Alpine Heath

Sunday - Venvaan Valley & Policeman’s Helmet
4 to 5 hour easy hike –except for the Helmet which is challenging

A round trip of four and a half hours at a moderate pace the Vemvaam Valley promises magical sights in spring when it is showered with purple and blue flowers. Proteas lead the way to the Vemvaan valley and a challenging climb takes one to the top of the Policeman’s Helmet.

Here exceptional views of the surrounding areas may stretch for kilometers on a clear day. Watch for an absolute rarity; the Protea Nubigena, the Cloud Protea, of which there are only a few plants remaining and all of which can be found in this reserve.

Monday - Amphitheatre – Chain Ladder Hike (World Heritage Site)
8 to 10 hour moderate to challenging hike

The Amphitheatre is a rock wall 5km long and 500 meters high. Standing above the rock face is Mont-aux-Sources peak where the Orange River starts its incredible journey west across South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. The Thukela (Tugela) River cascades down the face of the Amphitheatre, forming the second highest waterfalls in the world as it travels east to the Indian Ocean. Vaal River, Umkomaasi, Umzimkhulu River all have their origin at Mont Aux Sources Amphitheatre.

A moderate to challenging hike with whopping distance of 22km this hiking experience has it all, from adrenaline pumping chain ladders to Plato’s and waterfalls! The series of chain ladders that ascend at the back of the Amphitheatre escarpment is an adrenaline junkie’s dream! Once completed the views across Witsieshoek are breathtaking. Winding routes take you towards the Amphitheatre Plato while the Thukela River drops at your feet. The various peaks of the Northern Drakensberg are clearly visible with astonishing detail. Across the Plato Mount Aux Sources waits. It is here where five of our major rivers have their origin namely The Vaal River, The Orange River, The Umkomaasi River and The Umzimkhulu River. This hiking trail is sure to leave you breathless!

Tuesday - Tugela Gorge
8 hour moderate hike

A long and gentle walk for the moderately experienced hiker, the Thukela Gorge walk is a 22km round trip trail that will stimulate the senses. A popular walk amongst hiking enthusiasts the Thukela Gorge trails along the Thukela River with mesmerizing views of the ever nearing Amphitheatre. Trail through the beautiful indigenous forest, once cleared, be prepared to boulder hop with immaculate views of the second highest falls in the world; the Thukela Falls. Here you can relax and enjoy the scenery as you prepare yourself for the return journey.

Wednesday - Alpine Signature Hike
10 to 12 hour moderately challenging hike

The highlight of our challenge! Along this ten and half hour hike the scenic views are exquisitely beautiful with picturesque pockets of deep indigenous riverine bush and forests, interspersed by pristine grassveld species of protea. The increase in altitude rewards the hiker with the Northern and Central Drakensberg outlining the horizon through the wintry smoky haze, which is quite magnificent. The trail leads to a Bushman’s painting site and at the end passes the Heralded Cape Vulture colony nesting site. Once at the summit of Baba Ngebona, a well deserved break will allow the hiker to reflect on all that the senses have witnessed. The views from Baba Ngebona are breathtaking and stretches beyond the Sterkfontein Dam and Bergville.

Thursday - Surprise Ridge and Cannibal Cave
7 to 8 hour moderate to challenging hike

A moderate to somewhat challenging walk for the avid hiker, the Surprise Ridge and Cannibal Cave has it all from views of the Amphitheatre to beautiful natural fern tree areas not to be seen anywhere else in South Africa! Enjoy the sights and sounds that this 20km trail offers with its expansive birdlife and curves and viewpoints. The Sunday Falls offer crystal clear water to refill your drinking bottle, make sure you do as the next water spot is only at Cannibal Caves. These caves were the living quarters of a Cannibal Tribe in the 18th Century so don’t be too alarmed if chills sweep in even on those hot summer days! Enjoy a well deserved rest at these exquisite caves before the walk home.

Friday - Cascades, Look Out Rock & Tiger Falls
3 to 4 hour easy hike

Allow the Mahai River to colour the silence with its enchanting murmur while enjoying the scenery of this easy going hiking trail. Sightings of baboons, bush buck and mountain reedbuck is not uncommon and the vegetation is typical of a Drakensberg river with Sagewood and Ouhout trees hiding the quick blue flashes of Kingfishers, truly a nature lover’s dream! The three to four hours hiking experience passes unnoticed as you reach the Queens Causeway, as bridge that crosses over into the Cascades. A series of waterfalls, described as the most beautiful in the area, lie around the corner. Here you may cool off on hot summer days in the surrounding natural pools or be adventurous and climb behind the water curtain to unveil seldom travelled pathways, an explorers dream!