Guided Drakensberg Wilderness Hiking & Lesotho Trekking & Pony Trekking Both are fully qualified and registered with the relevant South African authorities.
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The Drakensberg are one of the few remaining easily accessible areas in the world where hiking, mountain wilderness hiking, cross-cultural hikes, day hikes and nature trips can be enjoyed at any time of the year. In addition, the mountains of the independent country of Lesotho offer almost infinite possibilities for trekking – using pack animals as porters – or pony trekking, where we visit isolated mountain villages, and at the same time support local communities. Southern Secrets Hiking and Backpacking is run by husband and wife Philip and Christeen Grant. Both are fully qualified and registered with the relevant South African authorities. Philip is a Professional National Mountain Guide (KZN 0904). He specialises in Drakensberg day and multi-day hiking, cross-cultural hikes, trekking, pony trekking and cultural trips into Lesotho. Christeen is a Professional Drakensberg Mountain Guide and a Nature and Culture Guide (KZN 1025). She specialises in Drakensberg day and multi-day hiking, cross-cultural hikes, trekking, pony trekking and cultural trips into Lesotho. She also specialises in wildflower and nature trips. Drakensberg Wilderness, and the adjacent independent Kingdom of Lesotho, are a major focus of Southern Secrets’ trips. We tailor make itineraries to suit the requirements of any group. With the exception of some of the Lesotho pony trekking trips, where we may recommend using the services of an associated operator, we don’t mix different groups and individuals, unless by special request. Hikes can include climbing major peaks in the area, such as the highest point in Southern Africa; Thabana Ntlenyana (3482m), the Rhino Horn (3052m), or the highest point in South Africa; Mafadi (3450m). Trips that incorporate inter-cultural experiences with the peoples inhabiting the mountains, particularly the Basotho in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, the amaZulu in the Mnweni area of the Northern Drakensberg and the combined cultures of Xhosa and Basotho in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg, are popular choices. Southern Secrets can provide anything from a day hike, including visiting San or Bushman Rock Art (paintings), to a multi-day trip, with nights spent in caves (rock overhangs) and / or tents, at any altitude in the Drakensberg or Maluti Mountains. The Southern KwaZulu-Natal part of the Drakensberg contains the largest proclaimed wilderness area available for hiking in the Maloti Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site. Underberg and Himeville are about 3hrs driving from Durban and about 7hrs driving from Johannesburg. Southern Secrets trips should be approached with a degree of flexibility and an adventurous spirit. For most hikes, clients are encouraged to be self-sufficient and to carry all they need for the trip themselves. They should be reasonably fit, and if participating in multi-day hikes, used to carrying a backpack weighing around 16kg to 18kg – and possibly up to 25kg on some of the longer hikes. On hiking trips, clients will be expected to pitch their tents as well as cook and wash up for themselves. The use of porters is discouraged in wilderness areas within the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site because of the impact on these sensitive environments, and because the extra numbers compromise the wilderness experience. For hikers who do not want to carry heavy packs, multi-day ‘slack-packing’ options are available using mountain lodges or community trails outside the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site. Trekking options (using pack animals to carry food and equipment) are available in the adjoining independent country of Lesotho. Trekking or pony trekking is one of the best ways to experience and discover Lesotho’s stunning scenery and its warm and friendly culture. Another idea for hikers seeking less strenuous slack-packing options is to overnight in a B&B, backpackers lodge or hotel, and do a series of day hikes and tours, which combine to provide a varied overview of the Drakensberg and Lesotho. We at Southern Secrets are committed to adding value to your experience and will tailor-make your trip to ensure that you have an interesting and rewarding experience that is comfortably within your limits. Our many happy clients over the years testify to this commitment. Kit lists and food ideas if self-catering will be supplied to all hikers, after booking a trip. Hiking food and some kit can be provided if required. You will be expected to supply your own rucksack, sleeping bag and clothing. We can supply two person alpine tents, groundsheets, closed cell sleeping mats, cooking and eating utensils and camping gas stoves and spare gas cylinders. On trekking or pony trekking in Lesotho, traditional meals will normally be provided by the villagers at overnight stops. Transport to and from hiking trailheads can be organised if necessary. Southern Secrets’ Hiking Philosophy is: 1. Come back safely 2. Come back friends (have fun) 3. Achieve your objective In that order!
