Planning your hike with Drakensberghiker.

How to plan for your Drakensberg Hike…

Planning your Drakensberg Hike

When planning your Drakensberg hike with us please note that many things are provided by us.

These include 3 meals a day, first aid kit, single and/or double tents and all eating and cooking utensils.

We can comfortably accommodate up to 12 people for a wonderful dinner in our big mess tent after a hard day’s hiking, and we cater for most dietary requirements including vegan and vegetarian, but be sure to check with us for any special dietary requirements you may have.

However … there are some things you either need to bring or arrange to hire from us. Remember to read our Blog Post on hike preparation too!

Please download our packing checklist from here.

What do you need to include when packing for your Drakensberg Hike with us?

The things you need to provide when packing and planning for your Drakensberg hike with us include the following:

Snacks

Snacks for you to eat between main meals whilst hiking, including any chocolates, nuts, trail food or other snacks that you prefer.

Hiking Equipment

You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, backpack and sleeping mat or hire them from me.

Please ensure that your sleeping bag is appropriate for camping in the Drakensberg (ours are rated -8 to -15 celsius). If you don’t have one, or are concerned about having the appropriate sleeping bag for the Drakensberg climate, please contact us to inquire about hiring them;

Drinks for personal consumption

Any drinks for personal consumption other than water, coffee or tea

Hiking Boots

Your own hiking boots.

If you are in doubt about whether your hiking boots are appropriate for the Drakensberg terrain, please check with us to ensure that they are.

Your own personal / Prescribed medication

Any personal medications you may require, especially those prescribed for chronic conditions. This does not include those typically carried in a first aid kit.

Grooming Kit

Your personal grooming kit and a roll of toilet paper.

Sunscreen

Please bear in mind that hiking in the Drakensberg is at a higher altitude than ‘normally’ experienced by most people. Temperatures can vary a lot in 1 day. The probability of sunburn is significant so an SP factor of 30+ is generally recommended. 50+ is better if your skin is very fair!

What equipment can you hire from Drakensberghiker?

We have high quality and comfortable sleeping bags, back packs and sleeping mats for hire so if you need to hire any of these items from us please be sure to tell us when you inquire about our Drakensberg hikes. Also available are big ponchos that fit over your back pack and hiking poles to help with the down hills.!

If you have any inquiries about what we supply, or what equipment you need to bring, please contact us, or use our Drakensberg Transport and Equipment Hire page to enquire; this will ensure that your hike with Drakensberg Hiker is a memorable and positive experience for you!

Drakensberg and Lesotho Weather

The weather in the Drakensberg can be unpredictable. Most of the hikes are around 3000m above sea level and the weather can change quickly from hot to cold. There are no trees above 2500m so not much shade either. It is strongly suggested that you ensure you have clothing appropriate for a range of weather conditions with you. At all times when hiking in the Drakensberg, please do ensure that you have thermal gear with you in case of a surprise cold front in summer or spring. Check here for weather conditions in the Drakensberg in the weeks prior to your Drakensberg hike. Click here for weather conditions in Lesotho for the weeks prior to your Lesotho hike.