DRAKENSBERG TREKKING WORKSHOP
10-14 November 2024
R11 800 pps*
Ukuhlamba, “The Barrier of Spears”. A aptly given name to South Africa’s most famous mountain range, and host to the highest waterfall in the world. A perfect photographic destination for the adventurous at heart.
Join us as we explore the Amphitheatre region of the Drakensberg on this multi-day hiking adventure.
The Amphitheatre is one of the geographical features of the Northern Drakensberg, South Africa, and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth. The cliff face of the Amphitheatre is roughly three times the size of the total combined area of all the cliff faces in Yosemite's famous El Capitan, and more than 10 times the size of El Capitan's most famous (South Western) face. It is part of the Royal Natal National Park.
The Amphitheatre is over 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) in length and has precipitous cliffs rising approximately 1,220 metres (4,000 ft) along its entire length. The Tugela Falls, the world's tallest falls, plunge over 948 metres (3,100 ft) from the Amphitheatre's cliff tops.
The Amphitheatre ridge looking southeast
The spectacularly beautiful mountain hiking trail to the top of Mount-Aux-Sources starts at the Sentinel car park above the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge, over 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level. The hike is a relatively short 8 km walk with a chain ladder making easy access to the summit. The trip takes approx. 3-4 hours to our first camp up on the escarpment with the view from the top reputed to be amongst the most beautiful in the world.
Our hike will be lead by an experienced mountain guide who knows the region well. Porters can be hired as an optional extra if you need assistance carrying your bag.
The hike includes all tents and meals, as well has experienced mountain guide to ensure your safety on the trails.
Both Kyle and Jon have hiked and captured the stunning compositions of the Amphitheatre on several occasions and know the best locations to capture this region of the Drakensberg in the best light.
Group size:
4-8 people. Non-photographers / partners / spouses are also welcome.
This workshop caters for beginners and advanced shooters. However, we do recommend photographers are familiar with their camera settings and layout and are comfortable shooting in manual mode. If you are unsure about your skill level or gear please feel free to contact us and ask any questions.
What's included:
Landscape, nature, travel photography
Tents (sleeping bags and matts can be arranged if required)
ALL Breakfasts & Dinners
Experienced and registered mountain guide
Park fees and hiking permits
Two professional photographers
Photographic assistance for the duration of the tour, including composition, best times to capture the light and help with correct gear settings
What's excluded:
Travel to locations - you will need to drive in your own vehicle (does not need to be a 4x4)
hiking gear not specified
Porter hire (if required)
Expenses of a personal nature
All personal snacks and drinks
Gear We Recommend For This Workshop
CAMERA GEAR
DSLR or mirrorless camera body
Mid range and telephoto lenses (24-70 mm / 24-120mm / 70-200mm)
TRIPOD
Leofoto LY-224C + LH-25 Carbon Fiber Kit
FILTERS
BATTERIES
MEMORY CARDS
NiSi Neutral Density and Polarising Filters
Hähnel Lithium Ion Batteries
Delkin Memory Cards
ITINERARY
This is a 4-night photographic hiking workshop. Our first night will be spent at Witsieshoek Lodge. This is so that everyone can be correctly packed for the hike and for a safety briefing and photographic presentation on shooting in the mountains. The next morning we'll begin our hike up the mountain to the top of the Amphitheater plateau. This is the most difficult part of the hike and we'll take it slow. There is a chain ladder that we'll be climbing to get the top (our mountain guide is very experienced and can run a guide line for anyone that needs it).
We'll be spending 3 nights on top of the plateau at two different locations. The order of these may vary according to the weather conditions at the time of the trip. Please be aware that this is a wild camping hike, which means there are no ablutions or pumped water facilities at the top of the escarpment.
We'll be camping at the best locations for capturing stunning images of the Drakensberg amphitheater, including Tugela falls, the Devil's Tooth and the Sentinel Peak.
A 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is required one month prior to the commencement of the workshop. Cancellation 30 days prior to the workshop is 100% refund, 15-30 days a 50% refund, 15 days or less 0% refund.
This workshop has been planned to coincide with the best possible photographic conditions for its intended purpose. These conditions however cannot be guaranteed.
Our workshops are hosted in outdoor environments where conditions cannot always be predicted and where terrain can pose hazardous risks.
By choosing to join this or any of the workshops or events hosted by VentureKJ these risks must be accepted by the attendee, and Kyle and Jon accept no responsibility or liability for injury or loss of any nature. On acceptance of participation in this workshop you will be required to sign a liability waiver/s.
REAL TESTIMONIALS
Words from Previous Clients
An incredible photographic journey that landscape photographers can only dream of. This trip is an incredible experience and being in the company of Kyle and Jon makes this trip even more fulfilling as a photographer. The trip is truly an unforgettable adventure.