The Giant’s Cup Trail is one of South Africa’s hidden gems. It is a 5-day, self-guided trail that starts off the tar road to Sani Pass outside Himeville. It winds its way through the foothills of the Cobham and Garden Castle wilderness areas and ends in the Bushman’s Nek Wilderness Area west of Underberg near the South African border post at Bushman’s Nek.

The Giant’s Cup Trail is relatively easy, but you should not underestimate the effect that altitude and heat (in summer) can have on your performance. As you head west, more-or-less parallel to the southern section of the Natal Drakensberg escarpment, you  will cross several significant and physically demanding ridges. However, the distance each day allows you to take your time and enjoy the scenery in clear weather. There are plenty of pools to cool off in too – if you can tolerate cold water!

Because of its layout and the road infrastructure, it is not necessary to do the full 5-days of the Giant’s Cup Trail. And, because almost the entire trail falls within wilderness areas controlled by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, you can also explore alternative routes or do some side trips without trespassing onto private property. The standard route is well-marked with white, painted footprints, some of which include distances so that you can check on your progress.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s trail guide suggests that the trail starts at Sani Pass, but to be more precise, it starts off the road that goes to the SA border post at the bottom of Sani Pass. Trail bookings must be done through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Central Reservations based at Queen Elizabeth Park outside Pietermaritzburg.

One of the logistical challenges of doing the Giant’s Cup Trail is that it is a linear rather than circular route, so you will need to leave vehicles at both ends of the trail unless you can come up with another plan. Some of the adventure companies based in Underberg and Himeville may be able to assist you with this.