Cathedral Peak Circuit Hike (5 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers

Maximum Number of Hikers

12 The 5 Day Cathedral Peak Circuit Hike

Challenging Drakensberg Hike

The Cathedral Peak Circuit Hike is a 5-day hike via Windy Gap into Organ Pipes Pass, where we sleep below Cleft Peak. Usually, we camp at Didima the night before so we can get an early start hiking up the mountain. We leave the car park below Cathedral Peak Hotel and pop in for tea at Doreen falls. After a nice cup of tea, we go up a bit of a hill past Ribbon Falls for lunch at a small stream while looking up at Cleft Peak.

While having lunch we can look all over at the mountains towering above us. Cathedral Peak is on one side and Cathkin Peak on the other. Life doesn’t get better than this! Our first camp is right at the base of the Windy gap trail with incredible views overlooking the foothills below and the huge mountains above us. It really is an amazing campsite. The next morning is spent walking up the steep Windy Gap to join Organ Pipes Pass. Lunch is on top of the pass and then a gentle stroll to our campsite. Here we camp with a view looking straight on to Cleft Peak. Click here to see how to prepare for your hike with us.

The next day we walk over Cleft Peak for unbelievable views…

We can really see for miles. Then it is a walk along the escarpment past the Elephant and the Cockade to camp next to a beautiful stream above Mlambonja Pass. We also have an option of sleeping in Twins Cave. The next day is a bit longer along the Bell Traverse which is a bit exposed, but as a result well worth the effort when you see the views.

We have lunch at the base of Cathedral Peak and, best of all, the possibility of climbing the famous peak. If the Bell Traverse is not an option we descend via Mlambonja Pass. After climbing Cathedral Peak we walk down the valley to camp on the ridge below. Here we look back up to where we just came from. The last day is about 3 hours into the foothills to finish at Cathedral Peak Hotel, and we would have just finished the famous Cathedral Peak Circuit 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.