TOUR OVERVIEW
Trek through a rarely-explored corner of the southern Drakensberg on the community-owned Mehloding walking trail.
Accompanied by a local guide, you'll tramp through lush green foothills, cross sparkling streams, visit welcoming villages, discover superb San bushman rock art sites, and spend your nights in a string of remote chalets where you can round off the day with a hot shower, African cuisine and a comfortable bed.
The Mehloding trail is a community-operated venture which has been set up to provide an income and employment opportunities to local communities. The Mehloding Community Trust which runs the Masakala Lodge and the Mehloding Chalets is a member of the Fair Trade in Tourism SA organization and subscribes to their ethics and code of practise.
Duration
6 Nights / 7 Days (5 day hiking trail with pre/post accommodation)
Route
Durban >> Matatiele >> Mehloding >> Durban
Tour Type
Independent with guided hike & activities
Group size
Minimum 4 adults (transfer cost based on min 4 pax , but alternative options can be arranged for less than 4 pax)
Day 1
You will be met and transferred from Durban to Masakala Traditional Guesthouse, near Matatiele in the Southern Drakensberg. From the guesthouse you have stunning views of the Southern Drakensberg, which rises in massive rocky battlements to form the border with the neighbouring Kingdom of Lesotho.
Masakala Guesthouse is the starting point of the Mehloding Hiking Trail. The guesthouse consists of two traditional style rondavels, designed and built using local architectural ideas and skills. You can choose from beautifully decorated single, double or dormitory-style rooms, all with hot shower and bath. As the sun sets and evening draws in, savour a traditional meal based on fresh home-grown vegetables.
Day 2
Spend the morning exploring the area around Masakala Guesthouse. Take a short warm-up hike with a local guide, go for a horse ride on a Basutho pony, or meet the local sangomas.
In the afternoon, transfer to Malekhalonyane Chalet, the starting point of the trail, set in open grasslands with more great mountain views. A short hike from here will bring you to the Mariazell Catholic mission, or to the Jordan river for a refreshing swim. Enjoy a night in the
Day 3
The first day on the trail is relatively short. Cross over the Jordan River and climb steeply to a grassy ridge, stopping en route to look at San rock paintings, after which it's easy walking downhill to the stream crossing near Masupha village. From here a moderate climb with great views followed by an easy descent leads to Mpharane village and tonight's chalet.
The Makhulong chalet is situated above Mpharane. Accommodation is in thatched rondavels, and the chalet is close to the village so you can wander down to meet the local people and buy produce from the local shops.
Trail distance: 14km / Alt: 1591m
Day 4
Descend through Mpharane village to cross the Seeta river, from where a steady climb on footpaths and sled tracks leads to a long easy ridge with excellent 360 degree views. Through a nek and contour path to the protea level where the path meanders through open grassland with streams and incised valleys. A final moderate climb takes you to the chalet at Maboloka, magnificently set on a ridge facing the Three Sisters and Makalane peaks. A walk down to the stream and through Mountain Hardpear trees takes you to a panel of well preserved rock art in the sandstone belt.
The camp consists of one communal house opening onto a terrace with stunning views, two bathrooms, dining room and kitchen. There are two rondavels (one dormitory style and one divided into two twin rooms). This is the most isolated of the chalets and will suit nature lovers and hikers wishing to explore the walks to rock art and waterfalls.
Trail distance: 20km / Alt: 1560m
Day 5
A moderate climb today along stock paths passing some interesting sandstone features. Descend to the Kinira river (good clean water for drinking) and follow undulating terrain through the villages of Goxe and Pepela. The final climb of the day brings you to the door of Madlangala chalet, located in protea grassland and encircled by mountain peaks. Built from local stone and surrounded by protea trees, the chalet consists of one main house with two bathrooms, kitchen and dining room opening onto a covered terrace with mountain views. Accommodation is in two rondavels (one dormitory and one divided into two twin rooms).
Trail distance: 14km Alt: 1663m
Day 6
Your last day's hike is a pleasant contour walk through mountain grassland, with patches of indigenous forest, protea groves and fascinating sandstone features to enjoy along the way. Depending on season, you will find many species of wildflowers and birdlife along this section. The trail ends near Qachas Nek (the border post with Lesotho) where you will be collected by vehicle and taken back to Masakala Guesthouse to spend the night.
Trail distance: 13km / Alt: 1685m
Day 7
After a final night in the quiet majesty of Drakensberg, enjoy a hearty breakfast before your journey back to Durban.
