Injasuti Drakensberg — rock art, free camping, and permit requirements
Everything you need to know about this one, based on 4 personal experiences.
Distance / Duration: 29km over 4 days. Grade: Moderate to strenuous.
Booking: through the relevant managing authority — permit required, book early. Do not leave this to the last minute — popular dates go many months ahead.
The trail: The summit section requires attention — do not underestimate the distance compared to what the maps suggest.
What to carry: Minimum 3L water per person between refill points. A proper waterproof — weather changes fast in the mountains. Headlamp even on a day hike. High-energy snacks. If you are going multi-day, a lightweight sleeping bag rated to -5°C handles most SA mountain conditions year-round.
Safety: A Garmin inReach Mini or SPOT tracker is strongly recommended for any route where you will be out of cell signal. Mountain Rescue does charge for private rescues — travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is worth having.
Best time: September and October for wildflowers and mild temps.
Questions welcome — happy to share more detail on any section of this route.
5 Replies
The chain ladders are completely manageable for most reasonably fit people. The exposure is real but the chains are solid and the holds are good. Go slowly, face the rock on the way down, and you will be fine. The views from the top are worth every metre of the climb.
Did you do it in summer or winter? I am planning a July trip and keen to know what the conditions are like. Specifically the river crossing levels.
Solo hiking safety: a Garmin inReach Mini is the standard now for any serious mountain hiking in SA. R5,000 device plus satellite subscription. Mountain Rescue charges for private rescues and helicopter evacuation is expensive. The inReach is cheap insurance.
Everything you need to know about this one, based on 4 personal experiences.
Distance / Duration: 29km over 4 days. Grade: Moderate to strenuous.
Booking: through the relevant managing authority — permit required, book early. Do not leave this to the last minute — popular dates go many months ahead.
The trail: The summit section requires attention — do not underestimate the distance compared to what the maps suggest.
What to carry: Minimum 3L water per person between refill points. A proper waterproof — weather changes fast in the mountains. Headlamp even on a day hike. High-energy snacks. If you are going multi-day, a lightweight sleeping bag rated to -5°C handles most SA mountain conditions year-round.
Safety: A Garmin inReach Mini or SPOT tracker is strongly recommended for any route where you will be out of cell signal. Mountain Rescue does charge for private rescues — travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is worth having.
Best time: September and October for wildflowers and mild temps.
Questions welcome — happy to share more detail on any section of this route.
— an_nell
Solo hiking safety: a Garmin inReach Mini is the standard now for any serious mountain hiking in SA. R8,000 device plus satellite subscription. Mountain Rescue charges for private rescues and helicopter evacuation is expensive. The inReach is cheap insurance.
Solo hiking safety: a Garmin inReach Mini is the standard now for any serious mountain hiking in SA. R5,000 device plus satellite subscription. Mountain Rescue charges for private rescues and helicopter evacuation is expensive. The inReach is cheap insurance.