering over you.
The path starts at the Witsieshoek Car Park and follows the contour path towards the Witches and then swings towards the zigzags. The path has been upgraded with paving stones to help curb erosion, so stay on the path and don’t take short cuts as this leads to erosion. The path will lead up to the base of the Sentinel and veering to the right it gently climbs on a contour path following the base of the basalt cliffs towering over you.
Overnight: Camping.
Day 3: Breakfast Included!
Tugela Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world-the combined total drop of its five distinct free-leaping falls is officially 983 m (3,225 ft). Soon you will reach the Chain Ladders which is actually 4 ladders in total, that will lead you to the top of the escarpment. The first ladders were commissioned in 1930 by Otto Zunckel and later a second set was installed next to the old ones to help speed up the process of going up and down. For those with a fear of heights there is a path up the Sentinel Gully that will bypass the ladders and take you to the top without adding too much extra to your walk. The path will lead you to the top of the falls where you can find a number of vantage points to view the water tumbling down 614m into the basalt abyss below. Take care on a windy day as the wind can be very strong on this exposed plateau. Arrival back at lunch time, lunch and depart immediately for Durban airport!
Day 4: Breakfast included!
Or spend the afternoon at leisure and depart on the , for Durban?
END OF TOUR!
TOUR- 5
Central Drakensberg- Champagne Castle Peak- 4 Nights/5 Days
Grade: Strenuous to Severe
Duration: 3 days
Total distance covered: ±37.7km
Total height gain: ±2448m
(All distances should only be used as a guideline and a detailed route description will be supplied on confirmation of booking.) What makes this special: Summit the 3rd highest peak in South Africa and ideal training for your upcoming Kilimanjaro Trip?
Included: Park & overnight fees, rescue levy, first aid kit and Durban airport transfers x 2.
Duration: 3 days
Total distance covered: ±37.7km
Total height gain: ±2448m
(All distances should only be used as a guideline and a detailed route description will be supplied on confirmation of booking.) What makes this special: Summit the 3rd highest peak in South Africa and ideal training for your upcoming Kilimanjaro Trip?
Route: This hiking trail is doable for most people who have a moderate to high fitness level and some hiking experience will make this a more enjoyable trip. Although not a true expedition style trip, you need to be prepared for all types of weather as this area is known to have all four seasons in one day. Care also needs to be taken on Gray’s Pass as the path is not always well defined and taking the wrong turn could lead you into a precarious position. Champagne Castle at 3377m is the 3rd highest peak in South Africa and from the summit you can see both Mafadi at 3451m and Injasuthi Dome at 3410m in the distance. From the top of the pass, you will enjoy close-up views of Cathkin and Monks Cowl.
Day 1: All Meals-own cost! Options are to be transferred from Durban /King Shaka airport, up to the Northern Drakensberg + - 3hours!
Overnight: at Guest Lodge.
Day 2: All Meals-own cost!
The trail starts at Monks Cowl main camp and follows the standard route up to the Sphinx and then on to Breakfast Stream where you will appreciate a well-earned break and a chance to fill up water bottles. From here the path is an easy walk to Blindman’s Corner. At the junction you want to turn right and for the next few kms you will be following the contour path all the way past Hlathikulu Neck. This section is the same route on the Zulu Cave hike. Follow the path down, but not all the way down to the river, there is a path that will lead off to your left-hand side and will take you up into the Mhlatswini Valley. In front of you, you will see Gat Berg and the Dragons Back. The path will follow the side of the valley before dropping down into the river and you will follow the path crossing the river a few times before reaching Keith Bush Camp. The campsite is located on the right-hand side of the river as you look up the valley and is suitable for a couple of tents. There is a feint path that leads down to the river and in summer water is not an issue. In summer you might have to look for water higher up or lower down. At the campsite you will be surrounded by towering peaks on 3 sides and be treated to an awesome sunset as the clouds get painted by the setting sun.
Overnight: Camping.
Day 3: All Meals-own cost!
After a good night’s rest and packing up camp as early as possible, find the path that leads up the spur to Gray’s Pass. The climb is steep, and the going will be slow with a heavy pack, remember to fill all your water bottles as there is no water on the pass until you reach the top of the pass. There are quite a few paths made by smugglers, find the path that’s in the best condition and follow it. At a rock band the path disappears, and it looks like it carries on into the valley, but it actually swings back and up the rock band. Take care here as a few people have gotten lost here. The path climbs up until you are in the shadow of the basalt cliffs and then contours around to the last little crux and then you enter the last rock scramble to the top. The scree is loose so make sure that the group is spaced out so that loose rocks will not hit anyone. Once on top you follow the path to the stream, and this is a good place to have a break and replenish your energy levels. Consult your map and plan a route to the top of Champagne Castle peak, the easiest route is to follow the valley as it tops out close to the highest point. On top of Champagne, you will have awesome views over the KZN midlands and looking south you will see the other two highest points in South Africa namely Magadi and Injasuthe Dome. Follow the same path back that you came in with. At the river you will find a few flat camping spots close to the small waterfall. Remember to practice LNT principals and carry out all your trash and if you need to go, walk away from the river to dig your cat hole.
Overnight: Camping.
Day 4: All Meals-own cost!
Your last day is going to be a long day, so an early start is to your advantage. The route follows the same one you took up but now in reverse. Take care at the crux as it does look quite intimidating when you stand above it. Find a safe way down and take special care when wet. The downhill is taxing to your knees so go slowly and steadily. Be careful on the loose rocky section. When looking down the pass you can actually see the route the smugglers use, and it is easy to follow it all the way back to Hlathikulu Neck. The contour path section is going to feel like it never ends but before long you will be at Blindman’s Corner and the end is in sight. Remember to fill your water bottle up regularly and to keep hydrated especially in summer. By the time you reach the last downhill by the Sphinx your legs will be tired so take care on the last section especially on the loose rocks. You will appreciate reaching the camp and if you are in time, you can still enjoy a cold cool-drink at the little shop.
Overnight: Guest Lodge.
Day 5: All Meals-own cost!
After breakfast, be transferred back to Durban or King Skaka airport.
END OF TOUR!
Included: Park & overnight fees, rescue levy, first aid kit and Durban airport transfers x 2.
Excluded: All meals and snacks, stove & pots, sleeping bag, backpack, personal gear and equipment, personal medication, mineral waters and footwear.
Gear Hire is available-at additional cost.
Porters can be included at an additional cost.
Gear Hire is available-at additional cost.
Porters can be included at an additional cost.
TOUR- 6
GIANTS CUP LUXURY TRAIL – HIKING ITINERARY- 5 Nights / 6 Days
Day1: Be transferred from Durban to Underberg-Dinner
Overnight at Guest Lodge
Day 2: Breakfast, packed lunch and Dinner. (approximately 13 km):
After a restful night at Seaforth where you will gather for dinner the day before your hike, you will be transported to the start of the trail at the bottom of Sani Pass. The first objective is to cross the bridge between the Mkomazana and Gxalingwa valleys. Ngwenya Pools is an ideal stop for lunch on a sunny day or, if it is raining, there is a cave a little further along the trail. After this the trail gradually ascends through attractive country into the Pholela valley, crossing a suspension bridge over the river to the Cobham reserve. You will be collected from this point for your transfer to Briar Lea farmhouse in the Cobham Valley where you will overnight.
Overnight: Guest Lodge.
Day 3 (17 km): Breakfast, packed lunch and Dinner.
This is the longest and most eventful day, and you will need to make an early start to get the most out of it! You will be transported to the beginning of the day's walk at Cobham and continue the trail which ascends the Sipongweni Ridge past ortoise Rocks before traversing its southern flank and dropping down into the Mzimkulwana valley. You will see the Mzimkulwana Hut (normally the 2nd nights hut on the GC Trail) nestling beside one of the tributaries of the uMzimkhulu. A good spot along the way is bathplug cave, named after a hole in the cave floor through which disappears. Observe but do not touch the Bushman paintings on the cave walls. Try and leave Mzimkulwana Hut after an early lunch in order to complete the remainder of the days hike which will first take you on a long climb towards Little Bamboo Mountain. On the top of the ridge, you will find a number of small vleis (tarns) where blue cranes frequent and remains of petrified forests can still be found. The trail then continues down following a pleasant stream valley with tempting swimming pools, and finally reaches the tar road of the Drakensberg Gardens Valley where you will be picked up and taken to Orchid valley for the third night.
Overnight: Guest Lodge.
Day 4: Breakfast, packed lunch and Dinner. (13,5km):
You will need to be guided out of Orchid Valley to pick up the marked Giants Cup Trail above Winterhoek Hut. The first half of the trail ascends the ridge to the west of Garden Castle Mountain via the scenic but steep Black Eagle Pass. Be sure to fill your water bottle before you start as there is little surface water along this section of the trail. You eventually reach an altitude of about 1900 meters between the two river valleys of the uMzimkhulu and the Mzimude. Many pleasant vistas present themselves as you follow the contour path to the top of the Drakensberg Gardens
Overnight: Guest Lodge.
Day 5: Breakfast, packed lunch and Dinner.
Continue the Giants Cup Hike to Bushman's Nek the Giants Cup trail continues onto the Bushman's Nek valley, first crossing the wide Mzimude valley, climbing up to the fire station look-out, before dropping gradually down to Bushman's Nek Police Station, an official border post between South Africa and Lesotho. The trail is relatively easy walking and about 12 km in length which should get you into the hotel for lunch and an early afternoon pick up.
Overnight: Guest Lodge
Day 6: Breakfast, packed lunch and Dinner.
A Climb Rhino Peak the Rhino is a free standing 3000-meter peak standing away from the main Drakensberg Wall and towering over the Drakensberg Gardens Hotel. Very fit hikers who enjoy a challenge can hike to the top of the Rhino Horn and return in one day. They must be prepared to start early as it’s a 10-to-11-hour hike with about 1000m ascent, but the hike is non-technical (although there may be some scrabbling up the gully leading to the top of the escarpment). On clear day the views from the top are unforgettable.
Overnight: Guest Lodge.
END OF HIKE !
Included: Excluded:
All accommodation Personal Insurances and Expenses
Transfers to accommodations Tips to guide.
3x meals a day Own back packs required.
2 x mineral water pp a day
Entry fees