Mnweni: 3-Day Overnight Hike
Imagine falling asleep inside a cave at the top of Mnweni Pass, nestled 30 metres under the edge of the escarpment…
Push your mind and body to the test and conquer some of the most scenic mountain passes in the Drakensberg…
Swim in rock pools, sip on clean mountain water and watch epic sunrises and sunsets from the comfort of your tent with no light pollution insight…
Mnweni is one of the best multi-day hikes in South Africa and is one of the most remote regions in the Drakensberg.
Looking to push your hiking boots to higher altitudes?
JOIN US ON A THREE-DAY MNWENI HIKE IN THE DRAKENSBERG!
Who this Trip Is For
Adventurer
Photographer
Camper
Hiker
The Mnweni 3-Day Hike is for you if…
You’re itching to go hiking in the Drakensberg, but you have no ADVENTURE BUDDIES.
You’ve done a MULTI-DAY TREK before and you’re looking for a challenge with incredible scenery.
Landscape photography is your jam, and you want to capture some of the most BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN PASSES in the Drakensberg.
You want to get out of the house, and make NEW FRIENDS who love the great outdoors as much as you do.
This hike is not for you if…
Your FITNESS LEVEL is below average.
You are NEW TO HIKING and have never done an overnight hike.
You don’t practice “LEAVE NO TRACE” principles.
You’re not looking to make NEW FRIENDS and adventure buddies.
You’re not over the AGE OF 18.
Trip Overview
Dates: TBA
Start Time: 09:00
Max Group Size: 10
Accommodation: Wild camping
Distance: 42 km
Terrain: Steep ascents and descents, no clear paths, scrambling
Hike Grade: Intermediate to difficult. You need a high level of fitness and previous hiking experience. I wouldn’t recommend joining if this is your first overnight hike or you have knee problems.
What’s Included
- Professional hiking guide
- Park and camping permits
- First Aid Kits
- Gear rental*
- 1x tree planted on your behalf with Greenpop
- 1x Montagu Snacks
What’s Excluded
- Transportation to/from the starting point Mnweni Cultural Center (our starting point)
- Travel & Medical Insurance
- Meals & drinks
- Hiking equipment that’s not on the rental list
- Porters (prices available on request)
*Only tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are included in the gear rental
Payment Info
R3,500 pp
All quoted pricing inclusive of 50% deposit (R1,750) to secure your spot.
Catering options
Want us to take care of your meals? Choose from these options below:
Prices are per person
1x dinner
1x breakfast
R200.00
R80.00
The Mnweni 3-Day Hike is in partnership with Montagu Snacks. Each person attending will receive some delicious hiking treats.
Meet Your Hosts
LAUREN MELNICK
I’m Lauren. I’m a South Africa travel blogger, freelance writer, and course creator. Over the last four years, I’ve travelled to over 30 countries and ticked off almost everything on my South African bucket list.
I’ve worked with numerous brands on campaigns like Cape Union Mart, K-Way, SA Tourism, and Ford South Africa.
Over the years, I’ve conquered the Otter Trail, Cape Point, Tugela Falls, Mnweni, Wolfberg Arch, Mount Batur in Bali, and a 3-day trek through Sapa, Vietnam.
I’m excited to meet you and be a part of your experience hiking Mnweni!
PATRICK RICHARDSON
My name is Patrick and I am a qualified mountain guide who specializes in hiking and mountaineering in South Africa and internationally.
I have a burning passion for all things outdoors.
I’m a highly experienced mountaineer and have climbed mountains all over the world including Denali, The Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc.
Other than my international summits, I have logged nearly 400 nights in the Drakensberg over the span of 5 years, having summited most peaks multiple times and completing over 80 passes.
For me, hiking brings oneself to the core of survival, leaving behind all privileges that we have been given in this age, and pushing ourselves into a wild environment to experience Mother Nature and all her elements.
Mnweni 3-Day Hike Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Mnweni Cultural Centre in Bergville at 10 am.
We will hike 18 to 23 km depending if the shuttle to the trailhead is operating.
Our altitude gain will be 1,825m asl 625m.
We will camp at Chi-Chi or another nearby campsite.
Day 2
Watch the sunrise and eat breakfast.
Pack up camp between 7:00 – 7:30.
We will hike 6 km up Mnweni Pass which has multiple inclines that will test you mentally and physically.
Once we reach the top, we will spend the night camping inside Ledge’s Cave or another nearby site.
Day 3
Wake up at sunrise and have breakfast.
We will hike 15-20km (depending on the shuttle operating) and descend down Rockeries Pass.
Once at the bottom, we can cool off in rock pools before making the final stretch to the Mnweni Cultural Center.
Day 4
Although the hike officially ends on Day 3, we will probably finish the hike in the late afternoon.
I’d recommend spending an extra night at Mnweni Cultural Centre to recover before heading back home.
You can camp here or book a night in one of the chalets. Bookings for accommodation are arranged in person.
READ MY EXPERIENCE HIKING MNWENI FOR THE FIRST TIME
What to Pack
A full packing list will be sent out to you once your application is approved and your deposit is paid.
**NB: You will be carrying ALL your gear. A proper hiking backpack is essential to avoid straining your back and to ensure you can comfortably complete the hike**
**NB: If you arrive at the hike WITHOUT the essential gear, you will not be allowed on the hike. No refunds will be issued.
If you arrive WITHOUT 2-3 litres of water, you will not be allowed on the hike. No refunds will be issued.
This is for your safety and to prevent us from having to call mountain rescue or escort someone off the trail**
These are the essentials you will need:
- 60l backpack*
- Hiking shoes*
- Tent*
- Sleeping bag*
- Sleeping pad or yoga mat*
- A hiking pillow
- Toiletries
- Light-weight towel
- 3l water capacity*
- Sun protection (sunnies, SPF 50+, hat etc.)*
- Rain gear (waterproof jacket, waterproof cover for your pack, dry bag for electronics)*
- Warm jacket and pants*
- Thermals
- Headlamp
- Gloves
- Food and snacks for 3-days*
*These are ESSENTIALS you need to have to be allowed onto the hike. Your bag will be checked before we start the hike.
Please keep in mind it gets extremely cold on top of the mountain. Pack accordingly to ensure your comfort.
MISSING SOME GEAR?
Let us know on your application! Items like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are included for free in the trip cost.
Testimonials
CELESTÉ POLLEY
Tugela Falls Hike
The Tugela Falls Hike delivered far beyond my expectations. I live for majestic mountains, fresh air, breathtaking scenery, rad humans, tasty food, magical vibes, and sunrise splendours on top of Amphitheatre, Drakensberg.
The host, guides, and yoga instructor are all beautiful humans and knowledgeable in their fields of expertise. I would definitely join another hiking adventure with The Wanderlust Movement and PathFinders_SA. Thank you for an epic adventure!
ZAKIYYA ESSACK
Wild x Wanderlust Retreat
The trip was amazing from beginning to end! Everything was incredibly well organised. The game drives were breathtaking and the workshops very informative, and the food was exceptional.
Thank you, Jemma and Lauren, for being the most amazing hosts and for making this weekend soo special for me, and being so welcoming and accommodating with my dietary needs.
JESSICA-LEE DE FREITAS
Tugela Falls Hike
The Tugela Falls Overnight Hike was the most incredible experience! It honestly exceeded all of my expectations! The views were phenomenal and everyone was so friendly and helpful, I will definitely seek out more adventures with you all.
MICHAEL KLEYNHANS
Cape Point Overnight Hike
The Cape Point overnight hike was a wonderful way to experience wild places with a variety of interesting people and a super knowledgeable guide, with delicious food and arrangements all taken care of.
Truly a pleasure!
DONA VAN EEDEN
Cape Point Overnight Hike
The planning and the guiding was amazing, the food was so delicious and filling, the views were outstanding, and the conversations were thought-provoking and funny.
Many thanks to Lauren for organising, and to Blake for leading the way; I absolutely loved every minute on the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come solo?
Yes! Most of our overnight hike guests come solo. These hikes are an opportunity to connect with a group of hikers and make some new friends.
How hard is the hike?
Mnweni is a difficult Drakensberg hike.
It’s not a hike for beginners or people with a low level of fitness.
It’s not recommended to sign up for this hike if it’s your first overnight hike and you cannot handle a full pack on your back.
The inclines are tough and this hike will push you physically and mentally.
To make things easier, you can hire a porter to decrease your pack weight.
What does wild camping mean?
Wild camping means you’ll have to carry your tent up to the arch and the wilderness will be your toilet with a view.
We do practice leave no trace principles which means you have to take your toilet paper back down with you.
What do I need to bring?
A full packing list will be sent one month before the hike. However, the main things you’ll need are: a tent, a 60l backpack, a winter sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and hiking shoes.
We have a 10% discount code with Scuttle for gear rental that you can use as well.
If you have specific questions on what to pack, feel free to drop us an email: lauren@wanderlustmovement.org
When is payment due?
Once your application is approved, you’ll have 48-hours to pa a 50% deposit to secure your spot.
The outstanding balance is due one month before the hike start date.
What payment methods are available?
If you wish to pay via debit or credit card, a secure PayFast link will be sent to you.
Other payment methods include PayPal, Payoneer, or EFT.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We can cater for omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, and Halaal.
Please let us know on your application.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
Yes. It’s your responsibility to make sure you have travel insurance or medical aid in case an accident happens on the mountain.
How can I contact the host & the guide?
One month before the hike, you’ll get access to the Whatsapp group.
Here you can ask the guide any questions.
We also use the group to arrange any carpooling and double-check that everyone has the right gear.
How do we get to the hike?
Getting to the start of the hike is your responsibility. However, we do try to carpool as much as possible to reduce the number of cars and split travel costs.
Sign Me Up!
READY TO CONQUER MNWENI?
Please complete the booking form to join the hike.
Please only complete the booking form if you are seriously interested in attending the trip, the price is within your budget and you can travel on the specific trip dates available.
Next steps: Once you submit your booking form, and your application is approved, we will email you with the next steps to place your deposit and secure your spot for this trip.