Gxalingenwa Guided Day Hike

A guided hike from Sani Lodge into the pristine Drakensberg mountains. Explore what is arguably the most beautiful valley in the whole Berg.

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Pristine Nature Mountain pools to swim in Gxalingenwa Waterfall Great Hiking

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

This guided day hike starts from Sani Lodge and climbs the mountain behind the lodge, Stromness, giving wonderful views of the Mkomazana Valley. The trail then continues along the plateau and starts climbing the flanks of Ndlovini mountain. The Giant's Cup Trail is reached mid-way up and we turn right, following the trail below Ndlovini until we reach the Gxalingenwa river at the gorgeous Ngenwa Pool, your first swimming spot. Here we leave the Giant's Cup Trail and follow the river downstream, needing to cross it four times. In the dry season, this can be done on stepping stones, but it may be necessary to wade across in the rainy season. The 4km stretch from Ngenwa Pool to the Sani Pass Road is one of the most beautiful valleys in the whole Drakensberg. Protea covered slopes, a big patch of indigenous forest and rich grasslands add to the wonders of the river itself. A succession of amazing pools, all beckoning one to stop for a dip, the Gxalingenwa Waterfall and a succession of rapids and boulders add to the stunning beauty.

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

Departure from Sani Lodge (8.15 am)

We meet near reception ten minutes prior to departure for a quick briefing and introduction to your guide.

Climb Stromness

The trail starts along our Nature Trail before ascending to the summit of Stromness, the mountain behind the Lodge and superb views of the Mkomazana Valley.

The Plateau

From the Stromness summit, the trail heads off along the Plateau and starts to climb the flanks of Ndlovini Mountain (Zulu for “Elephant Mountain”, in reference to its shape resembling the upturned foot of an elephant). The junction with the Giant’s Cup Trail is the highest point of the day. We follow the Giant’s Cup Trail back for a few kilometres until reaching the gorgeous Ngenwa Pool.

The Gxalingenwa Valley

After a first swimming spot at Ngenwa Pool, we leave the Giant’s Cup Trail and follow the river downstream. Our path criss-crosses the Gxalingenwa River, with different sections of the valley offering different attractions. More inviting swimming pools, the impressive Gxalingenwa waterfall and a large patch of indigenous forest make this a fascinating day.

Return to Sani Lodge

As we reach the Sani Pass road, we follow the pavement back to the Lodge, taking in the scenic views of the Drakensberg escarpment, the Mkomazana river, and the Sani Pass Hotel golf course along the way.

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Food & Equipment

A packed lunch is included in the tour price along with the day entry permit to the Park. Comfortable hiking footwear, rain gear, warm clothing, a hat and sunscreen are essential as is a 1 litre water bottle. NOTE: You can refill your bottle along the way - the water in the river is "The Champagne of Waters" - better than any expensive bottled water!!

The Group

These are set scheduled hikes so different individuals or groups may join the hike. Hikers of different levels of fitness and ability could be mixed in the same group. This can impact on speed of hiking, times on the trail and what objectives may be achieved by the group as groups will not under any circumstances be split up.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that the price quoted above is for tours running with a minimum of three guests. If you wish to do this tour with a group of less than three, there may be additional charges due to the fixed nature of certain costs.

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