About Giant's Castle Hikes

Giant's Castle refers both to the landmark rock massif in the central Drakensberg, where it rests in amongst the peaks of Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak, and the game reserve of the same name, proclaimed way back in 1903 to protect a declining population of eland.

Other than the now over 600 recovered eland, the reserve is home to mountain reedbuck, blesbok and oribi, and a huge variety of birds.

It is also a hiker's domain with over 25 hikes spread across a 285 km network of trails that range from 3 km to 30 km and take from an hour to several days to achieve.

Short walks include

The popular Bushman's River Trail that takes 3km or an hour to do, hence its popularity.

The Grysbok Bush Trail (8km or 4 hours) that follows the path past the Main Caves (now a museum, protecting some of the best perserved San rock art in the area), before climbing up to a dense wood of wild olive and oldwood trees, to Grysbok Bush and the first river pool.

Longer walks that include overnight trails

Giant's Hut via Giant's Ridge is a circular 20.5 km hike that takes roughly 9 hours to complete. It also follows the path past Main Caves and then climbs steeply away from the Bushman's River Valley. Two further steep climbs follow, with a reasonably gentle walk between them, up to the spine of the ridge, over another ridge and then onto the contour path to Giant's Castle Hut. The return follows Two Dassie Stream, criss-crossing several times and allowing time for pool swimming. In this way it rejoins the path past Main Caves and back to camp.

Langalibalele Pass trail is a 21 km, 10 hour hike that follows Grysbok Bush path, detouring to steeply climb along the spine of a ridge to the contour path. Find the Langalibalele Pass turnoff about 1 km along the path. It takes you steeply upward to the top of the pass, where a cairn marks the spot of the battle between the British and Chief Langalibalele's tribe in 1873. Return using the same route.

Giant's Pass and Giant's Castle is a 30 km, two-day trail that heads up Giant's Ridge to the contour path. Right and along the path for 2 km brings you to the Giant's Castle Pass, which you climb, ascending quite quickly. The last bit, particularly, is steep. From the pass a further path takes one to the summit. Return along the same route.

Giant's Cup Trail is a 60 km, 5-day hike, overnighting in four different huts. The trail takes one along the foothills of the Drakensberg from Sani Pass to Bushman's Nek through Cobham, Garden Castle and Bushman's Nek. It is possible as a self-guided or guided walk and leaving without a map is inadvisable. Features of the hike include the Mzimkhulu Valley and Giant's Castle. Although five days, it is considered one of the easier hikes.

Need to Know

WhereGiants Castle, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal

WhenDaylight hours.

How muchPrices on request.

OvernightStay nearby in Giants Castle, in 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.

Need an Update?

Send us feedback if this is your service/activity. Please let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies.
Note, we do not have additional information or rates. Please don't contact us, rather use the service provider's contact details provided.

Find Giant's Castle Hikes in these collections

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity

* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.

Other things to do in the area

Noteworthy attractions

Accommodation convenient to Giant's Castle Hikes

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Giants Castle Accommodation

Giants Castle as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Giants Castle property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Things To Do
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.