Mount Montusi and San Rock Art

We just had one more day in the Drakensberg... unfortunately!.... and decided to take a hike to the peak of Mount Montusi....

We walked through grassy meadows....

....still damp with the early morning dew.

On the way up, we made a slight detour behind a waterfall, to a cave with fascinating, ancient rock art from the San people (Bushmen)....

We had time to admire the flora....

... and fauna - can you spot the buck?

Even some scorpions.....

And termite mounds....

It was a bit of a misty day, but still a special view from the top....

And time for some bird watching on the way down....

Tugela Gorge Hike

Back to my South African adventures in the Drakensberg....

We were well placed for the Royal Natal National Park, for a day hike to the foot of the Tugela Falls. The trail starts next to the Tugela river at the car park near Thendele, and it's a relatively easy walk (23 km return trip), except for the last 2 km that require 3 easy river crossings and some boulder hopping. At the far point of the walk you can see spectacular view of the Amphitheatre, Sentinel and Tugela Falls..... unfortunately it was a bit cloudy by the time we got there, but still a lovely spot for a packed picnic lunch. In places, the trail winds through indigenous forests that provide welcome shade on a scorching hot day and wild-life spotting opportunities, and the scenery is just gorgeous.....

Baboon

Dassie rat

The Northern Drakensberg

Our South African holiday kicked off with a 4-night stay in the Northern Drakensberg mountains. Situated approximately half-way between Johannesburg and  Durban, this beautiful part of the country offers superb hiking opportunities

We stayed at Montusi Mountain Lodge - what a treat! Guests are accommodated in comfy thatched cottages, all overlooking the famous Amphitheatre escarpment....

Our cottage

There is so much to do! Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fly fishing, golf, quad biking, paint balling, horse riding are all on offer... it was hard finding the time to just relax and enjoy the views.

Here are a few photos from our hikes around the Montusi estate...