Best Views, Day Tour, Drive & Hike
Hodgson's Peaks Tour
A guided tour & hike to the top of the world.
Guided Giants Cup Trail Hike
Hike from hut to hut through spectacular Drakensberg mountain terrain with a local mountain guide.
Hiking
Overnight in Huts
Self-catered
Amazing views
Feature
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
The Giants’ Cup Trail is a five-day hiking route with huts along the way, administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. While the full trail takes five days to complete, vehicle access at several points allows for flexibility, making it possible to do the hike as a three-, four-, or five-day guided expedition. Although it is possible to hike the trail without a guide, our guided expeditions remove the stress of navigation and enhance the experience with valuable insights about the Drakensberg from our knowledgeable guides. The huts along the route all have beds and mattresses, except for the second hut, Mzimkulwana, which does not provide mattresses. However, cooking and eating utensils are not supplied, so hikers must bring and carry their own food. The trail takes its name from the towering peaks visible throughout the journey, though the hike itself never ascends above the “Little Berg” and instead winds through a series of breathtaking river valleys. For those seeking a more comfortable experience, we can arrange catered or portered options. Covering a total distance of approximately 70 kilometers, the trail concludes at Bushman’s Nek, where we arrange transport back to Sani Lodge.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Experience Fair Trade in Tourism in action. Your tour price includes a contribution to the Sani Top Basotho community. Our ground-breaking approach to grass-roots tourism means that your tour price directly benefits a wide segment of the local community, preserving cultural dignity and ensuring fair remuneration for services rendered. “Sani Lodge is the Silver Award Winner of African Responsible Tourism Award for Poverty Reduction 2018. Sani Lodge and Drakensberg Adventures in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa has made a major contribution to local livelihoods and poverty reduction over many years. By involving Basotho stakeholders, they have created opportunities for communities to proudly showcase their unique cultural practices, engaging with guests in an authentic manner, thereby earning their respect. They are the future of tourism in Africa". ~ Judges
ITINERARY
Day 1: Fair Weather - 15km Foul Weather - 10km .
The first day from Sani Pass to Pholela Hut is between 10 – 15km depending on the route chosen. The fair weather route follows the Gxalingenwa valley from the Sani Pass road until joining the official trail at the 5km mark at Ngenwa Pool. There are beautiful swimming pools and large waterfall on this section. The foul weather route climbs Stromness mountain behind Sani Lodge and joins the trail at the 7km mark. The trail then skirts along the mid-level of Ndlovini maountain before dropping down to follow the Troutbeck stream to Pholela Hut at Cobham
Day 2 - 9 km - A Short Day.
Day 2 is only 9km. The trail leaves Cobham and climbs up the flanks of Siphoingweni Mountain, with lovely views of the farmnlands of Underberg. It then drops down into the valley of the Mzimkulwana River to Mzimkulwana Hut.
Day 3 - 12.2km - Crane Tarn Saddle
The trail crosses the Mzimkulwana River on a swing bridge. It is a long steady climb to the summit of the Crane tarn saddle between Bamboo Mountain and Little Bamboo Mountain at 1972m, well worth the effort with superb views! The trail then descends towards the Drakensberg Gardens road, which it follows for a few kilometers before branching off to Winterhoek Hut.
Day 4 - 12.8km - Black Eagle Pass
From Winterhoek, the trail soon climbs up Black Eagle Pass with the high point for the day being just over 2000m. The trail follows a high rocky plateau for many kilometers, so ensure you carry enough water on this section. Passing high above the Drakensberg gardens Hotel, the trail eventually drops down into the Mlambonja valley to Swiman hut.
Day 5 - 13km - Langilabalele Pass
The start of the day retraces the last part of yesterday’s trail, climbing out of the Mlambonja valley. It then heads south, traversing below the Little Berg ridges and descending to cross the Mzimude River on a wooden bridge. The trail then starts a long steady climb up to Langilabalele, at 2050m before dropping down to Bushman’s Nek and the end of the trail where transport will be waiting to return you to Sani Lodge.
Side Trips
Depending on your fitness and the weather, interesting side trips can be done from each of the huts. So if you get to your destination by lunch time and are still keen, our guide will show you extra wonders of the Berg!!
Accommodation
Accommodation is in hiker's huts which are quite variable in nature. Some are old farmhouses, others purpose built. All provide a warm roof over your head and a bed. Mzimkulwana has no mattresses but the others do. Hot showers are sometimes available at Pholela and Swiman, cold showers at Winterhoek.
USEFUL DOCUMENTS
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Note that bookings are subject to hut availability which can only be checked with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, so please enquire and if there is hut and guide availability, we will make the booking for you. Catered and portered options can be arranged - please enquire.
SPECIAL DIETARY ITEMS AVAILABLE, JUST ASK.
GET IN TOUCH
Whichever method you choose, we will respond to you as quickly and informatively as possible.
Give Us a Call
Call our reception on +27 83 987 3071 phone or WhatsApp. Someone will be available between 7am and 7pm everyday. South African time is GMT+2
Send Us an Email
Send us an email or complete the contact form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Drop By and Talk
We'd love to share our detailed knowledge of the local area with you.
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