Drakensberg Mountains Tour Review: Is It Worth The Day Trip?

So, you’re thinking about escaping Durban for a bit and heading into the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, that amazing natural wonder? It’s almost a given, right? I mean, the Drakensberg is massive. Yet, figuring out if a full-day tour is the correct fit for your precious travel time is the big question, that most tourists find themselves grappling with. I put on my hiking boots, signed up for a tour, and this review tells you all about the experience, in that way, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect, like if it’s right for you, right?

What You Can Expect On The Tour

Very quickly, expect a long day; that seems fair to start with! Most tours begin early, around 6 AM or 7 AM, to maximize daylight hours and, in some respects, avoid the afternoon heat. The drive from Durban to the Drakensberg can be lengthy, like maybe three to four hours, so pack a book, or a travel pillow, or that!

Once you reach the Drakensberg, well, the scenery just changes, dramatically too. You’ll often find tours include a hike to one of the easier trails, and a visit to scenic viewpoints. These hikes, it turns out, often cater to moderate fitness levels, in some respects offering something achievable, yet still providing fantastic mountain vistas. That means there is, often, no need to be an ultra-athlete to fully embrace it.

That seems like there will be lunch somewhere, in fact nearly always a pre-arranged spot. That will likely be at a local restaurant, serving some of the tasty local cuisine, as a matter of fact. Don’t expect fancy dining; think good, honest food. And then, after lunch, it’s that return journey back to Durban, which gives you, like, plenty of time to reflect on your adventure, still though, it can be pretty tiring. It’s a full day!

The Drakensberg’s Best Spots – And Whether You’ll See Them

Now, the Drakensberg Mountains are a large region with various incredible sites. The famed Amphitheatre, a stunning cliff face, that stretches for over five kilometers, and that looks just awesome, could be on the agenda. Maybe, though this often requires a longer, more specialized tour, actually. Shorter day trips sometimes focus on the Giant’s Castle area, famous for its San rock art, so if rock art isn’t your thing then you might feel a bit deflated!

It’s really worth checking the tour itinerary carefully, it could be you’ll find out where you are really going. Are there certain attractions, I mean very specifically, that you want to see? I found some tours sometimes tend to skip certain highlights in favor of places that are less crowded, which can, or can’t, work for you.

Hiking in the Drakensberg – Is it for You?

Right, the hiking component is what really sets this tour apart, isn’t it? So, how strenuous is it? Typically, the trails included on a full-day tour are described as moderate. In other words, mostly manageable for people with a basic level of fitness, as I say. Think a couple of hours of walking, with some uphill sections, you know, but nothing too crazy, alright?

Good hiking boots are helpful, or trail shoes are good too; and comfy ones; still though don’t worry. Make sure that is what you wear and carry plenty of water and sunscreen too, actually! The Drakensberg sun is a little stronger, than you might think, that’s fair to say. However, if you have mobility issues or knee problems, or things like that, then I reckon you should contact the tour operator to double-check, like, if the hikes are suited for you, actually.

The Guide – Key To Everything

Your tour guide, let’s get this said, can make or break this experience, literally! So, a quality guide, someone who is very good, will provide some amazing info about the region’s history, and will explain about its flora and fauna and that, enriching the entire day, in a way, just by them being good. That said, a less-than-stellar guide might just drive, point at a few things, and basically get you back to Durban safely, but it will be bland! The better guides know the spots for good photos too, incidentally, which can definitely get you that awesome picture!

Things You Might Wish You’d Known

A few quick thoughts: pack layers. It can get surprisingly cold up in the mountains, even on a sunny day, apparently, actually. Snacks, too, could be that good thing! Should the provided lunch not meet your taste (though it usually gets good reviews), or should you simply get peckish between meals, well then snacks can come to your rescue. Cash might come in handy; should there be some small vendors, in some respects, your opportunity will be open to buy little souvenirs, potentially! Finally, and I’m sure you do already, just remember to charge your camera or phone; you will be capturing tons of photos!

Before you decide on a trip make sure you look at reviews and that! Reviews will give you insights into things such as vehicle quality, knowledgability of staff and how easy it is to connect with the staff! This gives you the best overall picture to help make your decision!

Is It Really Worth A Day Trip, So?

So, circling back to the main question: Is a full-day Drakensberg Mountains tour from Durban actually worth it? I believe so, yeah, If you’re reasonably okay with an early start and long drives, as well as being reasonably okay with some short, and only moderate hikes, I reckon it is. If, however, long drives, early starts and mountain hiking isn’t you – then maybe look into something different. Like, what about checking out the Durban Botanical Gardens or something, that’s often pleasant!

That full day trip, it seems to me, gives you a taste of the Drakensberg’s beauty. That could potentially leave you wanting to return for a longer, in-depth trip another time. You will get amazing memories, and wonderful photos, without the organizing problems too, obviously.