Mnweni Circuit Hike (4 Days)

Maximum Number of Hikers

Maximum Number of Hikers

12 The 4 Day Mnweni Circut Hike

Intermediate to Challenging Drakensberg Hike

The Mnweni circuit hike is certainly my favorite part of the Drakensberg. Usually we stay at the Mnweni cultural center the night before and enjoy a braai while being in the mountains. We leave our cars at the Mnweni cultural center and get a lift to the end of the dirt road. Here we start off along one of the most beautiful valleys in the Drakensberg mountains. In the spring the flowers are absolutely stunning.

We cross the Ntonjelana river a few times so can have a dip in some of the pools and have lunch next to a small forest of Protea trees. About 2 hours after lunch we make camp at the ‘station” below Rockeries Pass. Here we have huge cliffs all around us with Rockeries pass on one side and Nguzu pass on the other. Up above us is the amazing Cape vulture colony. We can even see the huge birds circling above us. Check here to see how to prepare for your hike with Drakensberghiker.

Day 2 is up Rockeries pass in time for lunch at the top. Only 3km long but we climb from 2200m to 2950m above sea level. The mighty Orange/Senqu river is nearby waiting for a visit. Then after a 1 hour stroll we arrive at our camp near a huge Cape vulture colony overlooking the whole Mnweni valley 1000m below.

Drakensberg Foothills in the Mnweni Area

This is one of my favorite places in the world.

Up close with nature and lovely quiet views. Day 3 is along the escarpment behind the Saddle for lunch at Alice’s restaurant while enjoying the stunning views. We can see all the way from the Devils tooth near the Ampitheater to Cathkin peak near Champagne castle. Along the way we pass a lovely pool where sweaty people can cool off. After lunch we head back down Ntonjelana Pass to camp near another mountain stream.

Finally the last day is short back to our cars waiting at the end of the valley. We have just hiked the Mnweni circuit hike in the Northern Drakensberg. Home to my Zulu porters.

View of the Rockeries, Mnweni area, with Drakensberg Hiker

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.