Mafadi, the Highest Peak in South Africa (5 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers

Maximum Number of Hikers

12 Mafadi the Highest Peak in South Africa Hike

Challenging Drakensberg Hike

This 5 day hike to Mafadi, the highest peak in South Africa starts from Injasuthi camp in the central Drakensberg Mountains. As Mafadi is the highest peak in South Africa and the Drakensberg this is a popular hike but she certainly doesn’t give herself up easily!

Click here to see how to prepare for this hike. Injasuthi is a beautiful and remote part of the Central Drakensberg. We start off camping at Injasuthi camp and when we wake up we are off to the mountains. We spend day 1 walking up a stunning valley and crossing the Injasuthi river a few times with a quick visit to see some Bushman Paintings. Then we enjoy a lunch at the river while looking up at the huge Trojan Wall.

After digesting we head up a grassy slope to camp near Centenary Hut. On day 2 we head straight up. Short and steep. Corner pass is just that but certainly worth it.

If people are up for a challenge we can climb up Corner pass.

Another option is the longer but easier Judges pass. Either way, we hope to be on top in time for lunch. Once on top of the escarpment we camp near a clear stream or walk a bit further to sleep in the highest cave in the Drakensberg. The Upper Injasuthi Cave is at 3300m which makes it the highest cave in the Drakensberg.

Mafadi Peak is about a 1-hour walk from the stream.

After being the highest people in South Africa for a while, we stroll along the escarpment edge to lunch with ridiculous views overlooking the foothills way below. After lunch, it is a gentle saunter to camp at the top of Leslie’s Pass. Waking up here is the absolute best. Still in your sleeping bag you can see the most amazing view.

The last day is a steep decent down Leslie’s pass to a spot for lunch right at the river and then a bolder hop to Marble Baths.

This has got to be the best place for a swim. There is even a slide. What a special place to relax and finish off a spectacular hike. Day 5 is a stroll for 3 hrs back to our cars at the Injasuthi camp. And there you go, you have just walked up Mafadi, the highest peak in South Africa.

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.