Ezemvelo Hiking

Superb accommodation in beautiful natural settings from the heights of the mountains in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site, through the tropical savannahs of Zululand where the "big five", elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard inhabit Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park and on to the brilliant coral reefs of the Indian Ocean that fringe the lakes and wetlands of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) also a World Heritage Site.

Fly into Durban and go on safari to enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, birding and the wildlife of this scenic and culturally rich province of KwaZulu-Natal. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is entrusted with the long term conservation of the regions rich biodiversity for the people of South Africa.

In the one hundred years of formal conservation in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the various departments and statuary organisations that evolved into today`s KZN Wildlife have received many formal awards and words of praise for the quality of their service to conservation and for the high standard of management of the province's natural resources

It has been internationally recognised for white rhino and sea turtle conservation and for its community conservation outreach programmes.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park have been declared World Heritage Sites.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park along with uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Ndumo, are wetlands of international importance listed as RAMSAR sites.

Locally, the Southern African Crane Foundation, Timeless Africa and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry have recognised the organisation's contribution to crane conservation, tourism and the Working for Water Project.

Hiking

Numerous habitats exist in this beautiful Province, and as a hiker you can choose the habitat that you prefer. You can wander along lush coastal forest and sundrenched beaches (St Lucia, Kosi Bay), rolling grasslands, vibrant bushveld (organised trails in Umfolozi,and St Lucia) or imposing mountains, the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, all within the boundaries of KwaZulu-Natal. Due to the potential dangers of hiking in game parks with dangerous animals such as black rhino and buffalo, unaccompanied hiking is restricted to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Drakensberg and coastal areas

The most popular coastal hiking route is the well known Mziki Trail in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which takes you through coastal dune forest, beach, as well as wetland areas. It is best to do this hike in the winter months due to the extremely hot summer conditions on the North Coast.

The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is a hiker's paradise. This high mountain range is a wilderness where body and soul may be renewed through contact with nature. In this 240,000ha world of sheer cliffs, deeply incised valleys and crystal clear rivers, the hiking experiences are endless. There are hikes and walks to suit most needs. These range from a gentle stroll to an extremely strenuous hike. Please remember that hiking in the mountains is subject to the following rules: 1. Record movements in either the Mountain Rescue register or Day Hike Register. 2. Hike in parties of at least three people. If you plan to hike in KwaZulu Natal you can contact us on : 033-8451000.

There are also a number of excellent hiking clubs that can also assist you in planning your hike.

Places you can hike

• cathedral peak
• cobham
• garden castle
• giant's castle
• high moor
• injisuthi
• kamberg
• lotheni
• mission rocks
• mkhomazi
• monks cowl
• royal natal national park
• vergelegen

Overnight Hiking

A wilderness area is an area of land that has been set aside and managed in such a way that its pristine character is not altered.

It is one of the most important categories in the zonation of conservation areas.

Wilderness Principles

To ensure that the character of a wilderness area remains unaltered and suffers no impact through mans use, a number of principles are applied in the management of these areas.

Visitor numbers are managed to ensure a quality experience.

Management input is kept to a minimum so that natural processes can continue to operate.

For the visitor to a Wilderness Area this means that:

• there is an emphasis on solitude and self-reliance
• you have the right to risk
• you may only walk or ride horses, (lone hikers are discouraged)
• please relieve yourself at least a five minute walk away from any cave, campsite, forest, watercourse or path
• no fires are allowed, even in caves
• you may leave your footprints but nothing else, so that others have a real wilderness experience
• what you take in, is taken out, including litter and candle wax.

Available caves in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park:

• cathedral peak
• mkhomazi
• monks cowl
• lotheni
• vergelegen
• cobham
• injisuthi camp
• garden castle
• giant's castle
• high moor

WHERE: Drakensberg, Kwazulu Natal

CONTACT US NOW TO BOOK YOUR ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY!!