Giant's Castle Circuit Hike (3 Days)

Giant’s Castle Circuit Hike (3 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers

Maximum Number of Hikers

8 The 3 Day Giant’s Castle Circuit Hike

Intermedate Drakensberg Hike

The Giants Castle Circuit Hike is a 3 day hike in the Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve. It is one of the oldest Nature reserves in KwaZulu-Natal and full of history. On this hike we will use Langalibalele Pass, which is named after a Zulu chief who fought the Natal Carbineers here so many years ago. Apparently the British wanted their guns that they had used back enough to pay the Zulus for work. Of course, Langalibalele said no, so after a fight in the Drakensberg the British sent him to Robben Island.

The first day of the Giants Castle Circuit Hike is a walk up the spur leading up to the cliffs above. While it is onwards and upwards we do finally get to a rather flat contour path. This is where we have lunch and a look at all the cliffs around us. After lunch and 4km along the contour path, we end up at Bannerman Hut. This is where we spend the night in style. It is one of the last huts left in this area and in fairly good condition for a simple mountain hut. After a lovely night in the Bannerman Hut we head up again.

Since we are in the mountains we have to walk up.

…that’s where all the views are. So we proceed up Bannerman Pass, We have lunch on top of a huge cliff called Bannerman Face, which was apparently named after a British politician. The views up here are stunning. We can look way down and see Bannerman Hut. Crazy to think we were just there. Then it is a stroll along the top of the escarpment to camp on top of Langalibalele Pass. As beautiful as it is up here, we eventually have to head back down. The last day takes about 5 hours down the pass to our cars at the Giants Castle Nature Reserve and the finish of the hike. Please click here to see how to prepare for your hike with me.

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.