Hike & Stay Overnight in a Cave in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg
Active
2d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Spend the night in a cave in the wilderness of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg of KwaZulu Natal. This is an overnight hike through the pristine mountains of the 'little berg' and is accessible to any reasoanbly fit person. Expect to carry all your own gear and help with camp life such as cooking and cleaning. The hike is roughly 12km per day and we carry everything in and out with us. We tread lightly and leave no trace. This hike is all about enjoying the wilderness and the company of our fellow hikers and is not structured as a formal tour.
Highlights:
• Enjoying the peace of the the Drakensberg Mountains
• Swimming in Mountain streams
• Sleeping in a Cave
Available options
Hike & Stay Overnight in a Cave in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg
What's included
backpack
Bottled water
transport from hotel to hiking venue
Snacks
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
coffee/tea
Coffee and/or Tea
Overnight accommodation
sleeping mat
sleeping bag
meals on hike
What you'll see
Itinerary
Day1:
• picked up at 5:30pm in air conditioned vehicle
• +- 3 hour drive to the Drakensberg with refreshment stop
• arrive at destination
• gear allocation, packing of bags and hike briefing
• begin hike at roughly 10am
• stops at appropriate times for snacks and lunch
• arrive at cave mid afternoon
• Relax, chillax...take a load off - literally
• explore the immediate area at your leisure
• Dinner, chatting and sleep
Day 2:
• Breakfast
• enjoy the morning rays and tranquility
• break camp and head back to vehicle
• stopping at our leisure
• arrive at vehicle
• showers available and a chance to get into a fresh pair of clothes
• head back to Durban
• Stop for refreshments (your own account)
• Drop off at your accomodation
Inclusions:
• breakfast, lunch and dinner on the hike. (Basic hiking food)
• Backpack
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Mat
• Plastic bags to pack clothing into to protect from rain
• coffee/tea
• Fresh mountain water from the rivers
• Transport to/from your hotel in Durban
• Entrance fees
Exclusions
• Appropriate clothing for hiking(list below)
• Food and drink on the driving part of the journey
• alcohol
• Travel Insurance
Essential Gear(Compulsory):
• Good pair of hiking boots or trail running shoes
• Rain coat or windbreaker
• Warm thermal top
• Warm long pants for evenings
• comfortable walking shorts or trousers
• 2 pairs socks
• 2 shirts
• long sleeve shirt, jersey or thermal underwear
• beanie
• hat for sun protection
• Waterproof trousers(optional)
• Gloves(Optional but recommended in winter)
• scarf (optional)
• Underwear
• sunscreen
• Personal medication
• Personal toiletries(Biodegradable toothpaste is possible)
Leave no Trace Policy:
• All rubbish will be carried out with us
• When you go the toilet you need to dig a deep hole far away from our cave and far away from any paths or water sources.
• No fires...we only cook on gas
• no littering!
• No shortcuts, we try and use the provided paths as best as possible
• No picking of our flowers or any flora
• We always keep a respectful distance between any animals we may encounter
• We keep our noise to a minimum. No music..only natures tunes.
• No use of any soap in the rivers(even biodegradable). It's only 2 days you will be fine!
• No touching of rock art in any way!
What's not included
personal clothing (see compulsory list)
meals and drinks in transit portion of activity
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Minimum age is 18 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
About Durban
Durban is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm tropical climate. It's a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences.
Top Attractions
Golden Mile
A stretch of beautiful beaches along the Durban coastline, offering a variety of water sports, beach activities, and a vibrant promenade.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free to enter, activities vary in cost
uShaka Marine World
A popular theme park and marine park featuring a variety of attractions, including a water park, aquarium, and dolphin shows.
Entertainment
Full day
Moderate to expensive
Durban Botanical Gardens
A beautiful botanical garden featuring a variety of plant species, walking trails, and a heritage site.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free to enter, small fee for special exhibits
Victoria Street Market
A bustling market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.
Market
1-2 hours
Budget to moderate
Durban Museum
A museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of Durban and the surrounding region.
Museum
1-2 hours
Budget
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bunny Chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Biltong
Dried, cured meat, similar to jerky, made from various types of meat such as beef, game, or ostrich.
Snack
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Bunny Chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or beans. It's a popular street food in Durban.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Durban Curry
A spicy curry dish with roots in Indian cuisine, often made with chicken, lamb, or seafood, and flavored with local spices.
Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options available
Popular Activities
Surfing
Hiking
Mountain biking
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Yoga
Cultural tours
Museum visits
Best Time to Visit
December to February
This is the summer season with warm temperatures, frequent rain showers, and bustling beaches. It's the peak tourist season with vibrant festivals and events.
23°C to 30°C
73°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Zulu, English
- Widely spoken: Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Durban is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violent crime can occur, particularly in certain areas and at night. Exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
Getting there
By air
- King Shaka International Airport • 35 km from city center
By train
Durban Station
By bus
Durban Bus Terminal, Grey Street Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
DART buses are affordable and convenient for getting around. They operate on dedicated bus lanes, making them faster than regular buses.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Berea
Morningside
Umgeni Road
Day trips
Valley of a Thousand Hills
30 km from Durban • Half day to full day
A scenic region known for its rolling hills, traditional Zulu villages, and cultural experiences. It offers a glimpse into rural Zulu life and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
St. Lucia
200 km from Durban • Full day or overnight
A coastal town in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and water activities. It's a popular destination for boat cruises, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.
Drakensberg Mountains
250 km from Durban • Full day or overnight
A stunning mountain range known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a break from the city.
Festivals
Durban July • July
Durban International Film Festival • October
Sugar Rush Festival • December to January
Pro tips
- Visit the beach early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures
- Try local street food like bunny chow and samosas for an authentic Durban culinary experience
- Explore the city's cultural heritage by visiting the Victoria Street Market and the Durban Botanical Gardens
- Take a day trip to the Valley of a Thousand Hills for a scenic and cultural experience
- Attend a local event or festival, such as the Durban July or the Durban International Film Festival, for a unique and memorable experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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