4 Day Champagne Castle Hike (6-9 Aug 2027)

*Please note that these base hike prices are subject to change; and private hike prices will differ from our scheduled hike prices. Your quote for this hike may differ, depending on equipment you may need to hire from us, or additional services you request such as accommodation before / after your hike and transport to and from the hike organised by DrakensbergHiker.

The 4 Day Champagne Castle Hike

Blindmans corner overnight hike. — It is fun to cool down at Crystal falls on our way to Blindmans corner.

The 4 Day Champagne Castle Hike leaves from the Monk’s Cowl car park. I like to stay at Monks cowl camp site the night before so that we can get an early start walking up the mountains. On the first day, we walk past the Sphinx and then head on to lunch with a view at Blind Man’s Corner. After lunch, we have a gentle stroll along the contour path for about 3 km and start to get our very first views of the magnificent Champagne Castle.

This hike is an opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful parts of the Drakensberg with us!

Until now it had been hiding behind Cathkin Peak…

This night, we camp in the valley at Keith Bush Camp with these huge cliffs and mountains that tower above us, so it is quite beautiful. From our campsite we can easily see the famous Monks Cowl Peak that Keith Bush, after whom the camp is named, fell from. Here we can also see the stunning Dragons Back. Up ahead is Gray’s Pass which we will use to get to the top of the Drakensberg Escarpment.

I like to take 4 days to do the Champagne Castle Hike, and we camp on top of the pass near Vultures Retreat.

However if you are pushed for time, the Champagne Castle Circuit Hike can be done in 3 days with just 1 day spent walking up and down Gray’s Pass.

Once on top of Grays pass, we walk up the 3rd highest peak in South Africa,

Gray's Pass at Champagne Castle, Drakensberg Trekking — Gray’s Pass at Champagne Castle, Drakensberg Trekking

Champagne Castle is 3377m above sea level, and the views from up there are amazing. We can look South past Injisuthi and on the Giant’s Castle and North past Cathedral Peak and even see the Devils Tooth. Gray’s Pass is 4 km long and rises 900m above Keith Bush Camp. Short and sweet. Once on top, we have lunch at the small Nkosazana River and then take a walk to the top of Champagne Castle. There is also a big Cape Vulture colony which is well worth a visit. Plus the Nkosazana River falling over the edge is beautiful. Check here to see how to prepare for your hike.

The Zulus also call Monks Cowl Nkosazana, the “Princess”.

After a lovely night under African stars on top of Grays Pass, we head back down and along the contour path to camp near Blind Mans corner. Finally, the last day is a stroll back to the cars at Monks Cowl arriving in time for tea. And there we have the Champagne Castle Hike.

Intermediate-Challenging Drakensberg Hike

Drakensberg Hiking Package Options

We have differentiated between options for porters for your hike using ‘Gold’, ‘Silver’ and ‘Bronze’ as the options to choose from, so remember to select the correct option on your enquiry or hike form when you contact us.

We understand that the Gold, Silver and Bronze packages might seem a bit confusing, so we have done some calculations to assist you with which one will be most suitable for you, and to ensure that you have the most enjoyable hike possible!

It is a good idea as part of your hike preparation to do some extra walking anyway, so while doing a walk of approximately 5km, including some uphill and downhill parts, carry a pack with the pack weight listed in the description of the package you are interested in. If you are quite comfortable with that weight, then that is the right option for you.

If you find yourself battling, and don’t have time to do some more preparation, then consider moving to a different package.

All three options (Bronze, Silver & Gold) include full catering, and the supply of your tent.

GOLD

Fully Portered Drakensberg Hike

You carry only a day-pack containing your own with drinks, snacks and jacket for each day.

Includes 3 meals a day!

You will not be carrying a standard hiking backpack at all, instead we will supply you with a 35l drybag into which you will put all your personal gear for our porters to carry.

The day pack you will carry weighs approximately 4kg.

Sleeping bags, tents, etc are carried our porters who also put your tent up!

SILVER

Partially Portered Drakensberg Hike

You carry a backpack with your clothes, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, wash kit, and water bottle.

Includes 3 meals a day!

The pack weight you will carry on the Silver Package is approximately 14kg.

Tents etc are carried and put up by our porters.