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Sterhorn and EscarpmentPhoto: Philipp Wald, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
This hike is very strenuous and exhausting, so it should not be undertaken by untrained or inexperienced hikers. It is recommended to book a guide.
This panoramic route is, as already mentioned, very strenuous and should not be undertaken alone. We therefore recommend booking a guide and do not provide a detailed description of the hike. Nevertheless, we want to inform about this spectacular hike and the impressive summit.
After only a few meters on the path, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Sterkhorn. This unique panorama accompanies us throughout the entire hike and becomes ever more impressive. But first, the path leads through native forest, through proteas, and past the Crystal Falls. Shortly after the waterfall, the path runs along the foot of the Sphinx and then up to a viewpoint and rest area. Afterwards it continues partly quite steeply until a plateau is reached. The path leads along the plateau towards the impressive escarpment until you reach the Contour Path at its foot. Then a narrow, extremely steep, and sometimes visible footpath leads to the summit of the Sterkhorn.
Author’s recommendation
A guide knows the way and will bring you on the right path to the summit.
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 as accurately as possible according to your route. Check out upon your return and complete the register. This information can be lifesaving if you get lost in the mountains.
- Inform a friend or family member where you are hiking and when you should return.
- Hike preferably not alone but in groups!
- In winter (May-August), the days are significantly shorter than in summer (October - March)
- In the summer months (October - March), there are more frequent afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains, and the weather can change very quickly - so definitely check the weather forecast beforehand and pack appropriate clothing.
- Planned burnings take place in winter. Inquire at reception to ensure your safety.
- The flow of rivers can be very dangerous: check the water level and speed before bathing 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 with information about the flora, fauna, landscape, and history of the region can be purchased at the reception.
The water in the streams of the Drakensberg can generally be drunk without concern.
Upon entering the "Maloti-Drakensberg Park," you are required to register at the reception of the respective section and pay the nature conservation fee, a type of daily fee. The payment receipt of the entrance fee must be kept carefully.
The Maloti-Drakensberg Park, hiking trails, and 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 protects and maintains the unique biodiversity and the natural and cultural heritage of Maloti-Drakensberg Park and many other protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Tourism revenues generated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife flow into the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage and rural community projects. Regarding the local economy, Ezemvelo is often the only employer in some rural areas. In this way, the organization positively impacts thousands of people economically in the surroundings of Maloti-Drakensberg Park.
Roadbook
We start the hike at the reception and follow the jeep track for 150 m. Then we come across a stone signpost indicating the way to the Sphinx. We leave the jeep track to the left and climb the steps 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 paths and therefore not to be entered. We stay on the main path and follow the signposts to the Sphinx. 1 km after the zigzag we reach the Crystal Falls, a small waterfall whose brook we have to cross. Here the Sphinx is already right in front of you. After a right bend and another left bend, we are beneath the rock formation. Steps then lead in another left bend to the viewpoint and rest area on the Sphinx. After enjoying the impressive view, the path leads the next 820 m repeatedly over steeper sections uphill to the plateau. From here you follow the path towards the escarpment and shortly cross the Breakfast Stream. After about 2.1 km, having walked along the flat plateau, a path, 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 most 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 appropriately prepared and equipped. We follow the signpost to the left and follow the Contour Path until we encounter bushes and a brook. Behind the bushes, a trail leads very steeply up the mountain. One must be aware that from here it becomes extremely strenuous and exhausting. The hiking trail is not always visible, and the risk of losing the path is great. Also, one must consider that the return journey is just as exhausting. It is better to turn back if you notice your strength fading. When we manage to get back to the Contour Path, we turn left and hike back to the Keartland’s Pass junction where the Keartland’s Pass branches off to the left. This path takes us down into the valley over many steps and zigzags. After 3.4 km we are almost in the valley. We reach a fence where we keep left. After a few more steps, we reach another junction where we turn left. Our path then joins another, and we follow the steps further down to a brook which we cross using a bridge. After that, the path climbs gently again and runs along the foothills of the higher mountains. After about 900 m, we reach another bridge which we cross. From here, the path goes uphill in short distances, then downhill, uphill again, and then down to paved tire tracks. We have to cross these to follow the trail slightly to the left. We cross another woodland until we reach the tire tracks again. Here we keep right and follow the tracks until we return to 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 because public transport is limited.
Directions
If you are driving 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, downhill the Oliviershoek Pass towards Bergville and Winterton. You could also take the Bergville turn-off from the N3 behind 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 Monks 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 on the left, just behind the Midway Caltex Garage. Turn left toward Loskop and stay on this road for about 20 min until you reach a junction with four lanes. Turn left onto the R600 here. The Thokozisa Lifestyle Center, a row of shops, is on the corner on the left side. Stay on this road for 20-30 minutes until you reach Monks 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 Monks Cowl section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Maloti-Drakensberg Park" is a large parking lot from which the 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. A trekking pole and a first aid kit are recommended.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions