Drakensberg Grand Traverse

Information

Distance

230.0 km

Duration

12–15 days

Max elevation

3,482 m

Country

South Africa (ZA)

Difficulty

Very strenuous / expert — terrain with no official trail, self-navigation mandatory, mostly above 3,000 m, extreme weather

Best Season

April–May (South African autumn, most stable weather and minimal thunderstorms)

Permits & Fees

A permit from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is mandatory (South African side); coordinate with Lesotho authorities for segments crossing the border; register at the entry posts at the start and end. Contact: bookings@kznwildlife.com

Description

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse (DGT) is a 220–240 km unsupported wilderness expedition traversing the Drakensberg escarpment over 12–15 days, widely considered one of the world's most demanding and rewarding long-distance mountain treks. The unmarked route runs from Sentinel Car Park in the north (near the iconic Amphitheatre) to Bushmans Nek in the south, crossing the South Africa–Lesotho border repeatedly and summiting Mont aux Sources, Champagne Castle, Mafadi (3,446 m), and Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m), the highest point in southern Africa. Hikers face over 10,000 m of cumulative ascent, rapidly changing weather, and pathless plateau navigation mostly above 3,000 m. Strong map-and-compass navigation, high fitness, and complete self-sufficiency are essential prerequisites.

Trail Highlights

A traverse of the Maloti-Drakensberg plateau on the South Africa–Lesotho border; climbing Mont aux Sources (3,282 m), Champagne Castle, Mafadi (3,446 m), and Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 m) — the highest peak in South Africa; the iconic Amphitheatre in the north; and panoramas of the escarpment 1,000 m above the valley