About Monks Cowl Nature Reserve
Monks Cowl is the gateway to some of the most magnificent mountain Wilderness areas in South Africa.
Did you know? The rock art of the Drakensberg is the largest and most concentrated group of rock paintings in Africa south of the Sahara and is outstanding both in quality and diversity of subject.
Taking its name from the distinctive mountain between Champagne Castle and Cathedral Peak, Monks Cowl marks the access to the Mlambonja and Mdedelelo mountain Wilderness areas.
Monks Cowl is one of the most unspoilt areas of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and very popular with those who wish to get away from commercial development.
The area is known for its splendid scenery, and provides hikers with access to mountain trails that weave through the deep valleys and forests rising up onto the main escarpment of the Northern Drakensberg.
Hiking routes in Monks Cowl Nature Reserve vary from a few hours to several days and provide sufficient diversity to accommodate all levels of experience and fitness. (See hiking trails listed under Things to Do in Monks Cowl).
The foothills here have a great many caves and were very popular with the San People. The 'Battle Cave' depicts a battle between two San tribes.
Need to Know
WhereMonks Cowl Nature Reserve, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Drakensberg Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
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If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
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Hotels & other accommodation options in Drakensberg
iKhayalamafu
High in the Monk's Cowl Reserve of the beautiful central Drakensberg Mountains and closer to paradise than anywhere else in the Champagne Valley....
Monks Cowl Golf Resort
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Eland Valley Resort
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The Nest Drakensberg Hotel
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Blue Haze Country Lodge
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Penwarn Oribi Cottage
Oribi Cottage is located at Penwarn Farm Lodge and offers comfortable accommodation in Underberg. The farm lodge lies in an exquisite valley surr...
Hearts Ease Guest House
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Ardmore Guest Farm
Situated in the scenic Champagne Valley in the Central Drakensberg at Ardmore Guest Farm you will enjoy stunning views of the three highest peaks...
Graceland Farm
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Things to do in the area
Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Drakensberg accommodation is always special because it promises a place to stay in some of South Africa’s most spectacular countryside. The area ...
Monk's Cowl and Champagne Castle Hikes
Start: Monk's Cowl or Champagne Castle, central DrakensbergFinish: Monk's Cowl or Champagne Castle, central DrakensbergDuration: variousFitness: ...
Monks Cowl to Ndedema Gorge Hike
Start: Monk's Cowl office, Champagne ValleyFinish: Ndedema GorgeDuration: 28 km and further, 2 – 5 daysFitness: difficultOur tip: the hike is st...
Zulu Cave Hike
Start: Monk's Cowl / Mdedelelo Wilderness Area, northern DrakensbergFinish: Mdedelelo Wilderness AreaFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: Cat c...
Dragon's Rest Pub and Restaurant
The backdrop against which the Dragon’s Rest Pub & Restaurant is, undoubtedly, one of its most irresistible draw cards. In fact, this little retr...
Lower Injisuthi Cave Hike
Start: Injisuthi, Giant's Castle Nature ReserveFinish: Injisuthi, Giant's Castle Nature ReserveDuration: 17 km, overnight hikeFitness: moderate t...
Nandi's Falls Hike
Start: Monk's Cowl Reserve main gateFinish: Monk's Cowl Reserve main gateDuration: 8 km, roughly 3 to 4 hoursFitness: easy to moderateOur tip: d...
Vaalribbokkop Cave Hike
Start: Monk's Cowl/Mdedelelo Wilderness Area, northern DrakensbergFinish: Mdedelelo Wilderness AreaFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: Vaalrib...
Noteworthy attractions
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Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
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Cobham State Forest
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Garden Castle State Forest
Garden Castle is the southern most part of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park and incorporates the Bushman's Nek Valley. The Garden Castle reserve i...
Giant's Castle Nature Reserve
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Kamberg Nature Reserve
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Lotheni Nature Reserve
Noted for its magnificent scenery and beautiful camp, Lotheni is situated in a remote section of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Many delightful...
Accommodation near Monks Cowl Nature Reserve
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation
