2 Days 1 Nights
South Africa
12
Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike (30-Nov – 1 Dec 2024)
*Please note that these base hike prices are subject to change; and private hike prices will differ from our scheduled hike prices. Your quote for this hike may differ, depending on equipment you may need to hire from us, or additional services you request such as accommodation before / after your hike and transport to and from the hike organised by DrakensbergHiker.
The Drakensberg Amphitheatre overnight hike
is a great 2 day hike for people who don’t have much time, but who want to experience the beautiful Drakensberg.
It is the second most photographed mountain in South Africa. When you get on top of the Amphitheatre you will see why people take so many photographs of it. Here we meet at Witsieshoek Mountain Resort where you can also spend the night before and or after the hike. It is a 4 hour drive from either Johannesburg or Durban. Of course, you can always drive up with us.
Here we get to camp near the tallest waterfall in the world.
The Tugela Falls plummet down the Amphitheatre wall for almost a 1000m. So, can imagine the views are stunning as we watch the sun rise behind the Devils Tooth. We camp on top of the famous
Amphitheatre and Tugela falls. This means if we are nice and cosy in our tent we can still watch the sunrise without ever leaving our sleeping bags. What a way to wake up! Check out my video of this hike here.
The Drakensberg Amphitheatre overnight hike is certainly the best value for effort hike in South Africa.
The route is mostly circular starting at the Sentinel Peak car park and walking up the zigzags for a stop above the 3 Witches. Then we wander along a contour path to the world famous Drakensberg Chain Ladders. A bit of a head for heights comes in handy here but you get a great sense of accomplishment when you get to the top. There is an alternate route up the Gully if you really don’t want to climb the ladders. Click here to see how to prepare for your hike with us.
After climbing the Chain Ladders we get to the top of the Amphitheatre for a stroll to our campsite.
Along the way, we can spot the big Mount-Aux-Sources peak in the distance. This peak is the source of the Tugela river which flows into the Indian ocean.
It is also the source of water that ends up in the Orange river finishing in the Atlantic ocean so the actual watershed of Southern Africa.
The next day we wander up to Beacon Buttress while seeing more amazing views. Then down the Gully to join the contour path past the zigzags to our cars and we have just done the Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight hike.
Drakensberg Amphitheatre Overnight Hike Difficulty: Intermediate
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.
BRONZE
Non-portered Drakensberg Hike
You carry your own backpack with all your personal gear, including your tent, and your share of the food.
Includes 3 meals a day!
The pack weight you will carry on the Bronze Package is approximately 22kg.
You will put up your own tent and take it down again each day.
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.
BRONZE
Non-portered Drakensberg Hike
You carry your own backpack with all your personal gear, including your tent, and your share of the food.
Includes 3 meals a day!
The pack weight you will carry on the Bronze Package is approximately 22kg.
You will put up your own tent and take it down again each day.