Drakensberg Cycling

The elevation of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, where peaks exceed 3000 metres, results in moderate temperatures. Summer temperatures hardly ever rise over the 30 degree mark. During the rainy season in summer (December, January and February), daily thundershowers occur. At times it pours for days, sometimes a whole week. But there are always long sunny periods as well, even in the rainy season. In the winter months (from June to August) it is dry and pleasantly warm during the day. The thermometer climbs up to over 15 degrees but the nights can be really cold. Even in the moderately high regions, temperatures sink below zero. In higher regions it snows.

The spectacular uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is located just two hours from Durban and four hours from Gauteng. Our Drakensberg hiking holiday is in the Northern Drakensberg.

For international visitors:
Fly to OR Tambo International Airport and from Johannesburg by car.
Route from Johannesburg:
Take the N3 South towards Durban, until Harrismith. From there take the N5 West towards Bethlehem for 4 km only. Turn left onto the R712 / R74 (Signposted towards Qwa-Qwa & Alternative Route to Durban) Travel for a further 8 km only. Turn left following the R74 towards Bergville, and down the Oliviershoek pass. After 38km, the road levels out. Turn right towards the Northern Drakensberg Resorts.

Directions from Durban:
Travel north on the N3 towards Johannesburg. After passing Estcourt Shell Ultra City, take the Ladysmith, Bergville and Northern ‘Berg Resorts Offramp (R74). Turn left towards Winterton and Bergville. Travel through Winterton and 30km past Bergville. There, turn left towards Northern Drakensberg Resorts.

When we confirm your booking more details will be given, as well as suggestions about places to visit along the way from Johannesburg.

Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid).

It is important to be comfortable when cycling. The best is to wear thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer. These allow your skin to breathe and wick the moisture away from your skin to the next layer, avoiding the chill which cotton T-shirts can cause. A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. Also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting lunches), first-aid kit, camera and an extra plastic bag for litter.

Your accommodation bookings in the Drakensberg will be a 4 star lodge or hotel. Lunch packs can be arranged and restaurant facilities are available. Most establishments will have cell phone and internet reception (not on some of the trails)

Overall rating is “Moderate”. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to cycle between 36 to 55 km per day. The route takes you along well marked trails . See Cycling grades for more details about Easy and Moderate rating.

In addition to hiking and cycling, the Drakensberg offers the following activities/opportunities:

Activities

Fishing, swimming, rock climbing, horse riding, boating and bird watching. Many of the larger resort hotels also offer a wide range of sporting facilities such as tennis, squash and golf.

Rock art

An excellent introduction to San rock art in the Cathedral Peak area is just past the entrance to the park, at the Rock Art Centre. A key thread in the museum is the eland, a vital aspect in San mythology and culture, with some life-size replicas in the entrance. The museum begins with an introduction to the culture and lifestyle of the San, with a look at archaeological finds, quotes from some of the last San descendants, and descriptions of the symbolic meaning of some of the most famous paintings.

We recommend that you add some other attractions to compliment your visit to the Drakensberg. You can include other visits before or after the Drakensberg cycling and hiking holiday. We can assist with bookings and advice. The costs of these options are available on request.

Our detailed route notes and -description allow you to ride/hike self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalised your booking we will specify your hotel schedule. (We are using different hotels/guest houses from time to time). The tailor-made Route guide includes hotel details, route notes, maps and GPS references. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. Our notes include information on monuments, places of interest along the way and suggested stops for lunch, wine tasting etc. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival. We can provide a file which can be imported to a gps or computer for navigation on a cellphone or gps device.

Bookings can be made throughout the year. The autumn months of April and May have the most pleasant climate. Spring is also very appealing, because at that time the wild flowers are in full bloom. Despite the risk of snow, winter is the best season for hiking. The summer is a less popular season for hiking, although then the landscape is greener and the wildlife more abundant. The weather in the Drakensberg can be divided into two main seasons: summer and winter. Although the weather tends to be pleasant all year round, the altitude and the mountain climate shouldn’t be underestimated. Climatic conditions can change rapidly and snow, fog, rain and thunderstorms can develop within minutes, enveloping hikers on exposed hillsides. Winter (May to August) is the driest time of the year and also the coolest. There will always be some rain during the winter months which, when it’s cold enough, will occasionally fall as snow. Daytime temperatures can be as high as 15°C, while at night temperatures will often fall below 0°C. Summer (November to February) is the wettest time. The mornings tend to be warm and bright, but as the heat builds up clouds begin to collect in the afternoon. The violence of the thunderstorms when they break is quite spectacular, usually accompanied by short bursts of torrential rain. Daytime temperatures average around 20°C and the nights are generally mild with temperatures not falling much below 10°C.

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by Trails and Travel in South Africa-

“Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation”

For details, go to Reviews

The Drakensberg cycling and hiking holiday is a unique experience. For more information about the Drakensberg area, go to Read more