Trip Notes

Africa
drakensberg
traverse
trip highligh­­­ts
Enjoy the diversity of plants and the large
collection of San rock paintings
Trek the highest mountain range in southern Africa
Camp near Tugela Falls, second highest waterfall in the world
Spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains
Climb Cathedral Peak
Visit a Cape Vulture colony
Trip Duration9 days
GradeModerate
ActivitiesTrekking
Summary1 night hotel, 7 nights camping
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our Drakensberg Traverse trip. At
World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track
experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming
face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions
of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our
unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the
enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have
been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure
holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience,
designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our
vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible
tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include
trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World
Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for
a life changing experience!!
1 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 8/9/2016 5:09:16 PM
Trip Code: DRS
why travel with World Expeditions?
When planning travel to remote and challenging destinations, many
factors need to be considered. Our extra attention to detail and
seamless operations on the ground ensure that you will have a
memorable experience in South Africa. We take every precaution to
ensure smooth logistics, our vehicles and equipment are the best
available on the market. Most importantly, our adventures have
always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard
the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of
travel in the regions we experience. You will be accompanied by trip
leader throughout and at times a professional mountain guide, whose
knowledge and passion for South Africa will add a unique dimension
to your trip. Their experience and enthusiasm ensures that we maintain
the leading edge in adventure travel and therefore providing excellent
value for money. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent
leadership, we are quite sure that this tour will be a trip of a lifetime and
a fantastic adventure.
drakensberg traverse
Wilderness trekking in the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains
trip dates
2017
28May- 05Jun
01Oct - 09Oct
important notes
Note: - Similar dates in 2017.
Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2016. For trips departing
after this date, the price will likely increase subject to
local inflationary pressures on operational costs.
trip cost
Joining Johannesburg:$2174
All prices are per person
options & supplements
Single Supplement 2016:
$310
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will
arrange for you to share accommodation with
another traveller of the same gender and if we can
not match you up we will provide a single room at
no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single
supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.
The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
Botswana
Johannesburg
South Africa
Mahai
Didima
Lesotho
the trip
The Drakensberg Mountains, in the Royal Natal National Park of South Africa, offer dramatic
views and are a region of incredible natural beauty. The mountains are listed as a World
Heritage site due to the diversity of plants and the large collection of San rock paintings
they harbour. The Drakensberg range is the highest in southern Africa at 3482m, with many
distinctive basalt buttresses gracing the skyline. In the local Zulu language it is aptly named
uKhahlamba (barrier of spears). We commence our trek in the northern section of the
mountain range near Mahai and spend our first night on the trail camped near the lip of Tugela
Falls, second highest waterfall in the world, on top of the Amphitheatre. For the next five days
we follow the edge of the escarpment, river valleys and undulating moorlands encountering
wild and spectacular scenery and very few people. We have opportunities to visit a Cape
Vulture colony, swim in refreshing mountain streams and finally to climb Cathedral Peak ‑ a
free standing buttress that affords sweeping views across the Drakensberg Range. This trek is
truly remote and leaves a feeling that we have visited a very special place.
about your leader/escort
The trip is led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide and driver. All the guides are
FGASA registered and have Fauna and Flora qualifications. For the Drakensberg traverse
section the group will be led by an experienced and qualified mountain guide, assisted by
porters. They will be used to carry all group equipment and food, plus up to 6kg of personal
equipment, however you will need to carry your own day clothes, water, personal gear,
sleeping bag and mat, camera equipment etc. Please note that porterage is in its infancy in
South Africa, and the standards are not yet at the same level as you may have encountered
on trips in other areas of the world, for example Tanzania, Peru or Nepal. Due to the
fluctuating weather and local conditions the porters remain with the group throughout the day
and we ask you to please be patient while they erect your tent at the end of each day.
at a glance
DAY 1JOIN JOHANNESBURG
DAY 2TO ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK
DAY 3COMMENCE TREK FROM MAHAI, CAMP TUGELA FALLS
DAY 4TO TOP OF MBUNDINI ABBEY, OVERLOOK REMOTE MNWENI AREA
DAY 5TREK TO ORANGE RIVER
DAY 6SPECTACULAR TREK TO MLAMBONJA PASS
DAY 7TWINS CAVE, BELL TRAVERSE, CATHEDRAL PEAK, TO SHERMAN’S CAVE
DAY 8TO DIDIMA
DAY 9TRANSFER TO JOHANNESBURG, TRIP CONCLUDES ON ARRIVAL
what’s included
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
1 night in comfortable hotel on a twinshare basis
7 nights limited participation camping on a twinshare tent basis
group camping equipment including tent and sleeping mat (sleeping bag and pillow
not included)
English speaking local guide
professional mountain guide and porters for traverse section (days 3 ‑ 7)
permits and entrance fees as listed in itinerary
private transport
2 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 8/9/2016 5:09:16 PM
drakensberg traverse
Wilderness trekking in the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains
Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the
adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the
local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of
cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have
chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Join Johannesburg
The hotel offers a free transfer from the airport, by prior request. Clients can fly into Johannesburg
and make their way to the group hotel. Evening free to enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant.
meals: NIL
DAY 2To Royal Natal National Park
After a quick introduction and briefing at 8:00am, we pack the vehicle and head out of
Johannesburg straight to the Royal Natal National Park and the Northern Drakensberg. Depending
on arrival time, there will be an opportunity for a short optional walk. In the late afternoon, we meet
our mountain guide for a full briefing for the traverse. This is a beautiful campsite with excellent
facilities, and tonight we enjoy a traditional South African Braai. Camp altitude is 1450m.
Distance/time: 350km, 4 hours + stopping, lunch time +/-2 hours.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 3Commence trek from Mahai, camp Tugela Falls
Today the trek begins as we set off from Mahai (1450m). This day includes a good deal of climbing,
but in stages. Total ascent for the day is 1500m over a distance of about 13kms.The first ascent
takes us through the Mahai valley in the Royal Natal National Park. The path then maintains a fairly
easy gradient contoured route towards Witsieshoek Mountain Resort (2200m). We then transfer
along the gravel road to the Sentinel car park (2500m). Then we gradually ascend 450m over a
distance of 6 km to the top of the Main Escarpment (2950m). We climb the chain ladders, before
arriving on top of the Drakensberg mountains. The overnight spot is near the lip of the Tugela Falls
(second highest in the world), on top of the Amphitheatre. Maximum altitude reached is 2950m.
Distance/time: 8 – 9 hours walking, 13km. Road transfer - 12km.
For days 3 to 7 - in good weather the views are spectacular, as are our wild campsites. The walk
will be close to the escarpment edge for a section each day (weather permitting), with the rest of the
time spent further inland following river valleys and undulating moorland. Whichever route is taken,
the scenery is wild and spectacular and very few people will be encountered. Your mountain guide
will select the most suitable route for the prevailing conditions. An example of each day’s walk is
given in this itinerary, however as emphasised above, the prevailing conditions may lead to shorter
or longer days, as well as the choice of the final descent from the top of the Mountain.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 4To top of Mbundini Abbey, overlook remote Mnweni area
This is another fairly long day, but because we are on the summit, the gradients are not severe. The
route follows the escarpment edge taking in breathtaking views overlooking the remote Mnweni
area. We pass some Lesotho shepherds huts on the way, so we can see how they live. The campsite
tonight overlooks the beautiful view of Madonna and her Worshippers. This view is ‘mind blowing’ at
sunrise. The start altitude is 2950m, and we camp at around 3200m.
Distance/time: 6 – 8 hours walking, 15km
meals: B,L,D
3 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 8/9/2016 5:09:16 PM
drakensberg traverse
Wilderness trekking in the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains
DAY 5Trek to Orange River
fast facts
Countries Visited:
South Africa
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are
available for this trip*
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Leader:
Expert local leader
Brochure Reference:
Africa, Middle East
*Ask our staff for more information.
This section has so much beautiful scenery, that we need to let it soak in slowly as we walk past
Fangs pass. We have lunch at the Mnweni cut back overlooking the Mnweni Pinnacles, Mnweni
Needles, Rockeries and Cathedral Peak. Excellent afternoon photography if the light plays the game.
We then continue around the corner into the Orange River Valley and our camp for the night. Altitude
starts around 3200m, and we camp at 3100m.
Distance/time: 6 – 7 hours walking, 12km
meals: B,L,D
DAY 6Spectacular trek to Mlambonja Pass
This will be one of the highlight days, a little longer than the previous day. The day starts off with
a visit to the Cape Vulture colony and views down the Rockeries pass, then up and around the
saddle to a good swimming spot and excellent views for lunch. From this spot, we can see the
Amphitheatre (our first night) all the way to Cathedral Peak. We then have a 2 hour walk to our
campsite above the Mlambonja pass near the Kwakatsi river. The altitude for the day starts at
3100m, and goes to 3190m at lunch, and we camp at around 3000m.
Distance/time: 7 – 8 hours walking, 10km
meals: B,L,D
DAY 7Twins Cave, Bell Traverse, Cathedral Peak, to Sherman’s Cave
We start our day earlier than usual and walk past Twins cave and the start of the Bell traverse. There
are 3 exposed sections where we use a rope for security on this section. We then have a 4 hr walk
looking north to see over the whole Mnweni valley below the Chess men, Inner and Outer horn and
through the gap between the Bell and Cathedral peak; resting at Bell cave, where we can see all the
way to Cathkin and the Cathedral Peak hotel, our destination the next day. Then it is a rather steep
but short little climb through Buggers gully, and then lunch below Cathedral peak. After lunch we
climb up Cathedral peak for 2 hours, which is the easiest free standing peak in the Drakensberg,
but is fantastic, as we get to look all over the Drakensberg range from the top. There is a short chain
ladder, and then we meet up with anyone that didn’t want to climb and carry on walking down to
sleep in Sherman’s cave. The altitude starts at 3000m, and climbs to a maximum of 3281m, before
camping at around 1800m.
Distance/time: 8 – 9 hours walking, 15km
meals: B,L,D
DAY 8To Didima
All good things come to an end! Today we descend the rest of the way with a shorter 2 hour walk,
and a welcome beer at Cathedral Peak Hotel. We overnight at the Didima camp, a short walk away.
Time in the afternoon to visit the Bushmen display (own expense). Altitude starts at 1800m, and we
drop down to 1500m at Didima.
Distance/time: 3 hours walking, 10km
meals: B,L,D
DAY 9Transfer to Johannesburg, trip concludes on arrival
After a leisurely start, we pack up camp and we then transfer directly back to Johannesburg, where
the trip concludes.
Distance/time: 450km, about 6 hours drive
meals: B,L
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
4 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 8/9/2016 5:09:16 PM
drakensberg traverse
Wilderness trekking in the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible and sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
trip grading
Moderate
This expedition involves trekking through
undulating country, often untracked, for
up to 6 ‑ 9 hours a day at a steady pace.
To undertake this level of activity you will
need a good level of trekking fitness and be
surefooted. Some days involve hard walking
or scrambling over rugged and steep terrain,
including boulders, scree, rocky ground,
and grasslands. Chain ladders may be
encountered on some routes, so a good head
for heights is also necessary. Some routes
may also pass through snow in the winter. As
a minimum, we recommend 1 hour of aerobic
type exercise, three to five times a week for
three months leading up to your trek; eg.
hard walking, jogging or cycling. To prepare
for a walking holiday we recommend you
take every opportunity to walk up and down
stairs and/or hills, for leg strengthening and
aerobic fitness. Please remember the fitter
you are the more you will enjoy your holiday.
suggested extensions
Kruger to Victoria Falls Adventure
Zambia, Malawi & Mozambique Adventure
Southern Parks of Tanzania in Comfort
Kilimanjaro Trek
Kenya & Tanzania Migration Safari
Madagascar Reef and Rainforests
country information
South Africa is a huge and diverse nation covering the entire Southern Tip of the African
continent. The Rainbow Nation is home to an incredible diversity of peoples who are working
on forging a new future after the fall of the Apartheid regime. The land is as diverse as the
people, from the postcard perfection of Cape Town and Table Mountain to the rugged
splendour of the Orange River and the teeming metropolis of Johannesburg.
climate
Southern Africa experiences a generally dry climate. In and around Johannesburg ‑ there
is a summer rainy season from November to March. The dry season from April to October
includes the winter, when rain is rare and the nights can be very cold. Days are usually clear,
warm and sunny and nights can get frosty in June and July. As there are some days with
occasional snowfall in higher areas of the Drakensberg (can occur June – August). If the
weather conditions indicate, hikes listed may be swopped for others.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian
diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please
ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to
your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen
adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or
alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with
special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a
peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for
the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food
allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
pre and post tour accommodation
If you would like assistance with pre‑tour accommodation in Johannesburg please ask your
reservations consultant for details.
what you carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the location and
weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as
sunscreen, lip balm etc.
equipment required
Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack. A comprehensive gear list is
provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking.
5 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 8/9/2016 5:09:16 PM
drakensberg traverse
Wilderness trekking in the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains
adventure travel acute mountain sickness
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount
of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you
ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process,
you may experience some of the following symptoms.
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Palpitation
• Swelling of the hands and face
Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty
of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it
does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive
first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you
believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The
only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend.
Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if
symptoms persist.
vehicles & safety
During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose
and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety
may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have
seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus
transfers or specialised transport such as ‘tuk‑tuk’s’ could be another. Where seat belts are not
provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times.
what’s not included
International flights & taxes
Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature (i.e. laundry, phone calls, etc)
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic beverages
Visas
Tips
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These
special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced
and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or
register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for
many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can
6 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Gesine Chueng 8/9/2016 5:09:16 PM
drakensberg traverse
Wilderness trekking in the World Heritage Drakensberg Mountains
organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even
work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from
itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.
subscribe to our e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and
adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our
website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
social networking
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your
booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also
help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get
you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that
you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.
7 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 10/26/2016 12:42:14 AM