Giants Cup Trail
The Giants Cup Hiking Trail is part of the Drakensberg Park National Hiking Way. The hike follows a clearly marked trail that runs southwards from Sani Pass in the north to Bushmans Nek in the south, the full trail being approximately 60km in length. SA Trails offers a ‘slackpacking’ version of the full hike with daily shuttles to/from the trail head and overnight accommodation in comfortable guest lodges close to the trail route
Trail Details
Trail location
Southern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Nearest city
Nearest town are Himeville and Underberg.
Transport options
Away from transport hubs. Self-drive or private transport arrangements to and from Himeville or Underberg. Shuttle by arrangements.
Trip Duration / Options
Option 1. 4 days walking / 4 or 5 nights fully catered (full hike)
Option 2. 3 days walking / or 4 nights fully catered (Sani Pass to Drakensberg Gardens)
Start / Finish
Start: Sani Pass Road
GPS: 29˚37’38.00 S / 29˚ 24’24.00 E
Finish: Bushmans Nek
GPS: 29˚50’39.00 S / 29˚ 12’55.00 E with transport provided back to the start.
Daily Time / Distances
Day 1: 13km
Day 2: 18km
Day 3: 11km
Day 4: 15km
Trail Grading
On a grading of Easy – Moderate – Strenuous
Moderate with some steep sections. Follows well marked contour path
Physical Fitness
An average level of hiking fitness required for regular hikers.
Technical detail / Terrain
On marked path with erosion controls.
Some sections steep and rocky but only for short distances. No technical skills required
Accommodation
Choice of local hotel or guest house accommodation. Luxury or standard versions of the hike offered (depending on numbers and budget)
Food Supply / Catering
All meals provided.
Dinner, bed and breakfast at overnight venues.
Packed lunch provided each hike day
Logistic support / Guiding
Daily shuttles to the trail head and back at end of day’s hike.
Trails maps and profiles provided.
Local knowledge and experience with emergency back-up if needed
Highlights
Follows the contour path below the peaks of the Southern Drakensberg.
Beautiful mountain views each day.
Isolation and splendor of mountain scenery.
Other Activities
Optional extras include a day hike up to Rhino Peak (3000 m peak)
Sani Pass day trip by car into Lesotho.
Fauna & Flora
Most of the trail traverses treeless mountain grassveld with mixed Protea vegetation.
Baboons, Select Antelopes including Eland and Mountain Reedback are common.
Special bird species are Cape and Bearded Vultures and variety of raptors.
Sugar birds and annual migrants in the protea and valley montane during summer
Climate
Generally cold dry winters and hot summers with seasonal rainfall. Weather conditions can change rapidly with thunderstorms and even snowstorms arriving suddenly so hikers must be prepared for all conditions.
Seasonality & Best Time Year
Best time of year for flowering plants and more settled weather conditions are the spring (September to November) or autumn months (March to May).
Group Size
Minimum of 4 hikers – maximum of 10 hikers per group
Price P/P
From R 7500 per person sharing for a 4 night / 4 day fully inclusive package
Price Includes
- 4 nights accommodation (pp sharing)
- All meals and pack lunches
- Daily transport from trail heads to accommodation
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Optional Extras:
Extra nights DBB accommodation
Sani Pass Day Tour
Guided Rhino Peak hike (full day)
SA Trails & Underberg Hideaways
Here you'll find any scheduled trails that you can join. Trails may be booked up to one year in advance, so be sure to scroll ahead using the arrows on the left to find if there are any available. The trail operator page will also list any scheduled trails.
If you would like to enquire about different dates, please fill in the form below. Trails are initiated when someone makes an enquiry, and go ahead once the minimum numbers are confirmed.
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