Adventure seekers now have a new reason to explore the Northern Drakensberg: The Carte Collection has launched the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way, a 55km slackpacking trail linking four scenic lodges within the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve.
Amphitheatre Drakensberg View/I, PhilippN/Wikimedia Commons
Designed as a four-day, multi-stage hiking route, the trail allows hikers to enjoy long days on the mountains without the burden of carrying heavy backpacks—luggage is transferred between lodges, and meals are provided at each overnight stop as previously reported by Tourism Update.
The journey begins at The Cavern, winding through forests and ridges to Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge on Day 1 (11.6km). Day 2 covers 17.9km along jeep tracks and open grasslands to reach The Berghouse & Cottages. A shorter 9km hike on Day 3 leads to Montusi Mountain Lodge, while the final 16km leg returns to The Cavern, passing waterfalls, ridges, and scenic escarpment viewpoints.
The Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve spans 6 500 hectares and was officially gazetted on April 18 last year. Its establishment follows a partnership of 19 properties committed to protecting the region’s unique grassland ecosystems and strategic water source areas.
With this new trail, hikers can now immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg while enjoying comfort and convenience along the way.
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