Drakensberg Hiker

Welcome to Drakensberg Hiker, home of Ian Shooter's guided hikes in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg

Home Page

About Us...

Gallery

Featured & Upcoming Hikes

References

Popular Hikes & Holiday Options

White-water Rafting

Bird Watching

Links

Contact me...

Ian Shooter

ian@drakensberghiker.co.za

tel:  +27 33 396 3906

cell:  +27 72 947 1174

Pietermaritzburg

KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa

If you have a particular hike in mind, or would like us to contact you with prices and suggestions for your Drakensberg hiking trip, please click here to use our handy contact form to tell us more about what you're interested in.

Weather in the South African Drakensberg and KwaZulu-Natal

To see our exciting list of planned hikes for 2012, please click here.

Summer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (from the middle of October to middle of March) is markedly warm, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, even higher when one considers the heat humidity factor in the height of summer.  With this being the rainy season, the countryside and mountains, the Drakensberg, are usually full of new growth and lots of flowers; the rainy season in KwaZulu-Natal is known for the rapid onset of storms, usually in the afternoon.  The heat humidity factor in KwaZulu-Natal usually drives temperatures considerably higher than the stated averages, so many people prefer to start their hikes earlier in the morning to get the bulk of their walking done before temperatures reach their height at midday, thereafter enjoying an afternoon of relaxation from a safe vantage point of the occasional pyrotechnic show from one of our summer afternoon storms.  Because hiking in a thunderstorm can become risky, as a safety precaution we will keep an eye on the weather for potentially dangerous storms and ensure that our hiking parties reach shelter timeously if there is any possibility of a summer afternoon storm becoming problematic; in the lower reaches of the Drakensberg there are often caves and natural shelters to take advantage of.

Because of the elevation (as much as 3,400m above sea level) winter night-time (and occasionally daytime) temperatures in the Drakensberg can become excessively cold, and it is not unusual to see the Drakensberg wearing it's winter jacket (snow) for weeks at a time during the winter months in KwaZulu-Natal.  Temperatures in the Drakensberg in winter at night do get extremely cold, often going into the minus side of zero (usually between -5 and -15 degrees Celsius), so overnight camps and hikes will careful require planning, and it is important to ensure that you have appropriate hiking equipment for winter camping (see our checklist for more information).  If you are planning to join us for a winter hike and don't have the necessary winter hiking equipment, please feel free to contact us about equipment hire.  Winter daytime temperatures in the Drakensberg, although typically cold in the mornings, are ideal for hiking during the middle of the day.

Because the countryside still retains a lingering touch of summer in the lush green of our grasslands, but the temperatures are considerably more bearable than those of summer, warm but without the typical summer thunderstorms, autumn is usually considered the best time for hiking in the Drakensberg.  In terms of temperatures and overall comfort, spring is also a good time for overnight Drakensberg hikes, although constant vigilance for possible thunderstorms is highly recommended at this time of year!  Overnight camping in autumn and spring is considerably more comfortable than it is in winter!

The optimum times of year for Drakensberg hikes are as follows:

-    middle of March until the middle of June;
-    beginning of September to end of November.

These months are generally regarded as the most comfortable average between the heat of summer and the cold of winter in KwaZulu-Natal (daytime temperatures between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius), although nights do occasionally remain considerably colder, and snow in the Drakensberg has been known to fall (on rare occasions) as late as November!

Obviously, as with any outdoor sport or recreation - especially those at high elevations, all hikers should be prepared for any weather at any time of year, and have at least some wet weather gear with them at all times.

You can check the current weather conditions in the Drakensberg here.


When planning your hike with us, please bear in mind that although many things are provided by DrakensbergHiker, including main meals, first aid kit, tents, etc, there are some things you either need to bring or arrange to hire from us.

These include the following:

-	Snacks for you to consume between main meals whilst hiking, any chocolates, nuts, trail food or snacks;
-	You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, backpack and sleeping mat.  If you don't have these, or are concerned about  having the appropriate sleeping bag for our climate, please contact us to enquire about hiring them or ensure that your sleeping bag is appropriate for camping in the Drakensberg;
-	Any drinks for personal consumption other than water, coffee or tea;
-	Your own hiking boots, if you are in doubt about whether your hiking boots are appropriate for the Drakensberg terrain your hike will cover, please contact us to ensure that they are;
-	Any personal medications you may require, especially those prescribed for chronic conditions, this does not include those typically carried in a first aid kit;
-	Sunscreen, please bear in mind that hiking in the Drakensberg is at a higher altitude than 'normally' experienced by most people, and the temperatures can get very high, so the probability of sunburn is significant, an SP factor of 30+ is generally recommended, going up to 50+ if your skin is very fair;
-	As the weather in the Drakensberg can be unpredictable, and (as with any mountain range) fluctuates between extremes, it is strongly suggested that you ensure you have clothing appropriate for a range of weather conditions with you, check here for weather conditions in the weeks prior to your hike, and please do ensure that you have thermal gear with you in case of a surprise cold front in summer or spring.

Please download our packing checklist from here to assist you with your packing - if you have any enquiries about what we supply, or what equipment you need to bring, please do not hesitate to contact us to ensure that your hike with Drakensberg Hiker is a memorable and positive experience for you!

Copyright (c) 2010-2011 www.drakensberghiker.co.za, all rights reserved.  Website by Patricia Stannard.