Hydration Packs: Top 7 Hiking Trails In The Drakensberg Mountains
Hydration packs can be incredibly useful for outdoor adventuring. If you’re a fan of meandering through the mountains or taking to the trails on a sunny day, then you’re going to need the right gear to get you through. Ultimate Direction is here to kit you out with everything you need for your next expedition, from running vests and hydration packs to breathable apparel. Scoop up one of our reputable fast packs, or pick out the perfect running vest from our online store and get ready to explore the great outdoors.
With the right hydration pack at your back and a passion for outdoor adventuring, hiking in the Drakensberg mountains can be a marvellous time. The Drakensberg is packed with exciting trails for everyone to enjoy. From the absolute beginner to the trained expert, there is a trail waiting for you. If you’re a fan of hiking and trail running, then keep reading to learn all about our pick of the top 7 hiking trails in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Hydration Packs For Hiking and Trail Running
Hiking and trail running will take you out into the wilderness, over rugged terrain, up mountains and down steep slopes. If you’re interested in the fresh air and gorgeous greenery of the Drakensberg mountains, then keep reading to learn a little more about the many trails that cross this lush landscape.
Before you begin your next hike or trail run, why not gear up with one of the many hydration packs Ultimate Direction has to offer? All of our products are designed with comfort and mobility in mind, allowing you to cross any terrain with all of your essentials at your back. Our running vests and fast packs are crafted to fit comfortably, and made of high-quality materials.
With one of our hydration packs, you will be able to traverse the Drakensberg trails with everything you need to make the trip a success. From water bottles and snacks to a spare jacket and miscellaneous essentials, our fast packs are able to carry your equipment effortlessly, while distributing weight like a pack.
Our running vests come equipped with a myriad of pockets to store your trail running essentials, as well as enough room for two water bottles to fit comfortably against your body. Our gear is here to make your next outdoor adventure one to remember. Keep reading to learn more about our top 7 recommended trails in the Drakensberg, as well as how Ultimate Direction can take your adventuring to the next level.
Top 7 Hiking Trails In The Drakensberg Mountains
Whether you’re a South African resident or a curious vacationer, the Drakensberg mountain trails are beckoning. Stretching roughly 1000 km on the Eastern side of the Great Escarpment, the Drakensberg mountain offers some of the best hiking and running trails in South Africa. From simple day hikes for the eager beginner, to daring trecks up some of the tallest peaks in South Africa, the Drakensberg Mountain trails have something for everyone. Here’s a quick summary of some of the best, most rewarding trails to try out in the Drakensberg Mountains:
1. Cathedral Peak
This is a challenging, one-day ascent best left to the experienced hikers. Going with a guide comes highly recommended and ropes are often used to ensure a safe final ascent. Despite the daring nature of this peak, it is one of the most commonly climbed peaks in the Drakensberg mountains. Hikings who are aiming to push themselves will be interested in this exciting option. Not only is the Cathedral Peak trail a daring, adrenaline rush for the extreme sportsman, but the breathtaking views from the top offer a reward unlike any other.
2. Giant’s Cup
The Giant’s Cup trail is one of the most famous of all the Drakensberg hiking routes. The complete trail takes approximately five full days to complete, so hikers will have to come prepared with camping gear and hydration packs to make the most out of this trip. The official trail route begins at Sani Pass, passing through foothills to end at Bushman’s Nek.
Despite the time it takes to complete, this is a fairly simple trail and not overly strenuous for anyone with moderate hiking experience. Hikers will be able to appreciate views of the Giant’s Castle rock formation on this well-marked, easy-to-follow hiking trail.
3. Injisuthi Battle Cave
For a deep dive into South African heritage, the Injisuthi Battle Cave trail is your best bet. This medium-length hike follows the Injisuthi river, curling past the Battle Cave and Junction Cave where hikers will be able to view original San Rock Art. The trail will also take you past Boundary Pool, the perfect place to take a dip on a hot day of hiking.
Hikers can either complete the full trip in just over a day or opt to spend the night camping in the cave at the end of the trail. This worthwhile hike is perfect for exploring the Drakensberg at its finest. With beautiful views, cultural significance and some of the best swimming spots on the mountain, anyone aiming to hike the Drakensberg mountains will want to try out this trail.
4. Rainbow Gorge
The Rainbow Gorge trail is an easy route for the whole family to enjoy. This scenic day hike is roughly 2 hours long in total and winds through the woodland area of Cathedral Peak. Hikers on this trail will be led alongside the Ndumeni River before reaching the cascading waterfall that gives this trail it’s name. During certain times of day, the light strikes the water in such a way that creates a rainbow effect. This charming trail is fairly simple and incredibly rewarding.
One of our hydration packs can be incredibly useful for this gorgeous day trip. Runners and hikers will be able to carry water and other essentials. You might want to consider packing your camera for this photogenic outdoor adventure trail.
5. Amphitheatre/Chain Ladder Hike
This thrilling hike is not for the faint of heart. The challenging Chain Ladder trail takes hikers right up the Amphitheatre cliff face, via a number of chain ladders attached to the rock. While the breathtaking views are more than worth the final haul up the cliff face, this trail is best left to the professional hikers and trained athletes. Anyone taking hiking this trail will have the option to camp at the top, scoring stunning views of both sunrise and sunset.
A Fast Pack from Ultimate Direction can be incredibly useful for a daunting hike like this one. If you plan on spending time at the top, you’re going to want to have all of your gear with you. Our fast packs are designed to be lightweight and compact, allowing you to stow all your necessities without hindering your hike.
6. Ploughman’s Kop
This trail is a short but tough trip beginning in the Royal Natal Park at the Mahai campsite. Hikers will follow this 3-hour trail upwards for a short stint before descending to the Ploughman’s Kop rock pools near the end. This trail sports a few rock pools along the way, where travellers will be able to take a quick dip in the frosty waters. Hikers will also be able to enjoy views of the Amphitheatre clifface along the way.
With a hydration pack from Ultimate Direction, you’ll be able to carry a towel and some spare clothes along this trail. If you’re planning on going for a swim in the rockpools, you’re going to need these extra supplies. Our hydration packs and Fast Packs are perfect for a hike through the Drakensberg, so consider getting one of your own today!
7. Mweni Circuit
This two day hike is a gem of a hiking trail. Boasting views of Cathedral peak in the distance and rock pools along the way, this winding hiking trail will guide hikers to the less frequented areas of the Drakensberg, away from the popular trails. Take in stunning, unspoiled natural scenery along the mountain range, and enjoy some tranquil solitude along this quiet trail. Keep in mind however, this hike has an altitude gain of roughly 2000m, making the Mweni Circuit unpopular with the faint of heart. If you’re an experienced hiker or you’re interested in a challenge, then give this novel hiking trail a try.
Hydration Packs: Ultimate Direction Gear
If you’re eager to take to the trails in the Drakensberg mountains, you’ll want to have the right gear at hand for your trip. Ultimate Direction offers a variety of high-quality hydration packs, hiking gear, and trail running necessities to help you make the most of your outdoor adventure.
Take a look through our extensive catalogue and pick out the perfect gear for your next trail run/ hike in the Drakensberg mountains. If you’re an avid hiker and on the hunt for the right pack to wear at your back, you might be interested in our fast packs. Our gear is designed to be both high-quality and accommodating to all kinds of body types. You’re bound to find something that suits you when you take a look through our list of reliable outdoor gear.
All of our packs are made from the highest quality materials and geared towards fulfilling your outdoor sporting needs. From the Fastpack 40 to the All Mountain pack, If you’re looking for packs that are both durable and lightweight for navigating the Drakensberg trails with ease, Ultimate Direction has got your back. Take a look through our supply of packs and fastpacks and browse our catalogue to find the perfect pack for you.
About Ultimate Direction
We, at Ultimate Direction strive to supply only the best of the best trail running and hiking gear to open up the outdoor adventure world to a wider audience. We work with athletes from around the world to bring you some of the best fitness products on the market. All of our innovative gear is trusted and tested by high-class fitness enthusiasts. Let Ultimate Direction help you gear up so you can get started on your next invigorating outdoor adventure.
