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uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park - Hiking Trails - Cobham
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Cobham Hiking
Trails:
Giant's
Cup Hiking Trail:
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 - This is the first leg of the Gxalingenwa
Cave Hike
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.
