Amphitheatre Heritage Hike

Northern Drakensberg - KwaZulu Natal

Slackpack to the Roof of Africa 3 Day Hike
The Amphitheatre is the most recognisable and dramatically imposing feature of the entire
Drakensberg range, a World Heritage Site of outstanding environmental and cultural
significance. A mighty wall of basalt rises over 1000 metres from the Tugela valley to the
Lesotho plateau nearly 3000 metres above sea level. Part of its aesthetic appeal arises from
its near perfect symmetry, extending as a sheer wall of rock some 5 kilometres in length
from the Eastern Buttress to the Sentinel Peak in the west- altogether an area of majestic
and incomparable beauty providing some of the finest scenery in the world.
The Amphitheatre Slackpacking trail has been planned to enable walkers of average ability
to reach these heights and to be rewarded by awe inspiring, never-to-forgotten views from
the top of the escarpment - a feat normally only undertaken by fit and experienced hikers
who would normally have to camp overnight on the escarpment. By spending 3 days and 3
nights on the route, staying at conveniently located lodges, and having the benefit of a
hiking guide to make decisions on routes and weather conditions, it is possible for anyone
who is reasonably fit to stand on "top of the world" and experience the same sense of
accomplishment as the dedicated hiker.
The hike has been planned so that you can walk at a comfortable pace and without the
burden of a heavy backpack. At the end of the day, youll have the chance to relax and
recover at the lodge - providing hot showers, nourishing food and a comfortable bed.

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THE 3-DAY AMPHITHEATRES HIKE ITINERARY IS:

Day 1: 15km. Avg Hike Time: 5.5-6.5 hrs, 726m Elevation Gain, 1273m Total Ascent
After a hearty breakfast, you will be met by your guide. Todays hike commences with a
rather stiff climb, to get above the sandstone cliffs. Half-way between the Cavern and the
cliff line there is the option of a 25min detour to some San Rock Art at Lone Rock (a
worthwhile detour!). The path then continues up through Sugar Loaf Gap, taking you above
the Sandstone Cliffs, at which point youll wish to catch your breath, and enjoy the
spectacular vista across the Northern Drak Valley. From here, the route undulates along the
ridge bypassing Cold Hill and Cold Ridge with sweeping views across to the former
homeland QwaQwa and Metsi Matsho Dam. Broome hill at 8.7km, makes a good lunch spot,
after which point it is approx 6kms/2hours hiking onto Basotho Gate and Witsies Mountain
Lodge. You would have ascended 1273 metres on todays hike, but the good news is that
the majority of the ascent comes in the first third of the hike. Once youre above the cliff
line, you will straddle the border of two provinces: Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.

The climb up to Witsieshoek Mountain

Resort
The Cavern Resort
swimming
pool
Day
1 of the Amphitheatre
Heritage
Hike

Day 2: 16km return-trip or 18km if you do Rainbow Falls

as well. Average Hike Time: 7hrs, 572m Elevation Gain,
985m Total Ascent
This is the most eventful day and you will need to make an
early start to make the most out of it! You will be transported
to the Sentinel Car Park, which lies in the shadow of the
towering Sentinel peak.

After completing the mountain

register, you start your hike along a well maintained path

which ascends gradually towards the Witches and Zigzags,
taking you to the base of the Sentinel massif. From here, you
swing right and follow the contour path below the Western
buttresses with the land sloping steeply to the north and east
giving you wonderful views of the Malutis and the Witsieshoek
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plateaux. The chain ladders are reached after about 3 kilometres, and after negotiating the
two sections of rock wall it is only a short scramble up from there to the escarpment where
you can spend the better part of the day in exploration. For those persons scared of heights,
there is also the Gully Option; or up the gully and down the chain ladders (or vice-versa).
Here is Africa's highest waterfall, where the headwaters of the Tugela drop a sheer 614
metres into the gorge below. Another point of interest, some 2 km inland, is the Mont-auxSources peak, at 3282 metres it is the source of four important rivers. A 3-4 km walk along
the escarpment requiring some ridge climbing will take you to the Eastern Buttress and
Rainbow Falls. This can be undertaken by the fit and eager. With fine weather, a pleasant
time can be had for several hours on the summit. The return trip traces your steps back
Witsieshoek lodge, where you should aim to be back by mid-afternoon.

Day 3: 11km to Mahai Campsite Bridge or 12.2km to Visitor Centre

Average Hike Time: 4-5hrs, -813m Elevation Gain, 391m Total Ascent
Today is an easy day's walk down the Mahai River Valley and into the Royal Natal National
Park (RNNP). Along the way you will criss-cross the Mahai River several times, passing small
waterfalls and pools, providing opportunity for a refreshing dip for the bold. The vegetation
and topography changes dramatically as you descend, and you will pass through patches of
cool mist-belt forest on the southern facing slopes. The path comes out at Mahai Campsite,
from where you will be collected and transferred back to your vehicles at Cavern Berg hotel.
For those that dont have long journeys or planes to catch, we recommend visiting the
bushmen paintings which are another 2kms past the visitor centre, and then you take a
guided trail up to Sigubudu Paintings (approx 1hr trail, R30/pp pay guide directly).
Arriving back at the Cavern, there is an option of a 4 th night, and you may like to treat your
weary limbs to a massage at the Caverns Forest Spa.
Youll return home, filled with a sense of achievement for having reached the top of the
mighty Drakensberg escarpment!

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VITAL STATS
Distance:

Approx 43 kilometres with 1300 metres in altitude gain. You need some

flexibility around distances - determined by the guide and dependent on group's abilities
and requirements.
Duration: 3 days / 3 nights. There is the option of a 4th night at Cavern Berg on request.
Grade: Strenuous walking at times, but no technical sections other than the chain ladder &
some exposure on the trail before the chain ladders. Gully alternative is available for those
with a fear of heights on the chain ladders.
Group Size:

Min 2 maximum 12 persons per guide, but larger groups can be

accommodated. Smaller parties may be combined with other groups to reach optimal size.
Climate: Summer (Nov -May) is wet and warm, with most rain during Oct -Mar. Daily temps
can climb to 25 - 30 deg C & rain falls mainly as afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (June to
Oct) consists of mainly dry, sunny, clear, crisp days with daytime temps averaging 15-20
deg C & night-time temps dropping below zero. Snow and ice is more common, but only
remains for any length of time on the highest ground.
Seasonality/ Best time of year: All year round. In summer it is wise to make the most of
the mornings, and presume afternoons will be wet. Whilst days are shorter in winter
because the weather is more stable, the whole day can usually be used for hiking. Spring &
summer are the best months for wild flowers.
Availability: Preferred to be outside of peak holiday & long weekends
Disclosure: Hikers must understand that the Drakensberg has a temperamental climate
with four seasons possible in one day and should be prepared for extreme weather events
any time of year. Hikers must respect the decision of their guide if his/her advice is to turn
back early, not summit, or not hike at all, due to inclement weather conditions.

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Package Options / Pricing: Valid from 1 Oct 2013 30 December 2014

Prices based on pp/sharing basis during non-peak periods. * Price is subject to change
if you want to do this hike during peak holiday periods & availability permitting.

Option A: The Sentinel

Fully Catered, Guide for 2 Hike Days, Hotel Accommodation 3 Nights
2-3 Persons: R4000/pp
4-5 Persons: R3750/pp
6-7 Persons: R3600/pp
8-10 Persons: R3500/pp
11 or more Persons: R3400/pp
Price Includes:

3 Nights Accom (sharing basis): 1 night at Cavern Hotel (Std Room) & 2
Nights at Witsies nicest Sentinel Chalets
All meals: from dinner on arrival night to packed lunch on final hike day (3
Breakfasts, 3 Packed Lunches and 3 Dinners). At Witsies will be either a
buffet dinner or order from ala carte menu to the value of R110/per dinner.
Hiking Guide - for first 2 hike day (Day 3 is an easy self-guide down to
Royal Natal)
Hiking Permit - for Hike day 2 from Sentinel Car Park (R50/pp)

Witsies - Sentinel Car Park - return Transfer: Hike Day 2

Private Return Transfer: pick-up from Royal Natal & transfer back to the
Cavern on final day

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ON OPTION A:

Porter Support: For Days 1 & 3 (Day 2 youll leave main bag at Witsies hotel):

R500/per porter i.e. R250/porter/per day. Please note that porters do need to be
PRE-BOOKED & there are a limited no of porters with backpacks. There is a weight
limit of 15kg/per porter.
Hiking Guide for Day 3: R500 per group up to 5 persons, thereafter R60/pp
Accommodation Upgrade/ Downgrade:
Accommodation is based on a Standard room (sharing basis) at the Cavern & the
best 'Sentinel' Chalets at Witsies Hotel.
- If you wish to upgrade to a Superior room (on a sharing basis) at Cavern
budget an extra R200/pp
- If you wish to downgrade to bungalows at Witsies hotel (or if Sentinels are not
available) - you can deduct R200/pp off the PP/Price.

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EXTRA EXPENSES TO BUDGET FOR (OPTION A):

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Odd No Groups (i.e. 3, 5 pax): We will book a family suite at the Cavern (so
no single supp is charged), but Witsies charges a single supp fee, as there
are only twin or double rooms. This single supplement fee, for the odd
person only, will be an extra R300
Singles Requesting Own Rooms: If your group consists of single persons
who explicitly want their OWN room at Cavern & Witsies, the single
supplement / per person will be:
- Extra R475/pp - for own room at Cavern (STD room basis)
- Extra R200/pp/per night at Witsies = R400/pp for the 2 nights (Sentinel Chalets)
Total Single Supplement: R875/pp. * This fee will be added over & above the
advertised pp/price
WITISIES DINNERS (inclusive in price): will be a buffet dinner if there are more
than 20 guests in the hotel OR a voucher for R110/per dinner. When issued with a
voucher, you can order what you like off the ala carte restaurant menu & you will be
charged for anything over-&-above the R110/dinner voucher. If you spend less than
the voucher, you can use this credit towards your bar tab.
REFRESHMENTS (other than those included with meals) & BAR Items for own
account

Royal Natal Park Fee: R30/pp payable at the RNNP Visitors Centre (Day 3).
Proof of payment (receipt) needed to exit gate.

Option B: The Buttress

Partially Catered, Guide for 2 Hike Days, Cavern & Witsies Hikers Cabin Accommodation
3 Nights
2-3 Persons: R3200/pp
4-5 Persons: R2950/pp
6-7 Persons: R2800/pp
8-10 Persons: R2700/pp
11 or more Persons: R2600/pp
Price Includes:

3 Nights Accom (sharing basis): 1 night at Cavern Hotel (Std Room) & 2
Nights at Witsies Hikers Cabin (Twin Bed Rooms with shared Male/Female
Bathrooms)
Partial Catering: Dinner, breakfast & packed lunch from Cavern. 2
Breakfasts provided from Witsies, but other meals for own arrangement or
account at Witsies. Can self-cater at Witsies (need to be self-sufficient with
gas stove, cutlery & pots) OR pay for own meals from the ala carte restaurant
at the hotel (can do a combination of both).

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Hiking Guide - for first 2 hike days (Day 3 is an easy self-guide down to
Royal Natal)
Hiking Permit - for Hike day 2 from Sentinel Car Park (R50/pp)

Witsies - Sentinel Car Park - return Transfer: Hike Day 2

Private Return Transfer: pick-up from Royal Natal & transfer back to the
Cavern on final day

OPTIONAL EXTRAS ON OPTION B:

Porter Support: For Days 1 & 3 (Day 2 youll leave main bag at Witsies hotel):

R500/per porter i.e. R250/porter/per day. Please note that porters do need to be
PRE-BOOKED & there are a limited no of porters with backpacks. There is a weight
limit of 15kg/per porter.
Hiking Guide for Day 3: R500 per group up to 5 persons, thereafter R60/pp
OPTION TO REMOVE NIGHT AT CAVERN
On special request, if you find your OWN accommodation in the area or able to
arrive by 8.30am for the first hike day, you DONT need to overnight at the Cavern &
we will deduct R800/pp off the advertised Opt B price.

EXTRA EXPENSES TO BUDGET FOR (OPTION B):

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Odd No Groups (i.e. 3, 5 pax): We will book a family suite at the Cavern (so
no single supp charged), but Witsies will charge a single supp on the single
person. The single supplement fee, for the odd person staying in the hikers
cabin will be - an extra R200
Singles Requesting Own Rooms: If your group consists of single persons
who explicitly want their OWN room at Cavern & Witsies Hikers Cabin, the
single supplement / per person will be:
- Extra R475/pp - for own room at Cavern (STD room basis)
- Extra R100/pp/per night at Witsies Hikers Cabin = R200/pp for the 2 nights (Hikers
Cabin)
Total Single Supplement: R675/pp. * this fee will be added over & above the
advertised pp/price

MEALS & REFRESHMENTS: other than 2 inclusive breakfasts at Witsies, for own
account.

Royal Natal Park Fee: R30/pp payable at the RNNP Visitors Centre (Day 3).
Proof
to

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of payment
(receipt) needed
exit gate.

Bookings:

Your agent is Active Escapes. We can be contacted on

084-2407277 / 033 3306131 or emailed at: tours@active-escapes.co.za

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