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View on the EscarpmentPhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This scenic circular hike passes the Sphinx, up to a plateau that you walk along to the Contour Path at the foot of the escarpment, and then returns via the Keartland’s Pass.
This scenic circular hike is one of my favorites in Monk's Cowl, as after just a few meters you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Drakensberg, the escarpment, and the Sterkspruit Valley. This unique panorama accompanies you throughout the entire hike and becomes increasingly impressive. But first, the trail leads through indigenous forest, through proteas that bloom beautifully in summer, and past the Crystal Falls, a small waterfall. Shortly after the waterfall, the trail leads along the foot of the Sphinx and then up the Sphinx to a viewpoint and rest area. After that, it continues partly quite steeply until you reach a plateau. The path follows the plateau in the direction of the impressive escarpment until you reach the Contour Path at its foot. This junction is called Blindman’s Corner. After that, the Keartland’s Pass takes us back down many steps into the valley.
Author’s recommendation
Bring yourself a good packed lunch and enjoy it at the Sphinx viewpoint and rest area! Incredibly beautiful!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- Please always take the time before your hike to fill out the "Mountain Rescue Register" completely and accurately according to your route. Check out of the register upon your return. This information can be lifesaving in case you get lost in the mountains.
- Inform a friend or family member where you are hiking and when you should return.
- It is best not to hike alone but in groups!
- In winter (May - August), the days are significantly shorter than in summer (October - March).
- In the summer months (October - March), afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in the mountains, and the weather can change very quickly – so always check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- Planned controlled burns take place in winter. Inquire at the reception to ensure your safety.
- The current of rivers can be very dangerous: check the water level and speed before swimming or crossing a river.
- There are venomous snakes in the mountains: the puff adder, the berg adder, and the ring-necked cobra.
Tips and suggestions
To preserve the wild character of the Drakensberg and keep the area as natural as possible, there are no information boards along the hiking trails in the UNESCO World Heritage “Maloti-Drakensberg Park.” Instead, maps and “Visitor Guide” booklets, which contain information about the region's flora, fauna, landscape, and history, can be purchased at the reception.
The water in the streams of the Drakensberg is generally safe to drink without concerns.
Upon entering the UNESCO World Heritage “Maloti-Drakensberg Park,” you are required to register at the reception of the respective section and pay the Nature Conservation fee, a kind of daily fee. The payment receipt of the entrance fee must be kept.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, the hiking trails, and the accommodations in the park are managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the authority responsible for preserving biodiversity in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife secures and preserves the unique biodiversity and natural and cultural heritage of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park and many other protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism revenues generated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife contribute to the conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage site and rural community projects. Regarding the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the sole employer in some rural areas. In this way, the organization has a positive economic impact on thousands of people living around the Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Roadbook
We start the hike at the reception and follow the jeep track for 150 m. Then we come to a stone signpost pointing us the way to the Sphinx. We leave the jeep track on the left and climb the stairs up into a forest. From there the path leads us through the forest until we reach a junction after 550 m. Here we keep left. Shortly after leaving the forest, a steeper zigzag begins as we continue uphill. Several paths branch off, clearly marked as private and therefore not to be entered. We stay on the main path and follow the signs to the Sphinx. 1 km after the zigzag we reach the Crystal Falls, a small waterfall whose stream we have to cross. Here the Sphinx is already directly in front of us. After a right turn and another left turn, we are underneath the rock formation. Stairs then lead in another left turn to the viewpoint and rest area on the Sphinx. After enjoying the impressive view, the path leads for the next 820 m repeatedly over steeper sections up to the plateau. From here you follow the path towards the escarpment, crossing the Breakfast Stream shortly after. After about 2.1 km of walking along the flat plateau, a path, the Keartland’s Pass, branches off to the rear right. For now, we ignore this junction and continue along the path for another 500 m to the foot of the escarpment. Here is the “Blindman’s Corner” and our path crosses the Contour Pass, which runs relatively flat at the foot of the escarpment and through the largest part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park. From here upwards, the Drakensberg becomes extremely dangerous, especially regarding sudden weather changes. Anyone venturing beyond this plain must be properly prepared and equipped. This is a good place to eat lunch and enjoy the view of the mountains. During the rainy season, water can be found in some of the small tributaries flowing from the mountains. After an extended break, we return to the last junction where the Keartland’s Pass branches to the left. This path leads us down into the valley over many steps and zigzags. After 3.4 km we are almost in the valley. We reach a fence at which we keep left. After a few more steps, we reach another junction where we turn right. Our path then merges into another and we follow the steps further down to a stream, which we cross using a bridge. After that, the path leads slightly uphill again and along the foothills of the higher mountains. After about 900 m, we come to another bridge which we cross. From here it goes uphill at short intervals, then downhill, uphill again, and then down to paved tire tracks. We must cross these to follow the footpath which continues slightly to the left. We pass through another wooded area until we reach the tire tracks again. Here we keep right and follow the tracks until we arrive back at the starting point of the hike.
Crystal Falls
Sphinx
Blindman's Corner
Public transport
It is best to use your own vehicle to reach the park, as public transport is limited.
Directions
If you are traveling on the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban and come
- from the north: Follow the N3 to Harrismith. In Harrismith, turn right onto the N5 towards Bethlehem/Bloemfontein. After about 5 km, turn left onto Bergville/Oliviershoek Pass road. Continue past Sterkfontein Dam, down the Oliviershoek Pass towards Bergville and Winterton. Alternatively, you could take the Bergville turn-off from the N3 after Harrismith, drive towards Bergville, and turn left in Bergville towards Winterton. In Winterton, turn right onto the R600, Central Berg Road. From here follow the road for about 13 km to a junction. Drive straight past the Thokozisa Lifestyle Center, a row of shops on the left side. Stay on this road for another 20-30 minutes until you reach Monk's Cowl at the end of the road. Along the way, you will pass the Champagne Sports Resort and the Champagne Castle Hotel.
- from the south: Follow the N3 until you pass Estcourt. Then take the Estcourt North/Giant's Castle turn-off to the left, just behind the Midway Caltex garage. Turn left towards Loskop and stay on this road for about 20 minutes until you come to a four-lane junction. Here turn left onto the R600. The Thokozisa Lifestyle Center, a row of shops, is located at the left corner. Stay on this road for 20-30 minutes until you reach Monk's Cowl at the end of the road. Along the way, you will pass the Champagne Sports Resort and the Champagne Castle Hotel.
Parking
Directly after the entrance to the Monk's Cowl section of the UNESCO World Heritage "Maloti-Drakensberg Park" is a large parking lot from which hikes can be started.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Maps and brochures are available at the receptions.
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, as well as sun or rain protection depending on the weather, water, and snacks should be taken along.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions