Description
Central Drakensberg
Tour Details:
Tour Start : Johannesburg
Destination: Champagne Castle Valley
Type of Tour : Mountaineering
Mode of Transport : Off Road Vehicle
Accommodation Type: Self-Catering Lodge
About the Drakensberg/Maluti
One of the most interesting facts about the Drakensberg/Maluti is that it spreads across two Southern African countries-namely South Africa and Lesotho. Home to Southern Africa’s highest peak- Thabana Ntlenyana (Maluti) stands at the height of 3482 meters above sea level. The Drakensberg escarpment stretches for over 1000 kilometres from the Eastern Cape Provinces in the South to the Free State in the North, with Kwazulu Natal in the middle. It forms the border between Lesotho and the Eastern Cape and the border between Lesotho and KZN. Thereafter it forms the border between KZN and the Free-State.
Exploring this mountain range is an epic adventure for those interested in taking on Southern Africa’s Highest mountain range. You will be exposed to peaks and valleys that you will never find anywhere else in the region. Tugela Falls (world’s second highest waterfall) originates from one of the notable peaks of this range- Mount Aux-Sources.
The Drakensberg can be climbed through various routes and each route gives a climber a different perspective of this diverse mountain range.
Injisuti Valley
Injisuthi is in the northern section of the Giant`s Castle area of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.
This spectacular mountain landscape contains many rock shelters containing the largest and most concentrated group of San rock art in Africa south of the Sahara. These paintings were created by the San people over a period of at least 4 000 years and are of outstanding quality. The paintings depict aspects of the everyday and spiritual life of these vanished people.
Picture 1 : Marble Baths
Expedition Route
Start: Injisuti Camp
Finish: Injisuti Camp
Duration: 9 Hours
Fitness: Easy to difficult in certain places
Description of Route
Start at the Injasuthi office and walk down to the Injasuthi river bridge (1 km away). The path to Marble Baths is clearly signed from there. Marble Baths is often merely the first stop on a longer hike to Lower Injasuthi Cave, via Marble Baths and Battle Cave. To give you an idea: Marble Baths is merely a lunch stop on the Mafadi Peak trail.
The path trails the left bank of the river after an initial crossing, which can get a little dicey when in flood. There are a series of beautiful natural rock pools at Marble Baths that deserve an overnight stop to fully appreciate. The cave is roughly 60 metres up the slope from the pools.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Johannesburg no later than 16H30 for the Champagne Valley (Drakensberg- Central) (Kwazulu Natal).
Dinner will be enjoyed on the road- Harrismith
Upon arrival at the Dragons Peak – check in and prepare for an interesting day ahead.
Day 2
After a quick breakfast, head towards Injisuti Camp for the start of the climb. After completing the mountain register head to Marble Baths.
After lunch and resting make way back to the lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner.
Day 3
Nice breakfast
Check-out at the lodge and head back home
Tour Package
R2 850.00 per person
Includes:
- Self-catering Accommodation Injisuti Camp
- Lunch on the mountain
- Mountain Guide fees
- Park Entrance fees
Excludes:
- Meals
- Beverages- alcoholic and non-alcoholic
- Any items of a personal nature
Payment Plan
- Cash or;
- A R900.00 deposit secures your booking and the balance is payable in instalments.
Recommended Gear
The weather in the mountains changes very often. In fact, you could move from misty to sunny, rainy, windy and then winter within a space of an hour. This makes your choice of clothing and gear very important.
- 25 liter daypack;
- Dry season clothing- breathable or cotton T-shirt, comfortable tracksuit pants, hiking pants or tights for females.
- Suitable walking/hiking footwear (running shoes are a perfect alternative);
- Long-sleeved protective clothing/jacket;
- Sunglasses;
- Rainwear or waterproof ponchos;
- Hat/cap;
- Sunscreen;
- Camera;
- At least two liters of water per person (water bottles to be refilled at the way);
- Electrolytes tabs for energy;
- Favorite snacks
COVID 19 Health and Safety Measures
The following Health and Safety Measures will apply during the tour:
- Compulsory Requirements
Any person joining the tour will be required to bring and wear a Face mask or face covering cloth and personal hand sanitisers, although additional sanitisers will be provided for communal use.
Furthermore, a compulsory daily temperature checks may be conducted.
- Accommodation and Sleeping Arrangements
Rooms can only be shared with members of the same household or friends, so an additional single supplement may have to apply for solo travellers as prices are normally based on twin-sharing. Please enquire ahead of booking as some flexibility may be possible from the hotels.
- Social Distancing and/or Face Mask Requirements during the tour
We will be changing the way we operate slightly with social distancing in place while on tour.
- Keeping members of the same household together;
- Reduced group sizes;
- Reduced passengers in shared transport;
- Face masks worn at all sometimes.
- Additional Hygiene measures to ensure your safety during the tour
We are required to ask anyone joining the trip if they have shown any COVID-19 symptoms the week of and the day before the trip starts. If you have any symptoms or have had contact with a person with symptoms you will not be allowed to join the trip.
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