Day 1 : Arrive at Johannesburg international airport

3-4 hour transfer by road to Hotel Bethlehem not far from the gateway to Drakensberg. Relax and enjoy an evening meal and presentation in preparation for the challenge ahead.views in the world. The path starts on the level, then zigzags up to the famous chain ladders, a mildly intimidating 2 ladder structure.

Overnight stay: Hotel Bethlehem

Day 2 : Test your endurance

After a short 25 minute transfer to the start, cycle along the gravel roads through the Golden Gate National Park at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains.

Witness the stunning shades of gold cast by the sun on the park’s sandstone cliffs. This park is even more famous for the scenery than the wildlife of black wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra and rare bearded vultures (Lammergeyer). We will follow the pass and leave the Orange Free State to cycle our way into Kwazulu Natal where we will end the day at Basotho Cultural Village.

Distance approx: full day cycling (60km)
Overnight stay: Witsieshoek Lodge

Day 3 : Tackle the chain ladders to witness the stunning views

After a 15 minute transfer embark on a full day hiking to what must be one of the greatest views in the world. The path starts on the level, then zigzags up to the famous chain ladders, a mildly intimidating 2 ladder structure.

After a hairy climb we will head off towards Thukela Falls at the top of the Amphitheatre (the top plateau is Mont-Aux-Sources at 3282 metres). Thukela Falls is the 4th highest in the world with a drop of 614 metres to the gorge below.

Enjoy the breathtaking views at the Amphitheatre before heading down to camp to enjoy a well deserved evening meal.

Distance approx: full days hiking (20km)
Overnight stay: camping at Royal National Park

Day 4 : The original Kop

We will transfer to Spionkop in the morning taking approximately 1-1.5 hours. Spionkop was the scene of one of the most futile and bloody battles fought during the 1899 – 1902 Anglo-Boer war. The Kop at Anfield took its name from Spionkop in honour and memory of the Liverpudlian soldiers who fought and died there. It was also where Winston Churchill as a 23 year-old war correspondent, stretcher bearer Mahatma Gandi, and Boer General Louis Botha all fought before they went on to shape history. Before we start our hike there is one small challenge to overcome. Our camp is based on the wrong side of the river! So you will have to build rafts from materials around you and carry yourselves and equipment to the other side to reach the starting point. After a morning of trekking we will return to camp for lunch and relaxation.

Distance approx: 4-5 Hours trekking
Overnight stay: Camping at Spionkop Dam

Day 5 : Time a quick game with the locals

In the morning there will be a 30 minute transfer to a local school at Mpondueni. This school has very few resources for its 49 pupils and due to the location of the school some children have to get up at 5.30am and walk up to 15km everyday, with some of these children having to walk bare foot. The school itself has no electricity and the floors are made of concrete, which makes it very hot in the summer months. We plan to run a football clinic on their field and complete some much needed repair work. We will start a legacy that will continue with other groups who follow in our foot steps. In the afternoon an exhibition match has been organised with the local side.

Distance approx: 7-8 hours
Overnight stay: camp Spionkop

Day 6 : Hiking boots ready

After a stunning 1 hour drive through Zulu to the base of the mountains, we start the hike. This will be a challenging 8 hours that requires a reasonable level of fitness. Cathedral Peak, known as little horn, is instantly recognizable, standing at 3004 metres and is a dominant feature among the free standing peaks. It’s a rocky climb to the top but the views are spectacular, not just of the panorama of Northern Drakensburg from Mont-Aux-Sources to Champagne Castle, but of the adjacent peaks themselves! In the afternoon we will head back to camp for an evening of relaxation around the campfire to swap stories of the days gone by.

Distance approx: 7-8 hours
Overnight stay: camp Spionkop

Day 7 : Dine with sharks

Before we pack up camp and head for Durban it’s time for the final competition using the local hunting tool, the sling shot, to test your powers of survival. We will leave the mountains of Zulu and transfer to the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean. After the 3 hour transfer to Durban there will be time for a swim and relaxation before the final Gala Dinner at Ushaka Cargo restaurant. This is a unique experience as sharks form a backdrop to your dining experience.

Day 8 : Home sweet home

In the morning enjoy walking around the African markets or along the beach front before embarking on a 30 minute transfer to the airport.