KwaZulu Natal Travel Guides - Hiking and Walking - Adventure Safaris

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  INFORMATION:
  COBHAM | DOWNLOAD SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG  E-BROCHURE | | HIKING IN KWAZULU NATAL
  

HIKING
Province: Kwazulu Natal

WHERE TO WALK AT COBHAM

Giant's Cup: National Hiking Way
The Giant's Cup Trail runs along the foothills of the Drakensberg, from Sani Pass to Bushman's Nek.Some sections are steep, but reasonably fit people, including children, will have no difficulty in completing each section.

The trail lies almost entirely within the Cobham and Garden Castle Reserves. Small patches of indigenous forest are seen on the first day, but most of the trail passes through mountain grassland with wide views to the crests of the mountains.Five days are required for this trail. For more information collect a Giant's Cup Brochure in the office. Book through Central Reservations in Pietermaritzburg at Queen Elizabeth Park 

Gxalingenwa River Trail
The trail begins beyond the culvert on the Sani Pass road, opposite the hotel golf course. It follows the Gxalingenwa River and passes patches of magnificent indigenous forest. There are numerous pools to swim in and at one point there is a beautiful waterfall with a deep pool at its base.The trail is an easy route and three hours should be allowed to enjoy nature at its best. 

Ouhout Trail
This trail leaves from below the campsite, where one crosses the swing bridge. It follows the Pholela River upstream for about a kilometre, passing a number of pools suitable for swimming, before it crosses the river again. It then heads back towards the campsite, passing through sections of indigenous Ntshishi (Ouhout) bush (Leucosidea sericea) and grassland, and is excellent in the early mornings for bird watching. Allow 20 minutes to an hour to complete the loop. 

Troutbeck Loop
Troutbeck loop is approximately 7 km in length and in parts is fairly steep. From the campsite cross the swing bridge and follow the trail away from the fence line into the Troutbeck valley. The trail crosses open grassland.

There is a small waterfall along the route with a deep pool at its base, which is ideal for swimming. Three to four hours should be set aside for this route. 

Emerald Stream Trail
After leaving Cobham along the Pholela River, this trail branches off and heads upstream along Emerald Stream. The trail follows the valley between Ndlovini Mountain and Emerald Dome. If one continues for approximately 8 km a large flat plateau is reached with magnificent views in all directions. Another 2 km of walking along the plateau will bring you to Pinnacle Rock. This trail is normally good for game viewing. The energetic hiker can leave the trail and walk around the base of Ndlovini and join up with the National Hiking Way Trail above Ngenwa Pool. It is then a further 8 km back to Cobham. If the circular route around Ndlovini is not completed one must return along Emerald Stream to Cobham. There are some fairly steep gradients that need to be negotiated on this route. A full day should be set aside to enjoy the entire route as it averages about an 18 km round trip. 

Pholela River Trail
The trail leaves from the camp and follows the Pholela River for approximately 15 km. The trail offers spectacular views of the Giant's Cup and passes through grassland and patches of indigenous forest. Towards the upper reaches of the Pholela there are interesting geological formations which tower over the river. The gradient is fairly flat and this is a very easy walk. It must be remembered that one will have to return along the same outward route. There are a number of large pools which are ideal for swimming. 

GIANT`S CUP TRAIL COBHAM
The Giant's Cup Trail runs along the foothills of the Drakensberg from Sani Pass to Bushman's Nek. Some sections are steep but any reasonably fit person, including children, will have no difficulty in completing each section. The trail lies almost entirely within the Cobham and Garden Castle Reserves. 

Small patches of indigenous forest are seen on the first day but most of the trail passes through mountain grassland with wide views to the crests of the mountains.
The trail consists of five sections with overnight accommodation (usually a farmhouse) at the end of each section. 

HOW TO GET THERE:
Follow the N3 freeway taking the R617 from the Merrivale/Southern Drakensberg off-ramp. Follow the R617 through Bulwer, joining the R612. Turn right onto the R612 to Underberg and then travel to Himeville. The route to Sani Pass is clearly marked from Himeville.