Amphitheatre to Mnweni Hike (5 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers

Maximum Number of Hikers

12 The Amphitheatre to Mnweni 5 Day Hike

Intermediate to Challenging Drakensberg Hike

The Amphitheatre to Mnweni 5 day Hike traverses the Northern Drakensberg. Starting at the Sentinel Peak to finish at Mnweni via Rockeries Pass. This hike covers the area linking the Amphitheatre with the Mnweni Valley. This is a slightly shorter version of the famous Drakensberg Northern Traverse.

Perfect if you still want to really enjoy and explore the magnificent Drakensberg mountains but a bit short on time.

We start the hike at the Sentinel Peak car park and walk to the top of the Amphitheatre using the famous Chain Ladders.

At the top of the Amphitheatre we camp near the 2nd highest waterfall in the world. The mighty Tugela River starts near here, and the Tugela Falls plummet almost 1000m down the Amphitheatre cliff face, so you can imagine the views.

Click here to see how to prepare for your Sentinel Peak to Mnweni Hike. For the next 3 days we hike along the Drakensberg Escarpment edge to enjoy stunning views. The foothills way down in South Africa on our left and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho on our right.

Drakensberg northern traverse hike report

Despite the length of this hike, it is relatively easy walking along the Escarpment for most of the time.

The last 2 days are a relaxed descent of Rockeries Pass with a lovely camp near some beautiful Protea trees followed by an easy walk to Mnweni Cultural Center.

On Day 3 we arrive at an amazing place. Here we camp near a huge Cape Vulture Colony and you can read more about Cape Vultures here . Waking up here you can see fantastic views over the beautiful Mnweni Valley.

This is where my porters live and they love to show their home off to visitors.

Rockeries Pass is only 3km long but over these 2 days we will descend about 700,: from 2950m to 2200m above sea level.

The mighty Orange/Senqu river is nearby waiting for a visit, and a dip if it is warm enough, or if you are able to brave the cold in winter.

Despite the length of this hike, it is an Intermediate to Challenging Hike and a good introduction to multi-day hiking.

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.