How to prepare for a hike in the Drakensberg

Hike preparation.

Hike preparation is very important when exploring the wilderness that is the Drakensberg mountains. Most of us live in comfortable homes with walls and a roof and have running water and hopefully power to flip on a light or boil some water. So it is quite exciting and maybe a bit scary to be in the wild mountains where the weather and terrain all affect you. A change is as good as a holiday.

You have to walk to a stream to collect water and then light your stove and then enjoy a hot drink. So a good tent to keep out the nasty weather and a warm sleeping bag to have a good night’s sleep is very much required.

I like to explore the beautiful mountains but don’t want to turn it into a survival situation.

I do like my comforts plus it is not easy to enjoy a hike when you are struggling to survive. So it all boils down to being properly prepared. However you do need to start somewhere and may not have the experience or the gear to have a safe hike in the Drakensberg.

This is where I come in.

Hiring a guide to show you the best spots and tell you interesting stories about the mountains is really worth it. You don’t have to worry about loosing your way and lovely meals are cooked for you.

All you need is a love of the mountains and a sense of adventure. I will take care of all the rest.

What I include as standard on each of my hikes is good mountain (single and double) tents that can handle the wind, snow and rain, all the food which I cook as well as pots, mugs and bowls etc and porters to help carry gear. Of course you can also carry the tent and share of the food and not hire a porter. As we all know camping and hiking gear is quite expensive so before you run out and spend millions rather hire excellent back packs, sleeping bags and blow up mats from me. Then when the hiking Drakensberg bug has bitten you then start your hiking gear collection.