Umphafa Berg Tours

03/11/2024

Friends from Hong Kong🇭🇰 joined us as we explored the tallest waterfall in the world.

Seeing your home through the eyes of a traveller from far will inevitably change your perspective on your everyday life.

27/10/2024

What an amazing group of people, pushing hard and playing hard, they left no stone unturned. We are grateful of the faith that they placed on us as many doubts about the journey were spread across the trail.

A true spirit of an adventurer is revealed in times of adversity, in times of digging deep to keep the journey going.

20/10/2024

During the Woman’s Month we embarked on the journey to Giant’s Castle

From the treacherous wind to the near cancellation due to a fire escape could have backed these two ladies away from the challenge, but the adventurous spirit within them fought well and hard to conquer all obstacles to get to the top.

We started the Giant’s pass in the early hours before sunrise to summit during the morning and return in time for breakfast, but the wind had other plans for us.

20/10/2024

This forest is a great spot after a few kilometres under the sun☀️, and it’s the perfect in-the-forest photo moment too.

The destination of this hike will have you forget all the troubles you went through to get there😍

29/09/2024

Snow in September looks like this on Mnweni Pass.

28/09/2024

Tugela falls!

The adventure to the tallest waterfall in the world is on its way.

27/09/2024

We have few available tickets for this tour, visit the link on our bio “fixed departures” to book yours quickly.

26/09/2024

25/09/2024

18/09/2024

A shiny day at Central Drakensberg with a lovely group of Dutch people.

We experienced our first big rain yesterday but we woke up to see a sheet of snow in the Drakensberg escarpment, how interesting it’s.

Florist, this is the best time to explore the Berg because there’s no best time to be spoilt for choice than the Spring.

07/09/2024

It feels joyful and thrilling to stand at 3005m above sea level and there’s no better place than Cathedral Peak to have such experience.

Cathedral Peak is one of the prominent mountains in the Drakensberg range, located in the Central Drakensberg of South Africa. Here are some key facts:

Hiking : It’s a popular hiking destination, with a challenging yet rewarding route to the summit. The hike typically takes around 8 to 10 hours round trip.

Geography : It forms part of the Cathedral Ridge, which includes other notable peaks like Bell, the Outer Horn, and the Inner Horn.

Flora and Fauna : The area around Cathedral Peak is rich in biodiversity, with indigenous flora and wildlife like baboons and various bird species.

Rock Formations : The peak is known for its striking rock formations and is often photographed due to its dramatic profile.

Cultural Significance : The area is historically and culturally significant, with San rock art found in caves nearby.

It’s a sought-after spot for both adventure seekers and those looking to experience the beauty of the Drakensberg.

23/08/2024

Find balance and serenity by connecting with nature through yoga. Embrace the peace of the outdoors and discover the harmony within.

16/08/2024

Cathedral Peak, one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains, stands as a testament to the breathtaking beauty and rugged majesty of this renowned mountain range. Rising to an elevation of 3,007 meters (9,865 ft), Cathedral Peak is a favorite destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts who seek to experience the Drakensberg’s dramatic landscapes firsthand.

This striking mountain, named for its resemblance to the spires of a cathedral, is part of the larger Cathedral Range within the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peak dominates the skyline with its jagged, sculpted ridges and sharp summit, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, ridges, and distant peaks.

The journey to the summit of Cathedral Peak is an adventure that rewards the bold with unforgettable vistas. The hike, though challenging, is well worth the effort. The trail meanders through pristine grasslands, ancient rock formations, and alpine vegetation unique to the region. Along the way, hikers might encounter various bird species, small mammals, and if lucky, the elusive Eland or Mountain Reedbuck.

14/08/2024

Rockeries!

Tip:
To safely descend Rockeries Pass, start early, pace yourself, use trekking poles, stay hydrated, and follow your guide. Enjoy the journey and the views.

31/07/2024

Giant’s Castle is a prominent peak and a popular nature reserve located in the central Drakensberg region of South Africa. Renowned for its dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history, Giant’s Castle attracts visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility.

- Scenic Beauty: The reserve offers stunning vistas of rugged mountain terrain, deep valleys, and rolling grasslands. The iconic Giant’s Castle peak, which resembles a giant reclining in the landscape, is a central feature.

- Flora and Fauna: Giant’s Castle is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can spot elands, baboons, and numerous bird species, including the endangered bearded vulture.

Conservation Efforts

Giant’s Castle plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Drakensberg region’s biodiversity. The reserve is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, which focuses on preserving the natural environment and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Accessibility

The reserve is accessible by road and is a few hours’ drive from major cities like Durban and Johannesburg. It serves as an excellent destination for day trips as well as extended stays.

Giant’s Castle offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural history, making it a must-visit destination in the Drakensberg region.

30/07/2024

An early morning at the heart of the Drakensberg mountains reveals a serene scene: an orange tent nestled amidst a lush, grassy meadow, blanketed by a delicate layer of mist. As the first light of day illuminates the towering cliffs and rolling hills, the tranquil beauty of nature is on full display, promising an adventurous day ahead for those who awaken to this breathtaking vista.

18/07/2024

Tugela Falls, located in the Drakensberg (Dragon’s Mountains) of South Africa, is the world’s tallest waterfalls. It is comprised of five free-leaping cascades that drop a total of 948 meters (3,110 feet). The falls originate from the Thukela by River, which plunges down the sheer cliffs of the Amphitheatre, a prominent geological feature in the Royal Natal National Park.

Key Facts about Tugela Falls:

1. Height: Tugela Falls is often cited as the second-highest waterfall in the world, although it is actually the tallest in the world.

2. Location: The falls are situated in the Royal Natal National Park within the Drakensberg mountain range, part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trail goes through Free State and eventually places you in KwaZulu Natal

3. Hiking Routes: There are two main hiking routes to view the falls:

- Sentinel Peak Hike: This hike offers a dramatic and close-up view of the falls from the top of the Amphitheatre. It is about a 6 km hike from the Sentinel car park, featuring chain ladders that aid the climb.
- Tugela gorge Trail: This trail provides views from the base of the Amphitheatre and the lower cascades of the falls. It starts from Thendele Camp and is less strenuous than the Sentinel Peak hike.

4. Seasonality: The best time to view Tugela Falls is during the summer months (November to February), when the river flow is at its peak due to seasonal rainfall. In the winter, the flow can be much reduced.

5. Flora and Fauna: The region around Tugela Falls is rich in biodiversity. Hikers may encounter various endemic plant species and wildlife, including elands, baboons, and a variety of bird species.

Tugela Falls is not just a natural wonder but also an integral part of the Drakensberg’s scenic beauty and a significant draw for eco-tourism, aligning with sustainable tourism practices that promote environmental stewardship and cultural heritage conservation.

17/07/2024

Exciting Update: Speed Ascent Rescheduled

The Speed Ascent event originally set for August has been rescheduled, creating a fantastic opportunity for you to join us in an even more impactful event. This upcoming event, in partnership with the Wiltons Foundation, promises to be truly special. Stay tuned for more details!

16/07/2024

What’s your favourite river to stop by at the Drakensberg?

A river break is always appreciated, the sounds of the water embrace all visitors alike.

29/06/2024

09 Aug 2024, 08:30 – 10 Aug 2024, 14:00

📍Giants castle game reserve, Gaints Castle Game Reserve, South Africa

An AmaHlubi wilderness hike to summit the Giant’s castle.

Total Distance: 32 KM
Elevation Gain: 1,405 M | 4,609 FT
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Season: Winter | Avg night temp. 12°c / -3°c
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