4 October 2021

An armed robbery has been reported involving three hikers in the vicinity of Giant’s Castle Pass. The group reached the top of the pass around 17h00, watched by two persons on the escarpment. A shot was heard at 18h00. At 19h00, three headlamps were seen approaching and more shots were fired. The hikers fled into the dark. Their tents were ransacked and items were stolen. The hikers returned safely down the pass. It should be noted that this area of the escarpment is in South Africa.

31 August 2020

The following Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Drakensberg wilderness areas will be open for camping and overnight hiking from 4 September, but please confirm with the area office before doing any planning:

• Royal Natal (Lower Amphitheatre)
• Giant’s Castle
• Lotheni
• Kamberg

Injasuti camping / overnight hiking is to be open from 14 September.

17 July 2020

All Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserves, presumably including the southern Drakensberg entry points, will be open to day visitors (but not overnight backpackers) from Monday 20 July.

16 June 2020

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s southern Drakensberg entry points remain closed under the COVID-19 Level 3 restrictions, although their northern entry points are now open to day visitors.

15 June 2020

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is unable to burn firebreaks in the Natal Drakensberg this year. As a result, the danger of runaway veld fires will remain extremely high throughout winter, and particularly during the windy season (August through September). Please read this website’s section on Winter Risk Management.