MOUNTAIN HUTS OF THE NATAL DRAKENSBERG

These huts lie on the Giant's Cup Trail, which is one of several hikes making up the National Hiking Way System of self-guided trails.  The huts are reserved for the use of hikers booked on the Giant's Cup Trail, but it is now possible to book accommodation in the huts when they have spare capacity, which is quite often.  The accommodation is expensive compared with over-nighting in tents or caves, but this is understandable because of the maintenance they require.  Hikers who have paid the normal overnight fee should not be tempted to stay in the huts except in a serious emergency.  Besides the fact that staying in the huts without paying is being dishonest, the huts are regularly checked by game guards and in high season are frequently visited by large groups who will be put out by your presence.

All the huts have running water, bunk beds and mattresses, and those closer to the main camps also have hot water and wood stoves with a few pots and pans available for the use of hikers.  Please treat these huts with respect - they are some of the finest the country has to offer, and you will almost certainly want to return after experiencing their tranquility and beautiful surroundings.

Field mice have taken up residence in some of the huts because of the ready availability of food.  Crows and baboons also drop in regularly to find a few scraps or rummage through unattended supplies.  Keep the doors and windows closed if you go out for a day walk, and mouse-proof your food!

Last modified on 2006/04/19