HIGHLANDS HIKING TRAIL
3 day slackpacking mountain hiking trails in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg
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OUR GUESTS SAY |
"WHY MEANDER IN THE MIDLANDS WHEN YOU CAN HIKE IN THE HIGHLANDS?"
"WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!"
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Join us for a three day, four night walking holiday based in the beautiful Eastern Cape Highlands - also known as "The Wild Side of the Drakensberg".
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, then this is the weekend getaway for you. Three days of breathtaking scenery, carrying only your daybags. Each day is a new experience; we move from beautiful river gorges surrounded by sandstone cliffs to the top of mountain peaks overlooking the Dragon's Tail.
The Highlands Hike can be enjoyed during any of our well-defined seasons. In winter you can enjoy roaring log fires and a warming glass of Gluhwein, with perhaps the chance to have a snowball fight at over 8,000 feet above sea level during the day. In summer you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy swimming in crystal clear mountain rivers and if you wish you can opt for a camping experience for one of the nights.
Whatever the time of year, we will provide you with hearty home-cooked meals which will include locally produced lamb and beef, some of the finest in the country.
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Arrive in the historic village of Lady Grey where you will be met by your host and shown to your comfortable rooms in a beautiful country inn. There will be a chance to relax and refresh after your travels. A briefing and pre-dinner drinks will take place in the inn's cosy bar before we set off on a short stroll to a quaint village restaurant for a delicious farmhouse stew and homemade puddings.
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After breakfast we will hike out of Lady Grey village on a steady ascent, but the stunning views of the village from the top will reward you for the climb. We head off deeper into the mountain range before dropping down into a beautiful sandstone gorge and arriving at Lupela Lodge. This stunning guest farm has views of a crystal clear mountain river, farmlands and the mountains beyond. Enjoy delicious Barkly roast lamb before relaxing in front of a log fire.
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After a mouthwatering cooked breakfast we will set off along the river, following a beautiful sandstone gorge. We will continue our hike along the disused railway line that connected Lady Grey and Barkly East, traversing historic zig-zag railway reverses. We will enjoy a picnic at a stunning viewpoint overlooking a Cape Vulture breeding colony before returning to the comfort of Lupela Lodge. In the evening we will enjoy a steak braai and if the skies are clear take the opportunity to enjoy some stargazing.
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Wake up to the sound of fish eagles and enjoy a tasty breakfast before hopping into our Landy for a short shuttle to the beginning of this day's hike. Today we will aim to reach the highest point of the trail at an altitude of approximately 2,500m. We will be looking out for black eagles, mountain reedbuck and the Dragon's Tail which can be clearly seen from the summit. We will drop down into the beautiful New England District and settle into the cosy Kenmure House. Enjoy a few drinks and a chance to reminisce about the previous days' experiences before dinner is served.
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QUOTATION
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Alcoholic/cool drinks and snacks. You are welcome to bring your own and we will happily transport 'the bar' and nibbles. On the first night, drinks are available at the Inn's bar.
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TRAIL DATES
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Scheduled tour dates can be found on our Calendar of Trails and Events, however if you are a group of 4+ then we can set up a private trail according to your requirements. |
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ADDITIONAL OPTIONS |
We pride ourselves in offering a flexible service and can tailor all trails to your requirements, so please contact us if you would like to:
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WILD MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ITINERARY AT ANY TIME TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF OUR GUESTS
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