KE Adventure

• An amazing School Adventure at the southern tip of Africa
• Far-reaching views from 850 metre high Thukela falls
• Overnight in a cave in the Zulu tribal area of Mnweni below the Drakensberg mountains
• Early morning guided game walk in Umfolozi game reserve

On the western edge of the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, the rugged 200 kilometre-long escarpment of the Drakensberg provides great opportunities for School Adventure trekking. Forming an effective barrier between the land-locked territory of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal, this remarkable mountainous region, with its dramatic rock formations is known by the Zulus as ‘uKhahlamba’ - barrier of spears. The Drakensberg is an important sanctuary for wildlife. The most common animals to be seen are the genet and caracal cats, jackal, chacma baboon, and rock hyrax (dassie). Antelope include grey reedbuck, mountain and common reedbuck, bushbuck and grey duiker. There are also many types of birds, ranging from the mighty lammergeier to tiny sunbirds. Along with spectacular flora and fauna, the Drakensberg region is especially rich in cultural heritage. Until quite recently, the Bushmen or San lived in these mountains and there are numerous rock-art sites associated with these people, some of them dating back thousands of years. From our base at a comfortable fixed camp in the Northern 'Berg', we will explore some of the hiking options presented by this magnificent range, including the spectacular ascent to the Amphitheatre and the viewpoint at the lip of the 850 metre (2800 foot) Thukela Falls. In the nearby Mnweni area, we will have the chance to seek out ancient Bushman rock paintings during the course of a 2-day excursion that will include a cave bivouac. Next, we will travel the Zulu Battlefields area at Isandlwana and learn a little about the war that was fought here in 1879 between the British and the Zulus. Then, we continue our journey to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand, for 2 days of game drives and exciting wildlife tracking walks. A free day at a beach resort north of Durban rounds off this extraordinary school expedition.

Educational perspective

The Zulu War, fought between the British and the Zulus, reached its bloody climax in 1879. Spending a day on the Zulu Battlefields with a historian guide will bring this colourful campaign to life.

Amend or Extend

Allow more time to explore the Drakensberg; spend a night on the escarpment, or include an excursion to Sani Pass, the gateway to the landlocked mountain kingdom of Lesotho.