Practical tips about Northern Drakensberg
Northern Drakensberg is a beautiful region in South Africa, perfect for hike lovers. There you can see the famous huge cliff wall known as Amphitheatre, and also the second highest waterfall of the world! To read about which hikes to do there, check this other post here.
Let´s talk about the practical tips for who is traveling there.
GETTING THERE
To visit Northern Drakensberg, the nearest city is Harrismith. You can go there by car (it takes approximately 3h from Johannesburg or from Durban), or by bus (Intercape or Greyhound).
Bloggers tip: if you´re staying in Amphitheatre Backpackers, you can book a shuttle with them to pick you up at Harrismith (there aren´t buses from there to the hostel). Here you can check more info about it.
Other option is to use Baz Bus, the hop-on hop-off bus, that pick you up at your hostel and drop you off at the doorstep of your next destination. This was my choice, you can read more about it in this other post here.
Northern Drakensberg is between Durban and Johannesburg, you can take the Baz Bus to go there in either directions.
I went there leaving from Southern Drakensberg. In this case you gotta take a shuttle from Underberg (in Southern Drakensberg) to Merrivale or PieterMaritzBurg – Underberg Express does this itinerary, leaving Underberg at 8AM and dropping you off at the Baz Bus stop around 9:30 AM. The shuttle costs 350 rands (Aug/16).
From there you take the Baz Bus until Amphitheatre Backpackers (the only hostel in Northern Drakensberg).
Bloggers tip: the shuttle stop, which is the same as the Baz Bus, in Merrivale, is at a gas station, in front of a supermarket. You might want to run there and to buy some food to take with you to the hostel, as it´s in an isolated area, and they have a guest´s kitchen.
Are you going to Drakensberg? Here you can check all the accommodation options, from hostels to hotels and resorts. And if you book it through this link, you help to maintain this blog online, and you don´t have to pay anything for that.
SLEEPING
Definitely, Amphitheatre Backpackers is the best option! It´s the only hostel around, but you can also stay at Harrismith or inside the reserve, at Royal Natal Park.
The hostel is located in a beautiful area, isolated from the cities, with an amazing view of the Amphitheatre and the mountains around.
It has a great external area, perfect for relaxing at the swings enjoying the stunning views, refreshing at the rock pool (freezing but nice!), or enjoying a sauna or Jacuzzi!
There are plenty of options of dorms and rooms, very comfy, with fan, heater, towels, balcony/external area and tea and coffee facilities. Some of the rooms have private bathrooms.
The dorms have small kitchens, and the hostel also has other guests kitchens. You can read more about the hostel here.
Bloggers tip: Travel safe using the best travel insurance, which covers even adventure sports! Get a quote here
SUPERMARKET
Amphitheatre Backpackers is located in an isolated area, there aren´t shops around. The nearest city is Harrismith, it´s a good idea to go to the supermarket there before heading to the hostel.
AMPHITHEATRE AND OTHER HIKES
To read about the hikes in Northern Drakensberg, check this other post here.
How about you? Have you already been to Drakensberg and have some cool tips about it? Or do you plan to visit it and have some doubts? Share your ideas leaving a comment here!
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Planning your trip:
– Accommodation: you can book your accommodation here – hotels/hostels comparing and free booking cancel
– Travel Insurance: travel safe using the best travel insurance that covers even adventure sports – get a quote here
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The blogger stayed at Amphitheatre Backpackers by invitation of the hostel. I’d like to thank again for the opportunity, and also make it clear that all the opinions present here are independent and personal.
