The Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail – Himeville/ Underberg Drakensberg Mountains.

The Giant’s Cup Trail is situated in Kwa-Zulu Natal with the closest towns of Himeville and Underberg. It runs along the foothills of the Drakensberg from Sani Pass to Bushman’s Nek. The trail lies almost entirely within the Cobham and Garden Castle Reserves. Some sections are steep but any reasonably fit person, including children, will have no difficulty in completing each section.

TRAIL DETAILS IN SHORT:

The trail STARTS in the parking lot at the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Field Ranger outpost, which is 5,6km from the Sani Pass Hotel and it ends at Bushman’s Nek.
NB: It is NOT a circular trail. Hikers must arrange transport back from Bushman’s Neck to the starting point – see “transport info” further on.
It is a 3 – 5 day (5 nights) back pack trail and the total distance is 59.3 km.
Hikers will overnight in Pholela, Mzimkhulwana, Winterhoek, Swiman and Bushman’s Nek huts.
The trail may be shortened by one or two days by starting or finishing at Pholela or Swiman Huts, in which case vehicles may be parked at the Cobham or Garden Castle office parking complex.
This trail is well demarcated with (white) footprint markers on trees, rocks and poles along the whole trail.
The trail may not be started from Winterhoek or Mzimkhulwana Huts, they are situated on private land owner’s properties.

Please Note:

NB: Gate Times: Oct – Mar = 05h00 -19h00. Apr – Sept = 06h00 – 18h00.
You may start your hiking tour only at one of the official starting points (Sani Pass, Cobham or Swayiman) and hikers may stay only in overnight facilities provided for this purpose.
Hikers should hike in parties of three or more individuals.
NB: Fires may not be made in the wilderness area or in caves.
All hikers must complete and sign the Mountain Rescue Register at the start (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Office – Sani Pass) and at the finish of the trail (Bushmans Nek) so the staff know that you all have successfully completed the hike.
Hikers are advised to bring all their own equipment; all cooking & eating utensils, gas potjies /containers, lamps etc. There are no gas or electric appliances available.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase at least one map per group.
Maps, T-Shirts and badges are for sale at the Cobham and Garden Castle Offices.

CLIMATE:

At these altitudes’ nights are cool in summer and very cold in winter. Snow can occur during any month of the year. The rain falls mainly in summer, when mists and low cloud are common. Winter and autumn days are usually fine and warm. The weather can, however, change rapidly.

FAUNA:

A variety of animals may be seen along the trail, ranging from eland to dassies (hyrax). Birds are less common at these higher altitudes but birds of prey such as the black eagle, bearded vultures and the jackal buzzard may be seen. NB: EXTRA NOTES TO HELP YOU PLAN

YOUR HIKE:

You are responsible for your own traveling and overnight accommodation arrangements on your way to and after completing the Giants Cup Trail.
There are a number of B & B’s, lodges and camping sites in the area of Underberg, Himeville and Sani Pass. (Ask Anvie Ventures for some options).

Nb: Transport & Parking:

Vehicles may only be parked at points indicated as parking areas on the map: Bushmans Nek, Pholela Hut or at the Makhakhe Field Ranger outpost (500m below the start of the trail).
You are responsible for your own transport to the starting point and from the end point back to your vehicle.
The road to Mzimkhulwana and Winterhoek crosses private property, no vehicles are allowed on these sections. (Trespassers will be prosecuted.)
If you need transport, contact our (Anvie Ventures) office for details and recommendations on transport services in the area.

Facilities At Overnight Stops:

Pholela Hut – Day 1

The hut is an old farmhouse with 30 bunk beds in four rooms.
Two of the rooms have built-in fireplaces.
There is a toilet and bathroom with one basin and two showers; a second bathroom with a toilet and showers is accessed from outside the building.
There is a covered braai area in front of the building.

Mzimkhulwana Hut – Day 2

The hut consists of 5 rooms next to each other with three bunk beds in each room.
An open area between the rooms serves as the kitchen.
A small hut further upstream offers toilets, cold-water showers and hand basins.
You can sunbathe on the rocks above the hut or swim in the large pool on the Siphongweni River, a tributary of the Mzimkhulwana River, about 30 m downstream of the bridge.

Winterhoek Hut – Day 3

This hut complex consists of 8 rondavels set amongst oak trees.
Five of these have three bunk beds in each;
One rondavel serves as a kitchen while another serves as the bathroom with cold-water showers.
You may swim in the small pond above the dam.

Swayiman Hut – Day 4

This hut is an old forestry house that has electricity and hot showers.
In this large house there are toilets and showers, a kitchen and a lounge with a fireplace as well as three bedrooms with four, four and six bunk beds respectively.
The veranda offers a good view of Swayiman Peak (2 430 m).

Bushman’s Nek Hut – Day 5

Bushman’s Nek Hut is similar to the Mzimkhulwana Hut having five rooms adjoining one another.
The toilets and cold-water showers are located between the rooms.
To reach the police station and parking lot follow a path below the hut.
It’s a 15-minute walk. Parties of less than 30 must be prepared to share accommodation.
Firewood is not available. (While supplies last, firewood is available at Pholela and Swayiman Huts).
Braai facilities are only available at Pholela and Swayiman.
No fires are allowed at Mzimkhulwana and Winterhoek and Bushmans Nek huts.
TAKE NOTE: there are no mattresses at MZIMKHULWANA HUT, there are only flat boards on beds, please take own roll up mattresses.

Hiking Trail Options

5 DAY / 5 NIGHT OPTION:

Day 1: Parking Sani pass, hike to Pholela Hut; Day 2: Hike to Mzimkhulwana
Day 3: Hike to Winterhoek Hut;
Day 4: Hike to Swayiman Hut
Day 5: Hike to Bushman’s Nek (Sleeping over at the hut optional)
The trail may be shortened by one or two days by starting or finishing at Pholela or Swiman Huts, in which case vehicles may be parked at the Cobham or Garden Castle office parking complex.