Maloti-Drakensberg Park — Attraction in Impendle Local Municipality

Title: A Scenic Oasis of Tranquility - 5 Stars!

Review: My recent visit to Maloti Drakensburg Park left me utterly enchanted, Nestled in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains, this park is a hidden gem for nature lovers seeking a perfect blend of serenity and adventure.

The panoramic views of the towering peaks and lush valleys are nothing short of spectacular. The park's landscape is a photographer's dream, with every turn revealing a new vista that seems almost too beautiful to be real. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, the well-marked trails cater to all levels of fitness, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring scenery.

The park's commitment to conservation is evident, with a rich diversity of flora and fauna thriving in this pristine environment. Birdwatchers will be in paradise, as the park is home to an array of bird species, adding a melodic soundtrack to your explorations.

Accommodations within the park are a true retreat into nature. I had the pleasure of staying at a lodge that seamlessly blended rustic charm with modern comfort. Waking up to the crisp mountain air and the symphony of birdsong was a rejuvenating experience, and the attentive staff ensured a seamless and delightful stay.

For those seeking cultural enrichment, the park's proximity to ancient San rock art sites adds a fascinating historical dimension to the visit. The opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the region is a unique aspect that sets Maloti Drakensburg Park apart.

The park's facilities are well-maintained, and the staff members are friendly and accommodating. Whether you're enjoying a meal at the on-site restaurant or seeking guidance on the best trails, their hospitality adds an extra layer of warmth to the...

Giants Castle is a great place for an adventure filled getaway! Awesome accommodation in their hutted camp. There is a restaurant and curio store. The hikes are also amazing, ranging from beginner to advanced. We did a 3 day hike from Giants camp. Up Bannermans pass, a short Traverse along escarpment and down Langalibalele pass.

Spent the first night at Bannermans hut. Which has 8 bunk beds and a lekker table, bench and works surfaces, and the hut is in good shape. There are no mattresses or anything else in the hut, so take along a camping mattress and pillow (usual overnight camping equipment). Can book the hut through Ezemvelo! We then hiked up Bannermans pass, in the rain, which was freezing, even in summer! We stopped at Spare Rib Cave, which is about halfway up the pass. This is a lekker big cave, can probably sleep 10. But is very wet in summer, so I would take a tent along and set that up. Winter should be relatively dry inside! Bannermans pass is very steep and there is some fun Rocky sections near the top, which are part stream, part waterfall during the rainy season. The Traverse across to Langalibalele is relatively straightforward as you head south along the escarpment for about 4km. We camped the 2nd night at the top of Langalibalele pass. The hike down I pretty straightforward, although you do descend about 1200m in approximately 10km all the way back to Giants hutted camp.

The entire route is approximately 30km round trip, with about 1600m elevation gain and approximately the same amount of descent. This is not a beginners hike and should be planned properly or a guide should be used if unsure of the area! Please Always Carry a map, charged cell phone and enough warm gear! And don't be fooled, it can snow in the Drakensberg in summer! Hope...

Injisuthi is beautifully situated with the views one would expect. Camp itself is perfectly functional with decent ablution facilities and the camp sites are well laid out. The roads!! Different story. I drive a sedan and while many readers will be thinking that I'm an idiot to have taken a sedan to Injisuthi, I'm rather annoyed that there were no proper warnings provided by the camp management. All well and good to accept our money but it is negligent of them to assume everyone has a vehicle with the necessary ground clearance. The final 12km is littered with simply horrible patches of "road". If the financial resources to fix and maintain the roads are not available, ample warning must be provided to prospective visitors. The end of my stay? My car was carried out by a flatbed truck due to a broken fuel system. The only silver lining was not having the added stress of driving out. Heed my warning readers; it's probably only going...