Bergfree Guided Adventures offers you the unique opportunity to primarily get away from the hustle and bustle of every day living. Leave your cell phone and all other pressures at home and rejuvenate your body and soul in a unique area of the world.

Bergfree do not aim for the "Mountaineer", but rather for those who want to explore the Drakensberg mountain from the relative ease and safety of a good footpath. This does not mean that you cannot go to "The Top", however there are just as many pleasures to enjoy in the lower part of the Drakensberg

You will experience some fairly strenuous exercise to get the blood going as you enter the Drakensberg, and then you can experience solitude, with no one else in sight or sound of you with fantastic views of open spaces. There will be a unique quietness and you can swim in the clear cold mountain streams before sleeping in open caves, tents or mountain huts.

You can visit the famous ancient "Rock Art" sites, and drink the cold sparkling water straight from the mountain streams. For those who plan it right and have the good fortune to have the weather on your side, you could have a never to be forgotten experience of a moonlight walk in the mountains, which will brings all your senses to the fore with this unforgettable time of just you and the moon and the perfect peace of these unique surroundings.

Who will guide you?

Your personal guide will be Dave Sclanders. Dave has many years of experience in this part of the world. He is a registered guide with DEAT (Department of Enviromental Affairs and Tourism);Dave Sclanders a member of SAMGA (South African Mountain Guides Association) and a certified Rock Art Guide for the Didima Special Conservation Area. He is also a guide for 2 mountain hiking clubs as well as an Honorary Officer (Volunteer Officer) with KZN Wildlife, specializing in the Drakensberg.

Accommodation

There are numerous hotels, B&Bs and camping areas on the way to the hiking starting points. Accommodation in the KZN Wildlife areas varies from rustic camp sites to very up-market self catering or non-self catering chalets and hotels.

Once on the hike/walk depending on the route and your preference, nights will be spent either in mountain huts, caves, rock overhangs or in tents. Remember that the hike can be tailor made for your group depending on your preference. The further one goes into the wilderness, the more the chances are of having to carry a tent. In most cases the more regular routes will have cave or rock overhang shelters in which to camp.

Weather Conditions

Weather is generally good with hot, wet summers, and cold winters. In summer hot days are often accompanied by heavy afternoon thundershowers . These sudden downpours can make river/stream crossings extremely dangerous and could cause a delay in getting across to the other side and so mean that another day will be spent in the wilderness until it is safe to cross.

In the winter there are cold days with unpredicted snowstorms and rain.Sudden low cloud formations or heavy mist can blanket the area for days making hiking very difficult, and in some cases impossible.Winter nights are especially long as it is dark and extremely cold by 17h00 and sunrise is only well after 06h.30

All walks, at no matter what time of the year should be taken with a full complement of clothing, food for an extra day or two, and if walking to the top of the berg, a tent should be carried as well.